The world is passing away
The phrase "the world" in this context refers to the present age and its systems, values, and desires that are opposed to God. The Greek word used here is "kosmos," which often denotes the secular world order. Historically, this reflects the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and societies, which rise and fall over time. Archaeological evidence from ancient civilizations, such as Babylon and Rome, underscores the impermanence of human achievements. From a scriptural perspective, this echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 24:35, where He states, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." The message is clear: the physical world and its allurements are temporary and fleeting.

along with its desires
The term "desires" translates from the Greek word "epithymia," which refers to lusts or cravings that are often contrary to God's will. These desires can be for material possessions, power, or sensual pleasures. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges from the surrounding pagan culture, which was steeped in hedonism and idolatry. This phrase serves as a warning against succumbing to such temptations, reminding believers that these desires are not only temporary but also detrimental to spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul similarly warns in Galatians 5:16-17 about the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit.

but whoever does the will of God
This phrase emphasizes the contrast between worldly desires and divine obedience. "The will of God" is a central theme throughout the New Testament, encapsulating God's desires for humanity, including living a life of holiness, love, and service. The Greek word for "will" is "thelēma," which implies a deliberate choice or intention. Historically, the early Christians were often persecuted for choosing to follow God's will over societal norms. This choice is a testament to their faith and commitment. Scripturally, Jesus models this in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

remains forever
The promise of eternal life is encapsulated in this phrase. The Greek word "menei," translated as "remains," conveys a sense of permanence and stability. This assurance of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian hope, contrasting sharply with the temporary nature of the world. Historically, this promise provided immense comfort to early Christians facing persecution and martyrdom, as they believed in a future beyond their present sufferings. Scripturally, this echoes Jesus' promise in John 14:2-3, where He assures His followers of a place in His Father's house. The eternal nature of doing God's will is a profound encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

1. John the Apostle
The author of the epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and is traditionally understood to have written this letter to encourage and instruct early Christians.

2. The World
In this context, "the world" refers to the secular, sinful system that is opposed to God and His righteousness. It encompasses worldly desires and pursuits that are temporary and fleeting.

3. Believers
The recipients of John's letter, who are encouraged to live according to God's will and not be swayed by worldly desires.

4. God
The eternal being whose will is contrasted with the temporary nature of the world. Those who align with His will are promised eternal life.

5. Eternal Life
The promise of remaining forever with God, a central theme in John's writings, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's kingdom versus the temporal nature of the world.The Temporary Nature of the World
Recognize that worldly desires and pursuits are fleeting. As believers, we should focus on what is eternal and align our lives with God's will.

The Importance of God's Will
Doing the will of God is the pathway to eternal life. We should seek to understand and follow God's will through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Living with an Eternal Perspective
Cultivate an eternal perspective by prioritizing spiritual growth and heavenly treasures over temporary worldly gains.

Guarding Against Worldly Desires
Be vigilant against the allure of worldly desires that can distract us from our spiritual journey. Regular self-examination and accountability can help maintain focus on God's will.

Encouragement in Perseverance
Take heart in the promise of eternal life. Despite the challenges and temptations of the world, perseverance in faith and obedience to God leads to eternal reward.Verse 17. - Seeing, then, that the love of the world and the love of the Father are absolutely incompatible, which must we choose? Not the former, for its object is already passing away; while not only does the Father abide for ever, but he who loves him and does his will abides for ever also. The antithesis, as usual, is a progress; it carries us beyond the limits of the original statement. The world is passing away like a dissolving view. It has its sentence of death in itself; its decay has begun. And even if it were not passing away, our capacity for enjoying it would none the less certainly come to an end. "The sensualist does not know what the delights of sense are; he is out of temper when he is denied them; he is out of temper when he possesses them" (Maurice). To love the world is to lose everything, including the thing loved. To love God is to gain him and his kingdom. Some men would have it that the external world is the one thing that is certain and permanent, while religion is based on a mere hypothesis, and is ever changing its form. St. John assures us that the very reverse is the case. The world is waning: it is God alone and his faithful servants who abide. As St. Augustine says, "What can the world promise? Let it promise what you will, it makes the promise, perhaps, to one who tomorrow will die." The will of God is the exact antithesis of "all that is in the world." The one is the good power "that makes for righteousness;" the other is the sum of the evil powers which make for sin. Abideth for ever is literally, abideth unto the age (μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα). The notion of endlessness is, perhaps, not distinctly included; for that we should rather have had εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν, αἰώνων (Revelation 1:18; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 22:5). The contrast is not between "passing away" and "lasting forever," but between "passing away" and abiding till "the age" comes. But as "the age" is the age of eternity as distinguished from this age of time, the rendering "abideth for ever" is justified. The Jews used" this age" and" the age to come" to distinguish the periods before and after the coming of the Messiah. Christians adopted the same phrases to indicate the periods before and after Christ's second coming; e.g., ὁ αἰὼν οῦτος (Luke 16:8; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:20), ὁ νῦν αἰών (1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:12), as opposed to ὁ αἰὼν ἐκεῖνος, (Luke 20:35), ὁ αἰὼν ὁ ἐρχόμενος (Luke 18:30), ὁ μέλλων (Ephesians 1:21), and very frequently, as here and throughout St. John's Gospel and Epistles, simply ὁ αἰών. In Revelation the invariable expression is εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων, the τῶν being omitted in Revelation 14:11. The exact meaning here, therefore, is "abideth unto the age," i.e., the coming of Christ's eternal kingdom.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

world
κόσμος (kosmos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).

is passing away
παράγεται (paragetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3855: To pass by, depart, pass away. From para and ago; to lead near, i.e. to go along or away.

[along with]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

its
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

desires,
ἐπιθυμία (epithymia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1939: Desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust. From epithumeo; a longing.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

whoever
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

does
ποιῶν (poiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

will
θέλημα (thelēma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2307: An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

remains
μένει (menei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3306: To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.

forever.
αἰῶνα (aiōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 165: From the same as aei; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially a Messianic period.


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NT Letters: 1 John 2:17 The world is passing away with its (1J iJ 1Jn i jn 1 jo)