Gr. eis ton aiōna (see on Matt. 13:39; Rev. 14:11). The apostle stresses the contrast between the transitory life of the lover of the world and the abiding experience of the doer of God’s will. Death may overtake the faithful Christian, but he has the assurance of eternal life and may thus be said to abide “for ever” (see on John 10:28; 11:26).

He who loves the world loves what is temporary, what has become so fully identified with death and sin that it must perish with them. With the passing of the world and its sinfulness the lover of sin also passes away, but he who sets his affections on the eternal God and on His everlasting kingdom and its ever-living principles of righteousness will abide forever.

 Gr. menō (see on v. 6).

 See on v. 15. Here the term apparently refers to principles that oppose God and that produce the lusts discussed in v. 16.

 Or, “is passing away” (see on v. 8). John reminds his readers that the questionable objects of men’s love are transitory. Many of them may now appear permanent and important, but they will all come to an end. Accordingly, what is to be gained by coveting them and pinning the affections upon them?

 See on Matt. 7:21. The doer of God’s will applies God’s revealed will to his own daily life, in contrast with the man who ignores God and prefers the enticing ways of the world.