By
Shelby G. Floyd
The Bible declares, “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (l John 2:15). John is thought of as the apostle of love. He teaches us to love God and each other. But here, we are commanded not to love the world. This means that we are not to love the evil things of this world or set our affections on the things of this world. Continue reading “DO NOT LOVE THE WORLD”
By
Shelby G. Floyd
In the Old Testament we read about one of the greatest men who ever lived, and that was Job. Job was a very good man. He served God with all of his heart. And yet God tested him. And while he was in the midst of his suffering and trial he had to defend his integrity before his friends. In his defense Job said in reply to Bildad the Shuhite, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustily at a girl” (Job 31:1). That’s what we are going to talk about today. If you haven’t made a covenant with your eyes you need to do so like Job. Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes.” A covenant is an agreement and when you make an agreement you should live up to it and keep it.
Sexual immorality was a big problem in ancient times and is even a bigger problem today, especially in America. Sexual immorality causes great pain both to the perpetrators and to the innocent people who are not involved. There are perhaps three or four reasons why a person might want to go out and commit sexual immorality. One could just be their ego. Some people are like that. Another reason might be that person’s inner need for sharing and affection, even though it is unlawful. And a third reason might be just because they have the raw lust of the flesh. Sexual immorality is so common in our society today that we excuse it and we accept it. And it is all because man tends to glorify the body and to belittle the spirit that is within that body. Continue reading “EYE COVENANT”
By
Shelby G. Floyd
The Bible declares, “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15). John is thought of as the apostle of love. He teaches us to love God and each other. But here we are commanded to not love the world. This means that we are not to love the evil things of this world or set our affections on the things of this world:
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:15-17).
Satan uses three principles to lead us into temptation and sin: (1) The lust of the flesh; (2) the lust of the eyes; and (3) the pride of life. Satan used these avenues very successfully in the fall of Adam and Eve (See Gen. 1-3). He was not successful in using these same avenues against Christ (See Matt. 4). Will he be victorious against us with these same strategies?
John declares that if we will do the will of God we will live forever (1 John 2:17). While on the earth Jesus taught people to pray that God’s will be done on earth even as it is done in heaven. Our goal as a Christian is to live with God and the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. Let us remember that the world and all of its desires are passing away. The world is ephemeral, but heaven is eternal!
Copyright © 2015 Shelby G. Floyd All Rights Reserved
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142