Verse 16
16. All that is in the world In this world, as beheld by faith in the light of the better world, the following three classes of things comprehend all.
Lust In the Greek the term is capable of designating a good desire; but it derives from the context a bad sense. Our desires are all good when fixed in the right degree on the right thing. When fixed upon wrong objects, or in excessive degree on right objects, our desires become lust.
Lust of the flesh That is, lust proceeding from our animal appetites, alimentary and sexual. Rightly regulated, these appetites are right; unregulated, they are lusts.
Of the eyes Inordinate desires for getting all our eyes can see; the lawless indulgence of the possessory desires; greed for wealth, prompting to overreaching, to breach of trust, to gambling, plunder, and robbery.
Pride of life Tawdry love of display, selfish ambition for rank, power, and governmental conquest. To draw the line where the proper use of worldly things is divided from its abuse is a most important office of Christian ethics.
Not of the Father Who has made a better world for us, and makes it ours through his Son.
Of the world In contrast with his high and holy world, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
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