1 John 2:17 Meaning: How Can Imperfect People Do God's Will?
The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
and the world doth pass away, and the desire of it, and he who is doing the will of God, he doth remain--to the age.
And the world is passing, and its lust, but he that does the will of God abides for eternity.
Meaning in one sentence
1 John 2:17 contrasts a fading world with those who do God's will. Learn what it truly means to remain forever in Christ.
Context
John wrote to believers who were being pulled by two loves: love for the world and love for the Father. In the verses just before this one, he warns against loving the world or the things in it, because the world’s desires, craving for pleasure, for possessions, for status, do not come from God. Now he gives the reason: the whole world, with all its enticements, is already on its way out. But those who do God’s will have something that lasts. The verse sits as the closing argument of a short section on worldliness, and it points to a hope that does not fade.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the weight. First, paragetai (is passing away) is a present tense verb, the world is already in the process of vanishing. It is not something that will happen someday; it is happening now, like a mist burning off in the morning sun. Second, epithumia (desire, lust) means a strong craving. John is not talking about all normal wishes, but about the kind of wanting that takes over and leads us away from God. Third, menō (abides) is the opposite of passing away. It means to stay, to remain, to be at home. John uses this word over and over in his writings for the relationship between Christ and his people. The person who does God’s will does not just survive; they have a permanent place.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that this verse sets up a stark choice between the fading world and the lasting life of obedience. Reformed readers, following Calvin, emphasize that the obedience spoken of is not perfect law-keeping but the obedience of faith, which God accepts through Christ. Wesleyan interpreters highlight the transformation of the heart: doing God’s will flows from a love for God that replaces love for the world. Catholic tradition has long seen in the word “concupiscence” a reminder of the disordered desires that remain even after baptism, and that the call to do God’s will is a lifelong journey of grace. All point to the same hope: those who belong to God will not perish with the world.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to think “he who does God’s will” means a person who never fails, so only sinless Christians need apply. In fact, John speaks of a settled direction, not a flawless record. As Calvin noted, the obedience here is the imperfect but genuine obedience of faith, accepted because of Christ. The verse is meant to encourage, not discourage.
Living This Out
This week, pick one thing you are holding too tightly, a worry about money, a hunger for approval, a grudge you are nursing. Notice how it promises to satisfy but feels like it is slipping away. Then quietly ask: what does God want from me right now, in this small situation? Maybe it is honesty, maybe forgiveness, maybe simply sitting still with him. Doing that one thing, even imperfectly, plants your feet on ground that will not dissolve.
Main takeaway: Doing God’s will, even with stumbling steps, tethers us to a life that will outlast everything else.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Have you ever built a sandcastle and watched the waves wash it away? That is like the things of this world. But doing what God asks is like building on big, solid rock that never goes away.
For ages 9, 12
Everything around us, popularity, money, cool stuff, will not last. But the Bible says if you do God’s will, you will last forever. That sounds impossible, right? But God does not expect you to be perfect. He just wants you to keep choosing him, even when you make mistakes. That is the kind of doing that leads to forever.
Questions People Ask
Does 'the world is passing away' mean the earth will be destroyed?
John is not talking about the physical planet but about the world's rebellious system, the values, desires, and priorities that ignore God. That system is already fading. Christians hold different views on the ultimate fate of the earth, but all agree that the way of the world will not last.
What does 'lusts' mean in this verse?
The Greek word epithumia means strong desire. In this context, John refers to the three kinds of worldly craving he listed in verse 16: the lust of the flesh (physical appetite), the lust of the eyes (covetousness), and the pride of life (boasting about status). These are the driving forces of a life lived without God.
How can anyone truly 'do the will of God' when we all sin?
John does not demand perfection. As Calvin explained, the obedience here is the genuine striving of faith, accepted by God because of Christ. The verb 'does' (poieō) describes a habitual practice, not a flawless record. Christians who belong to Christ are enabled by the Spirit to walk in his ways, even though they still stumble.
What does 'remains forever' mean? Does it promise that believers never die physically?
No, the promise is not that we will avoid physical death. It means that our relationship with God, and the happiness that comes from it, will never end. While the world fades away, those who belong to God are secure in him for eternity. The Greek phrase eis ton aiōna means 'into the age,' pointing to an unending future with God.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study