How can we align our lives with "the one who does the will of God"? Living with Eternity in View – 1 John 2:17 “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17) The Flow of John’s Thought • 2:15-16: Reject love for the world—its cravings, lust, and pride are not from the Father. • 2:17: The world is temporary; obedience to God is permanent. John contrasts two realities: a fading system driven by self-centered desires, and everlasting life secured by doing God’s will. What “the Will of God” Means Scripture speaks with one voice: • Salvation: “This is the will of My Father, that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40). • Sanctification: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). • Submission to Scripture: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). • Spirit-led obedience: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Doing His will begins with faith in Christ and continues in growing, Spirit-empowered obedience. Aligning Our Hearts Internal alignment precedes external action. • Renew the mind daily—“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). • Cultivate love for Christ—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Delight in God’s law—“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). • Confess sin quickly—“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Aligning Our Choices Practical steps that keep pace with an obedient heart: 1. Prioritize Scripture intake (reading, memorizing, hearing). 2. Schedule unhurried prayer and worship. 3. Order relationships—seek reconciliation, practice forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). 4. Steward resources generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). 5. Pursue moral purity—eyes, mind, body (Job 31:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). 6. Engage in faithful service within the local church (1 Peter 4:10-11). 7. Share the gospel consistently (Matthew 28:19-20). Staying Anchored for the Long Haul • Abide: “Whoever abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit” (John 15:5). • Fellowship: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Watchfulness: “Be sober-minded; be alert” (1 Peter 5:8). • Gratitude: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Guardrails Against Worldly Drift • Reject fleeting cravings—power, possessions, applause. • Recognize cultural lies that redefine right and wrong. • Resist shortcuts that promise pleasure without holiness. • Remember the end of the story: “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11). The Eternal Payoff Doing God’s will is not mere duty; it is life that “remains forever.” The world fades like a mist, but obedience anchors us to the unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Investing our hearts, minds, and actions in God’s revealed will ensures we stand with the One whose word is “forever settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). |
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