Men, Where Is Your Heart?
May 13, 2025
A Call from 1 John 2:15-17
Every man faces a daily battle: the tug-of-war between the world’s fleeting promises and the eternal call of God. In 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle John delivers a challenge that cuts to the core of our loyalties: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” This isn’t a suggestion-it’s a spiritual reality check.
The World’s Offer: Temporary Satisfaction
John defines “the world” not as the beauty of creation or the enjoyment of life’s good gifts, but as a system of values and desires that stands in opposition to God. The world’s agenda is clear:
- The lust of the flesh: The pursuit of pleasure and comfort at any cost.
- The lust of the eyes: An endless appetite for more-more stuff, more status, more recognition.
- The pride of life: Building an identity on achievements, possessions, or reputation.
These are the things the world says will make you a man. But John exposes the truth: these desires are not from the Father, and they’re destined to fade away.
The Heart of the Matter: You Can’t Love Both
Verse 15b is blunt: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” You can’t give your heart to both. It’s not about enjoying life or having nice things-it’s about what owns your deepest affections. If your identity, purpose, and joy are rooted in what the world offers, there’s no room left for the love of God to take root and grow.
This isn’t just about your ability to love God-it’s about receiving and being transformed by the Father’s love for you. When you let God’s love fill your life, it changes your desires and priorities from the inside out.
Why This Matters for Men
Men are constantly told that success, power, and pleasure are what matter most. The world’s scoreboard is always flashing in front of us. But John’s words force us to ask: What am I really living for? Where is my heart anchored?
If we chase the world’s rewards, we’ll always be left empty. But if we root our lives in God’s love, we gain something the world can never take away-a purpose and identity that last forever.
How Do We Live This Out?
Let’s get practical. Here’s how men can respond to John’s challenge:
- Examine Your Affections: What gets your best energy and attention? Is it God’s kingdom, or your own comfort and image?
- Reject the Lie: The world says “more” is always better. God says, “I am enough.” Don’t fall for the myth that the next thing will finally satisfy you.
- Pursue God’s Will: Invest in things that last-your walk with Christ, your family, your character, and your impact for God’s kingdom.
- Stay Close to Jesus: When you stumble (and you will), don’t run from God. Run to Him. Let His love reshape your heart and direction.
- Set Boundaries: If certain habits, media, or relationships pull your heart away from God, set limits or let them go.
- Build Brotherhood: Surround yourself with men who challenge and encourage you to keep your heart set on Christ.
A Final Word
John’s words aren’t meant to shame-they’re meant to set you free. Free from the exhausting chase for significance in things that won’t last. Free to live boldly for the only One who can truly satisfy your soul.
So, men: Where is your heart? Are you drinking from the world’s stream, or God’s? The world is passing away, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Let’s be men who live for what matters most.
“You must choose your love and then maintain your choice: you love either the world or the Father, but not both.” – Dr. John Sparks
How Men Can Specifically Apply 1 John 2:15-17 to Daily Life
1 John 2:15-17 calls all believers to reject the world’s value system and pursue the will of God, but men often face unique pressures and temptations that make this passage especially relevant. Here are practical ways men can apply these verses in daily life:
1. Examine Your Loyalties and Desires
- Regularly ask yourself: Where is my heart? Am I more excited about career achievements, financial gain, or recognition than about growing in Christ and serving others?
- Be honest about what you treasure most. If your affections are captured by things that are passing away, it’s time to realign your priorities toward what is eternal.
2. Guard Against the “Desires of the Flesh”
- Recognize areas where you’re tempted to seek pleasure outside God’s design-whether in sexual temptation, overindulgence in food or drink, or chasing comfort at the expense of responsibility.
- Practice self-control and accountability. Invite a trusted brother to ask you tough questions about how you’re handling these temptations.
3. Watch What Captivates Your Eyes
- The “desires of the eyes” can show up as envy, materialism, or constantly wanting more-whether it’s the latest gadgets, a bigger house, or someone else’s life.
- Be content with what God has provided. Practice gratitude daily and resist the urge to compare yourself to others.
4. Reject the “Pride of Life”
- The world says your worth is found in status, possessions, or accomplishments. Scripture says your identity is in Christ alone.
