Monday, 3rd October, 2022
Bible Reading: 1 John 2: 15-17
Memory Verse: For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 (NLT)
Shall we consider the other two sub-divisions of the love of the world:
- Lust of the eyes: This is the desire to own or possess everything that is pleasing or delightful to the eyes either by hook or by crook – even when you cannot afford it. Inordinate cravings for expensive shoes, wrist watches, jewelleries, latest iPhone, etc, have made many a slave of this world. They keep competing for a longing that can never satisfy. Why should you lose your virginity because of a iPhone? Vanity upon vanity. Stop chasing things that cannot truly satisfy. The latest phone of today will soon be outdated tomorrow. Not even the spare parts will be in the market for sale. Can I advice you, beloved? Please tow the path of moderation even when you can afford some of these things. Live a simple life (2 Cor 11:2b). The mansion you built for you and your entire family will soon become a burden for you when all your children get married. Ask those in their 60s. Take it easy, Brother. Be careful, Sister. Fear God and obey His commandments, that is the whole duty of man (Eccl.12:13).
- Pride of life: The pride of life can be defined as anything that is of the world that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting. For example, your talents, gifts, graces, etc could make you arrogant. 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) says, “For what gives you the right to make such a judgment? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?”. There are instrumentalists, song ministers, etc, who will not accept to minister until they have discussed the amount of money they are going to be paid. John makes it clear that anything that produces the pride of life comes from a love of the world and “if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
Quote: The things of this world shall surely perish in this world.
Prophetic Decree: Receive grace to live above all the world can offer you, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Thank you Father for the power to live above the world, sin, and the devil through the finished work of the Cross of Calvary.
2. The lust of the flesh shall not defraud me of my birthright and eternal destiny, in Jesus name.
3. The lust of my eyes shall not take me to hell, in Jesus name.
4. The pride of life shall not make me miss my destiny, in Jesus name.
5. Authority of ease, overshadow my life, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 2; Luke 2:39-52