“True and Lasting Satisfaction”

 


In the text found in 1 John 2:12-17, the apostle John warns mature men and young men of three lusts:

·      The lust of the flesh (Genesis 3:6; cf. Joshua 7:21 – “saw that the tree was good for food“) — the insatiable appetite to indulge in pleasures that inflame the flesh but never satisfy (Numbers 11).

·      The lust of the eyes (Genesis 3:6; cf. Joshua 7:21) – “it was pleasant to the eyes“) — wandering eyes that continually want more riches and possessions, but always remain covetous (Acts 5:1-10).

·      The pride of life (Genesis 3:6; cf. Joshua 7:21) – “a tree desirable to make one wise“) — the vain mind that thirsts for man’s applause. But the glory evaporates quickly (Acts 12:20-23).

These three lusts are damaging to those who engage in them as well as the victims they leave in their destructive path. Additionally, these lustful desires can never fully satisfy, because they are temporary (Hebrews 11:24-25 ESV).

True and lasting satisfaction, is found only when we give our affections [mind] to spiritual and eternal things (Colossians 3:1-4) — to a right relationship with our heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 6:16-18) and with those He has created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27; cf. Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ephesians 4:24; James 3:9).

Let us remember that “The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

 

 

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