- Humble yourself before God and others. Serve your family, church, and community without seeking applause or recognition.
5. Invest in What Lasts
- Remember that “the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (v. 17).
- Spend your time, energy, and resources on things that have eternal value: loving your family, discipling your children, serving the church, and sharing the gospel.
6. Set Boundaries and Make Hard Choices
- If certain habits, media, or relationships consistently pull your heart away from God, set clear boundaries or let them go.
- Don’t be afraid to stand out or be different from the culture around you. Faithfulness to Christ will often require it.
7. Pursue God’s Will Daily
- Doing the will of God isn’t about perfection, but about a heart that seeks to obey and please Him above all else.
- Start each day with prayer and time in God’s Word, asking Him to align your desires with His.
Summary:
Men, the world offers fleeting rewards, but God offers eternal joy and purpose. Applying 1 John 2:15-17 means daily choosing to love God more than anything else, resisting the world’s empty promises, and investing in what will truly last. Let your life be marked by a greater affection for Christ, not by the passing values of the world.
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Week 33 - August 10, 2025 through August 16, 2025
Brothers, As we move deeper into our “Stand Firm” journey, we come to a vital truth: we are not called to stand firm alone. Paul’s exhortations in 1 Corinthians 16:13 - “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” - were given to the whole church, not just individuals. In the spiritual battle every Christian faces, brotherhood and accountability are not optional - they are essential. The Battle Is Real - and We Need Each Other Paul’s commands ring out like a general’s orders before battle: stay alert, stand your ground, be courageous, be strong. But the New Testament never envisions a solitary warrior. The Christian life is a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:12), and our enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil - are relentless. The battlefield is our hearts and minds, and the attacks can come in the form of temptation, discouragement, false teaching, or cultural pressure. Trying to fight these battles in isolation leaves us vulnerable. Scripture repeatedly calls us to encourage, exhort, and bear one another’s burdens (Hebrews 3:13; Galatians 6:2). We are to “pull together; to honour one another; to fellowship with one another; to make sure that we are one in heart and mind with our brethren as we look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith”. Why Brotherhood and Accountability Matter Protection Against Temptation: When we walk together, we can spot danger and warn each other. Accountability helps us resist sin and encourages repentance and growth. Strength in Weakness: There will be times when each of us feels weak, discouraged, or under attack. Brothers can remind us of God’s promises, pray with us, and help us stand firm. Encouragement to Persevere: The journey of faith is long and sometimes hard. Fellowship with other men spurs us on, helps us keep perspective, and gives us courage to keep going. How Do We Stand Firm Together? Be Honest: Share your struggles and victories with trusted brothers. Authenticity is the foundation of true accountability. Pray for One Another: Make it a habit to pray together regularly, lifting up each other’s needs and standing together in spiritual battle. Meet Regularly: Whether it’s a formal group or informal friendship, make space in your life for meaningful connection with other men who will point you to Christ. Encourage and Exhort: Don’t just wait for others to reach out - take initiative to encourage, challenge, and support your brothers. A Call to Action If you’ve been trying to stand firm on your own, let today be a turning point. Reach out to a brother in Christ. Join a group. Ask for prayer. Offer encouragement. The enemy would love to isolate us, but God’s design is for us to stand shoulder to shoulder, fighting the good fight together. Reflection Questions: Who are the brothers you can count on in your spiritual battle? How can you take a step toward deeper accountability and fellowship this week? Who might need your encouragement or support right now? Let’s stand firm - together - so that Christ is honored in our lives and in our church. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Week 32: August 3, 2025 through August 9, 2025
July 27, 2025 through August 2, 2025
