1 John: The Lust of the Eyes (3-2-25) Pastor Scotty James

How to Overcome the Lust of the Eyes and Have Contentment. 1 John Series: Lust of the Eyes As believers, we are called to love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies. However, Scripture warns us about one thing we must not love: the world. This does not refer to creation or people but to the sinful system that opposes God. Our love for God and the world cannot coexist. Read 1 John 2:15-17 1. What does it mean to "not love the world" according to 1 John 2:15-17? 2. How can loving the world pull us away from God? 3. What are some cultural values or behaviors that contradict God’s design? We must guard our hearts against aligning with the world’s sinful system. Our allegiance belongs to God, not the world. Additional Scripture: Romans 12:2 • James 4:4 _________ The "lust of the eyes" is an intense craving for possessions, wealth, or status—things that we see and desire. Covetousness fuels discontentment and can draw our hearts away from God. Read 1 John 2:16 and Exodus 20:17 4. How does the "lust of the eyes" differ from the "lust of the flesh"? 5. Why does God warn us against coveting in the Ten Commandments? The lust of the eyes distorts our desires, making possessions and status our focus instead of God. Additional Scripture: Colossians 3:5 • Ecclesiastes 5:10 _________ Money and possessions are not inherently evil, but an improper relationship with them can be spiritually harmful. Paul warns that the love of money leads to many sins and can even pull us away from faith in Christ. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 and Timothy 6:17-18 6. According to 1 Timothy 6:9-10, what are the dangers of loving money? 7. How can wealth become a spiritual trap? 8. What does Paul instruct the rich to do in 1 Timothy 6:17-18? Possessions are not evil, but when they become our source of security and joy, they replace God in our hearts. Additional Scripture: Proverbs 30:7-9 • Matthew 6:24 _________ Overcoming the lust of the eyes requires intentional spiritual discipline. Jesus modeled how to resist worldly temptations, and Scripture provides clear strategies for victory. Read Matthew 4:7-10 and Matthew 6:9-13 9. How does prayer help us overcome temptation? 10. How did Jesus resist Satan’s temptation in Matthew 4? 11. Why is generosity a powerful antidote to greed and covetousness? Through faith, Scripture, generosity, and guarding our hearts, we can overcome the lust of the eyes and align our desires with God’s will. Additional Scripture: Acts 20:35 • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 . . . . . . . God calls us to love Him above all else, but the world tempts us to seek fulfillment in possessions, wealth, and status. The lust of the eyes distorts our desires, leading us to seek in things what we should find in God. However, we can overcome this struggle through faith, Scripture, generosity, and contentment. By guarding our hearts and focusing on God’s provision, we can live with true peace and satisfaction in Him. _________ Soul Work for the Week: • Self-Examination – Ask God to reveal areas where you might be struggling with the lust of the eyes. Reflect on whether you are seeking in possessions what you should be finding in God. • Prayer Focus – Pray daily for contentment and a heart that treasures God above material things. Ask Him to help you trust Him as your provider. • Generosity Challenge – Find a way to practice generosity this week. Give to someone in need, support your church, or bless a friend without expecting anything in return. • Guard Your Eyes – Be mindful of what you consume visually. Limit exposure to materialistic influences that stir up unhealthy desires. • 1 John 2:15-17 • 1 John 2:16 • Exodus 20:17 • Romans 12:2 • James 4:4 • Colossians 3:5 • Ecclesiastes 5:10 • 1 Timothy 6:3-10 • 1 Timothy 6:17-18 • Proverbs 30:7-9 • Matthew 6:9-13 • Matthew 4:7-10 • Acts 20:35 • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8