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  TWO OPPOSITES
  by John Henry Jowett
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Summary: We must choose between loving God and loving the world, as they
are mutually exclusive.

Topics: "Worldly Desires", "Gods Love"
Scripture References: Matthew 6:24, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15, Revelation 22:1

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DESCRIPTION
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John Henry Jowett emphasizes the impossibility of loving both God and
the world simultaneously, drawing parallels to walking in contrary
directions or dressing for different climates. He highlights the need
for a clear choice between God and the world, as attempting to
compromise leads to a shallow, ritualistic faith that displeases God.
Jowett urges listeners to make a decisive choice in their affections,
knowing that embracing the love of God will naturally extinguish worldly
desires, leading to a life filled with the purity and clarity of God's
love.

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CONTENT
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"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

--1 JOHN ii. 13-17.

No man can love two opposites any more than he can walk in contrary

directions at the same time. No man can at once be mean and magnanimous,

chivalrous and selfish. We cannot at the same moment dress appropriately

for the arctic regions and the tropics. And we cannot wear the habits of

the world and the garments of salvation. When we try to do it the result

is a wretched and miserable compromise. I have seen a shopkeeper on the

Sabbath day put up one shutter, out of presumed respect for the Holy
Lord,

and behind the shutter continue all the business of the world! That one

shutter is typical of all the religion that is left when a man "loves
the

world" and delights in its prizes and crowns. His religion is a bit of

idle ritual which is an offence unto God!

So I must make my choice. Shall I travel north or south? Which of the
two

opposites shall I love--God or the world? Whichever love I choose will

drive out and quench the other. And thus if I choose the love of God it

will destroy every worldly passion, and the river of my affections and

desires will be like "the river of water of life, clear as crystal."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-henry-jowett/two-opposites/
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