Selflessness is foundational to biblical manhood. The biblical model, embodied most fully in Jesus Christ, centers on sacrificial love, humility, and prioritizing the needs of others. Jesus’s life and teachings consistently highlight selflessness as a defining trait of true masculinity: “True manhood is displayed when we freely and selflessly sacrifice for the unworthy”. Jesus’s example-serving others, even to the point of death - sets the standard for men to follow, whether married or single. The Apostle Paul echoes this, urging believers to “have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” who “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:5–8). Selflessness is not just about grand gestures; it is woven into daily choices - serving family, neighbors, and community without expectation of reward or recognition. Humility and selflessness are repeatedly emphasized as key virtues in biblical manhood, with men encouraged to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3–4). This attitude is not natural but is developed through abiding in Christ and reflecting His love. Selflessness leads to Emotional Intimacy Selflessness is deeply connected to emotional intimacy, especially within marriage. Emotional intimacy is described as a deep connection that allows spouses to share their innermost thoughts, fears, and joys, fostering trust and love that mirrors Christ’s relationship with the church. The biblical call for husbands to “love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25) underscores the expectation for men to nurture emotional intimacy through sacrificial, selfless love. Selflessness enables a man to put his spouse’s needs above his own, creating a safe environment for vulnerability and connection. This is essential for emotional intimacy, as it requires both partners to be “naked, body and soul - laid bare and vulnerable to each other” (Genesis 2:24–25). When a man practices selflessness, he is more likely to listen, empathize, and support his wife emotionally, which is crucial for the deep union God intends for marriage. A selfless man resists the urge to demand his own needs be met first and instead seeks to serve and understand his spouse. This breaks cycles of isolation and fosters cycles of intimacy, as both partners lovingly put each other’s needs before their own. The result is a robust, Christ-centered emotional bond that strengthens the marriage. Summary Table: Selflessness, Biblical Manhood, and Emotional Intimacy
Brothers, As we continue our “Stand Firm” series, we now turn to a reality every Christian man must face: standing firm in trials and spiritual warfare. Paul’s commands in 1 Corinthians 16:13-“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong”-are not just for peaceful seasons. They are a call to readiness and resilience in the heat of battle, when temptation, hardship, and opposition threaten to shake our faith. Understanding the Battle Paul’s closing exhortations are like a general’s final orders before his troops head into combat. The Christian life is not a playground but a battlefield. Our enemies are not just flesh and blood, but the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world pressures us to compromise, the flesh tempts us to indulge, and the devil schemes to deceive and destroy. Every man of God must recognize that trials and temptations are not exceptions-they are the norm for those who follow Christ faithfully. Why Trials Matter Trials are not simply obstacles to endure; they are opportunities for God to strengthen our faith and prove His faithfulness. Paul calls us to be watchful - to stay alert against spiritual dangers and false teaching, to be vigilant in prayer, and to guard our hearts and minds. He urges us to stand firm in the faith , not wavering when hardship comes, but digging in our heels, trusting God’s promises, and refusing to be moved by fear or doubt. How Do We Stand Firm in Trials? Stay Alert: Don’t let your guard down. Be aware of the subtle ways the enemy attacks-through discouragement, distraction, or deception. Rely on God’s Strength: Our strength to endure comes from Christ, not from ourselves. “Be strong” means to continually draw on God’s power, especially when we feel weak. Use Spiritual Armor: Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God - the truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word - so we can withstand the enemy’s attacks. Stand Together: Trials are not meant to be faced alone. Lock arms with your brothers in Christ, pray for one another, and encourage each other to persevere. Let Love Lead: Paul’s final word in this section is, “Let all that you do be done in love.” Even as we fight and endure, our actions must be marked by Christlike love, not bitterness or pride. A Word of Encouragement If you’re in a season of trial right now, take heart: you are not alone. The Lord is with you, and your brothers are beside you. The spiritual battle is real, but so is the victory we have in Christ. Stand firm, brothers-not in your own strength, but in the power of God who has already conquered sin and death for us. Reflection Questions: What trials or spiritual battles are you facing right now? How can you be more watchful and better equipped for the fight this week? Who can you encourage or pray with as you stand firm together? Let’s be men who do not retreat, but who stand firm in faith-undaunted, unshakeable, and united in Christ. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
July 13, 2025 through July 29, 2025
