Definition: And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from 1 John 2:17. It's a really powerful message about our relationship with God and what it means to live a good life. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that the world is changing, and things we crave – like fleeting pleasures or desires – are temporary. But if you truly follow God's will, your desires will last forever. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “1 John 2:17” : This is the verse itself - a letter from John to the early church in Ephesus. “And the world passeth away…” : This means that things around us – our physical world, our opinions, and even our desires – are constantly changing. It’s not something that stays constant. Think of it like waves in the ocean; they keep moving but never stop. “and the lust thereof” : "Lust" here doesn't necessarily mean a passionate desire. It refers to an intense craving, a preoccupation with things that don't truly fulfill us – things we chase after that ultimately leave us empty. It’s about wanting something more than what we already have. “but he that doeth the will of God abideth…” : This is the key part! "Doeth the will of God" means living in accordance with God’s plan and purpose for our lives. It means following His guidance, acting righteously, and striving to be a good person. So, what does it mean practically? It means that our true happiness and fulfillment come from aligning ourselves with God's will. It encourages us to: Focus on what’s truly important: Don't get caught up in things that don't lead to lasting peace or purpose. Stay faithful to God’s plan: Trust that God has a good thing prepared for you, even when things seem chaotic around you. Live a life of righteousness and obedience: Strive to do what is right, even when it’s difficult. In short, the verse encourages us to live a life rooted in faith and trust that God will guide us towards a fulfilling destiny. --- Does this explanation help? Would you like me to: Explain it further with an analogy? Discuss the context of 1 John 2? Answer any specific questions you have about the verse?

Definition: And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very important verse from John 2:17. It’s a powerful and somewhat dramatic statement about Jesus. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: Jesus is saying that his zeal – his passionate desire to do what was right and good – has been consumed or “eaten up” by people who are resisting him or his teachings. Let's unpack the words: “His disciples remembered…” This tells us this isn’t a one-time event. Jesus is talking about a pattern, a long period of resistance and opposition. “…that it was written…” This refers to a prophecy or a saying that had been circulating in Jewish society at the time. It hinted that someone would be consumed by Jesus's zeal. “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” This is the key part. Let’s break this down further: “Zeal” : This word means intense passion, determination, and a strong desire to do something good or righteous. It’s a powerful feeling! “House” : Jesus refers to his followers – the people who believed in him. “Eaten up” : This is metaphorical. It means that Jesus's zeal was being used against him, overwhelming him, and consuming his spirit. It suggests a painful experience of being attacked or challenged by those who weren’t willing to understand or accept him. So, the overall message: Jesus is saying that people were actively trying to stop him from doing his work – spreading his message and helping others. His unwavering zeal was being thwarted, and it felt like he was suffering a loss of power and influence. Why it’s important: This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus's suffering and crucifixion. It shows that even the most passionate desire for good can be challenged and ultimately overcome, leading to pain and sacrifice. It’s a reminder that true faith can be tested. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like when it was written)? Talk about its significance within the New Testament?