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Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 45 we are going to study the first part of 1 John 2:17.

Let’s read this part of the verse.

1 John 2:17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts…

Now, let’s take a look at the definition of the words.

The world (3588. ho, hé, to) (2889. kosmos) means an ordered system like the universe or creation. Here, "the world" doesn't refer to the physical planet, but rather a way of thinking and living that is contrary to God's intentions and is shaped by Satanic values. (HELPS Word-studies).

is passing away (3855. paragó) means to pass by, go away, depart, or disappear. This is currently happening in the present.

and also (2532. kai) means also or namely.

its lusts (1939. epithumia) means the world’s unbridled passions, excessive urges, or inordinate desires.

In other words, the way of thinking and living that is contrary to God’s intentions and shaped by Satanic values and inordinate desires, is in the process of disappearing or fading away.

One day, the world will end in an act of divine judgment, culminating in fire and destruction.

Let’s read through some verses that speak about the temporary nature of the physical world and the satanic world system. Plus let’s dive into some verses about the ultimate end of the world.

In Isaiah 40:8, we read about withering grass and falling flowers. Isaiah shows us that nature is fleeting and that the world around us is temporary, subject to decay and destruction. However, God’s word is eternal. This verse encourages us to focus on the reality of eternity rather than the temporary systems of the world.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

In Matthew 24:35, we read that heaven and earth will pass away. By saying this, Jesus is emphasizing that the physical earth and sky around us are temporary. In contrast, God’s word will never pass away. He encourages us to focus on what is eternal.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

In 1 Corinthians 7:31, Paul points out the world in its present form is passing away. He is encouraging believers to maintain an eternal mindset.

1 Corinthians 7:31 …For this world in its present form is passing away.

In 2 Peter 3:10, we read about the day of the Lord. This verse speaks of the sudden and unexpected destruction of the elements, showing us that the current creation is temporary. There will come a time when God will judge the wicked, and the world system as we know it will be destroyed.

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