Walking In The Light

Walking in the Light

1 John 1:5-10

September 4, 2005

Evening Message

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself walking around in the dark? A few nights ago I found myself in that exact position. I was up getting a glass of water in the middle of the night. I didn’t turn the lights on because I didn’t want to disturb anyone. So, still half asleep, I made my way from the bedroom to the kitchen. Somewhere between the kitchen and the bedroom I discovered a doorknob with my hip. I walked right into one of the doors in the hallway as I made my way down the hall.

I must admit that this was not the most pleasant experience or one of my more graceful moments. I firmly believe that the whole incident was caused by walking in the dark. Things would have gone a lot differently if I had been walking in that hallway with the lights on. Life is so much easier when we walk in the light. Why?

Light dispels darkness: Where there is light, darkness cannot exist. It is impossible for darkness to overcome light. Have you ever seen darkness take over a room where the lights are on?

Light gives direction: Walking in the light tends to help you see where you are and where you are going. Walking in the light tends to give you direction on things to avoid.

Light offers discovery: Things are much easier to find with the lights on. Have you ever tried to search for something in the dark and not been able to find it?

Can you imagine having no light to live by? Just as light is vital to having an effective life, it is also vital to having an effective spiritual walk.

This evening if you have your Bibles with you open them to 1 John 1:5-10 as we look at the benefits of walking in the light.

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

John writes this passage of his letter with a series of contrasts, comparisons and choices that are essential to developing an effective walk with Christ.

I. Where we live - The Choice between light and darkness

God is light

The deeper meaning of the Greek word for light is to illuminate or to reveal. The term light is often used to symbolize the need for spiritual illumination or to show the reality of divine truth.

John uses the term light many times in his writings

1. John describe the incarnation of Jesus (John 1:4-9)

John first calls Jesus the Word. Literally John is saying that Jesus is the power that holds everything else together. He then moves to Jesus being our source of both life and light.

2. John describes salvation as light (John 3:19-21)

John describes the power of Jesus to save as being light in the midst of darkness.

3. Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12)

4. John describes the life of Jesus as being light (John 12:35)

God is the one who brings light into the world. It is God who has revealed Himself to us and opened our eyes to His truth. Just as with light, God shines the brightest where things are the darkest. God has the desire to bring divine direction to His people and to those who are lost.

The light of God makes an impact in three distinct ways.

1.) Character - Presence - Glory

2.) Conduct - Power - Goodness and Greatness

3.) Compassion - Purpose - Grace

Walking in the light gives us fellowship with Jesus. The word fellowship means to be partners or to have a common goal. It simply is not possible to have Jesus as your partner and to make the choice to walk in darkness. When we live in the light it opens our lives to God’s revelation.

• God reveals the reality of sin

• God reveals the truth of salvation

• God reveals our need for Him