Read 1 John 2:16
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.”
Discover
1. How does John expound on what the world offers in this verse?
2. What three categories do these cravings fall into?
3. How does he help us discern what is from God and what is from the world?
Respond
God created us to crave and desire! But the devil tempts each one of us to satisfy those cravings outside of God. He usually does this in one of three ways – pleasure, possessions, and pride. Take some time now to address each one of these individually with God. What do you need to feel complete? Has anything become an addiction? Talk with Him about it and ask what action step He wants you to take – consider talking about it with someone or fasting from it.
For Further Reading: Why Do We Crave?
*For more practical resources related to this week’s readings, visit tpcc.org/addiction.
**TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.
For Families with Kids at Home
Today, read this verse with your kids—and ask them, what things do you crave, or feel like you really need? Have an open conversation about what it looks like to crave something, and what that craving can lead to. Help them identify with you by sharing something you are tempted by, too, and what the end result is when we put our hope in our pleasure, possessions, or pride.