In 1 John 2:12-17, we see how our gospel identity in Christ motivates us not to love the world.
The first part is verses 12-14, which focus on gospel truths about our identity in Christ. John uses these to bring confidence and assurance of our identity in Christ. These gospel truths cannot be taken away from us. They don’t depend on our feelings. They are genuine, bona fide gospel blessings in which we can rest confidently.
The second part, verses 15-17, focuses on our obedience to living out our identity in Christ.
Do not love the world is in the imperative mood—a strong command for us to obey. Here’s John’s point about the order in which he writes this material. He wants us to understand that being comes before doing. Or our identity comes before our obedience.
In other words, your motivation, power, and grace to obey Jesus come first from your security and identity in Him. Because you are forgiven, and because you know Jesus, and because you have victory over Satan, you can obey Him and not love the world.You obey and do not love the world out of the overflow of who you already are in Christ.
You can purchase Sean’s two books here:
40 Days in Philippians: Finding Joy in Jesus: https://g3min.org/shop/books/g3press/40-days-in-philippians-finding-joy-in-jesus-sean-cole/
Your Identity in the Trinity: Discovering God’s Grace in the Gospel: https://rb.gy/yoa223
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