Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The phrase "lust of the eyes" is found in 1 John 2:15-17: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-...
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Tony Flores
Supporter
The term world does not always refer to the universe as created by God. It is used to describe the community of sinful humanity that possesses a spirit of rebellion against God (1 John 2:15). 1 John 5:19) Because of it's opposition to God, the world values this things which are contrary to God will: the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). It's temptations to the believer are thus twofold: lust for the Sensual and pride in master of his own life. The attraction of the world is amplified by Satan who is head of it's system. He is called the "prince of this world" John 12:31; 14:30 16:11), and the whole world is said to be under his power (1John 5:19, where "wickedness" can also be translated "wicked one"). Some if the tragic effects that love of the world will produce in the believer's life are: 1. A turning away from the Lord's work and other believers (2 Tim. 4:10). 2 Alienation from God (James 4:4). 3. Corruption sins (2 Pet. 1:4; 1John 2:15-17). 4. Deception by false teachers (1 John 4:; 2 John 7), The solution to the love of the world is to have a greater love for the Father (1 John 2:15). The Christian who seeks daily to please God in everything and who strives for spiritual growth through prayer, study of God's Word, and witnessing need not fall prey to the temptations of the world (Mark 14:38). Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Way, and the Life. If you do not know Him, then you don't know the Father whom sent Him so we could know Him.
Jack Croach
Supporter
The lust of the eyes is doing or watching anything that is not pleasing to the Lord: watching a movie, commercial, reading a magazine, even looking at another person and wanting them. Our eyes can lead us down the path of desire and destruction.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"Desire" (this is how "lust of the eyes" is translated in the Net Bible, 1 John 2:16.) See this cross reference, too: 2 Peter 2:14; 1 John 2:16 Eyes are a channel of temptation Matthew 4:8-9 pp Luke 4:5-7 See also Genesis 3:6; Numbers 15:39; Joshua 7:21; 2 Samuel 11:2; Psalm 119:37; Ecclesiastes 2:10; Ecclesiastes 6:9; Matthew 5:28-29; 1 John 2:16 Here is an outline of the book, from the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary with the passage in question emboldened: Prologue: The Word of Life (1Jo 1:1-4) 1. God Is Light (1Jo 1:5-3:10)) Walk in the Light (1Jo 1:5-2:2)) God is Light (1Jo 1:5-7)) Resist sin (1Jo 1:8-2:2)) Obey the command to love (1Jo 2:3-11)) Know God and keep His commands (1Jo 2:3-6)) Learn the new command and love others (1Jo 2:7-11)) Know your spiritual status (1Jo 2:12-14)) Be warned of enemies of the faith (1Jo 2:15-27)) Beware of the world (1Jo 2:15-17)) Beware of the antichrists (1Jo 2:18-27)) Differentiate the 3 different lusts in 1 John 2:16-- Lust The lust of the flesh: sensualism The lust of the eyes: materialism The pride of life: egotism (Vernon Grounds) The lust of the flesh: passion The lust of the eyes: possessions The pride of life: position (S. Briscoe) Source unknown "because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world." -- 1 John 2:16 (NET BIBLE) The expression "the lust of the eyes" is substantially synonymous with πλεονεξία, avaritia. On behalf of this interpretation (the subject is controversial) appeal is made principally to several passages of the O. T., and especially to Ecclesiastes 4:8; Ecclesiastes 5:10 --"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income", Proverbs 23:5 -- "When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven"; Proverbs 27:20. Arrogance is produced by material possessions. The person who thinks he has enough wealth and property to protect himself and ensure his security has no need for God (or anything outside himself).
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