Lesson 9: Two Incompatible Loves, Part 1 (1 John 2:15-17)

Making choices when dealing with very weighty matters does not come easily for most people. Often two options seem equally valid, the plusses and cons concerning either option seem balanced, or it feels like a decision has to be made between the lesser of two evils. Sometimes though, a person can be filled with that desire to “have it all” and opt not to make a choice. When it comes to what we will ultimately fix our deepest love on though, John says that picking more than one thing is not an option. The love of the world and the love of the Father are incompatible, John writes. Pastor Daniel reiterates this in stating, “When you try to love God and the world, you really are just loving the world while trying to ease your conscience.”

Summary by Seth Kempf, Bethany Community Church Staff