I John 2:12-17
The first three verses – to the little children, fathers and young men… Have you ever noticed that nothing in John’s words to the little children in verse 12 is repeated in verse 13, but one of the three items addressed to the young men in verse 14 is a repeat of the same item in verse 13, AND the entire wording to fathers in verse 13 is repeated exactly in verse 14. Why is that? Maybe because fathers are less quick to hear and understand…??!! ?! Actually, a number of writers have suggested that the “titles” to whom John’s words are addressed reflects more on spiritual maturity than on age or family status.
For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life… (v. 16a) John writes “…all that is in the world…”, then he lists three things – ONLY three things. So do these three things reflect all that is “in the world” (i.e., sinful)? “Desires of the flesh” could be our desires for other people – lust, jealousy, enviousness, etc. “Desires of the eyes” could be our desires for other things – money, power, possessions, etc. Finally “the pride of life” could be our own internal spirit – the sinful ways in which we truly feel and put ourselves above other people. Could those three things encompass all that is wrong in this world? Interesting…
Slava Bohu!
This is great, thank you!
In looking at vv. 15-16:
I like your take on those verses, Debbie. Better than mine…!
I should have noted that it was from my Bible notes!
I love your break down of the list! Very clarifying!!!
V. 16 : “…The boasting of what he has and does…” I thought of Facebook posts when I read these few words.
And Twitter…!
Yes, Jim—Facebook (and Twitter) can be a very interesting example of boasting, although sometimes subtly and sometimes (more rarely?) unwittingly.
Yes, indeed!