Be Strong: Strength in Weakness Brothers, As we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians 16:13, we come to Paul’s fourth imperative: “Be strong.” This command, simple yet profound, speaks directly to the heart of our walk as Christian men. What does it mean to “be strong” in the biblical sense, and how can we live this out in our daily lives? Strength: More Than Muscle Biblical strength is not about physical might or bravado. Paul’s call to “be strong” is a call to spiritual resilience - a strength that is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. The original word Paul uses here means “to keep increasing in strength,” but it’s clear from the rest of Scripture that this strength is not self-generated. Rather, it is a gift from God, cultivated as we depend on Him and walk in the power of His Spirit. Paul himself was no stranger to weakness. He wrote, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our culture may prize self-sufficiency, but the gospel teaches us that real strength comes from recognizing our dependence on God. We are like clay jars holding a priceless treasure; our power is from God, not from ourselves. Strength for the Battle Paul’s exhortation comes in the context of spiritual warfare. He urges us to “put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We face real opposition - temptation, discouragement, and the pressures of a world that often runs counter to our faith. To stand firm, we need strength that endures, strength that is renewed daily by God’s Spirit. Strength in Community We are not called to be strong in isolation. Paul’s words were addressed to a church - a community of believers standing together. As brothers, we are called to encourage one another, to hold each other up when we are weary, and to remind each other of the source of our strength. We are soldiers on the same battlefield, not lone warriors. How Do We Grow in Strength? Abide in Christ: Spend time in prayer and the Word, drawing near to the One who gives strength. Rely on the Spirit: Ask God daily for His power to stand firm and resist temptation. Encourage One Another: Reach out to a brother this week-pray together, share your burdens, and remind each other of God’s promises. Remember Your Identity: You are a son of God, empowered by His Spirit, called to stand firm for His glory. A Call to Endurance Brothers, being strong does not mean never feeling weak. It means pressing on in faith, trusting God’s power to sustain us. As we look toward the next men’s retreat and beyond, let’s commit to growing in the strength that only Christ provides. Let’s stand firm, not in our own might, but in the strength of our Savior. Reflection Questions: Where do you feel weakest right now? How can you invite God’s strength into that area? Who can you encourage or lean on for support this week? Let’s be strong, together, for the glory of Christ. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
July 3, 2025 thru July 12, 2025
Definition of Purity In the Reformed Protestant tradition, purity is understood as a holistic concept that encompasses more than just abstaining from certain behaviors, such as sexual immorality. Purity involves the heart, mind, motives, actions, and relationships. It is rooted in the transformation brought about by Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Purity is not merely about outward morality or ritual cleanliness, but about an inner reality-a life aligned with God’s will, characterized by integrity, holiness, and love. Reformed theology emphasizes that purity is not something we achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, grounded in the righteousness of Christ that is imputed to believers. Christians are called to pursue purity not to earn God’s favor, but as a grateful response to His grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit. “Our purity is from God, through God, and to God. Purity isn’t merely abstaining from sexual activity; it is offering our whole selves back to the Giver. This positive response of gratitude and worship is where we find our greatest satisfaction and joy.” Practical Pursuit of Purity 1. Pursuing Christ and Spiritual Disciplines The pursuit of purity is fundamentally the pursuit of Christ. As believers fix their hope on Jesus and abide in Him, they are transformed and empowered to live pure lives. Regular participation in spiritual disciplines-such as worship, hearing and meditating on the Word, prayer, fellowship, and the sacraments-is essential for growth in purity. Purity requires both inner transformation (pure heart, pure motives) and outward obedience (pure actions). 2. Fleeing Sin and Cultivating Godly Habits Christians are called to actively flee from situations and desires that lead to impurity, especially sexual immorality. This includes practical steps like avoiding compromising situations, guarding one’s eyes and thoughts, and not “flirting” with sin. Purity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing pursuit that involves continual repentance and dependence on God’s grace. 3. Community and Accountability Purity is nurtured within the context of Christian community. Believers are encouraged to surround themselves with others who will support, encourage, and hold them accountable in their walk with God. Deep relationships and mutual encouragement help believers grow in purity and resist the isolation that often leads to temptation. 4. Holistic Approach Purity touches every aspect of life: thoughts, actions, words, motives, and relationships. It is not limited to sexual morality but includes integrity, honesty, love, and justice in all areas. Scriptural Support and Encouragement The Bible provides extensive encouragement and instruction regarding purity. Key passages include:
