Who You Love Matters
Message Notes:
Main Idea: “What you love will direct/shape/determine your life.”
Then Byron will share two stories that illustrate this idea:
•Bryan Stevenson
•Giannis Antetokounmpo
•Both men demonstrate the power of “loving what you do” and the impact it can have on the trajectory of one’s life.
This theme will come to life in 1 John 2:15-17.
The main question of verse 15 is:
•Who do you love — the world or the Father?
•Cannot be both — you must choose — and your life will be determined by who/what you chose.
What is meant by the word “world” in verse 15? Three primary interpretations:
•“created earth” or our “planet”
•the “people” of our planet who need Jesus and his salvation (see John 3:16)
•“the world of sinful human beliefs, values and actions;” contrary to the will of God — the realm of satan or darkness.
Verse 16 offers us three manifestations or examples or ways of “loving the world.”
•the lust of the flesh (lusts that originate within me)
•the lust of the eyes (lusts that originate outside of me — something outside of me that is inherently attractive and tempting)
•the pride of life (the arrogant spirit of self-sufficiency)
Reminder: “What you love matters.”
Quote by James K.A. Smith: “Discipleship is more a matter of the reformation of our loves than the information.”
Quote by Curt Thompson: “We become what we pay attention to, because our attention is an expression of our love.”
John 14:15 — “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
1 John 2:17 — The “why” of loving the Father over the world — Loving the Father and the will of God “lasts forever.” The world is temporary.
Discussion Questions:
Take a few minutes to react to Byron’s main point: “What you love will direct/shape/determine your life.”
•Agree or disagree? Why?
•Offer some examples.
Three quotes from the sermon for discussion:
•Do you agree or disagree with each? Why or why not?
•Quote by Dallas Willard: ““Every person is being formed spiritually. The question is not whether you are being formed, but who or what is forming you.”
•Quote by James K.A. Smith: “Discipleship is more a matter of the reformation of our loves than the information.”
•Quote by Curt Thompson: “We become what we pay attention to, because our attention is an expression of our love.”
Look at the three definitions of “world” from the Bible. Do you agree with Byron about his interpretation?
Interpret verse 16. Discuss the meaning of the three examples of “loving the world.”
•the lust of the flesh (lusts that originate within me)
•the lust of the eyes (lusts that originate outside of me — something outside of me that is inherently attractive and tempting)
•the pride of life (the arrogant spirit of self-sufficiency)
•Which do you think people struggle with the most? Why?
Spend some time discussing the meaning of verse 17.
•Why is loving the Father superior to loving the world? Give examples.