Word Of God Speak! - Gospel Of John Series 1b Series

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He existed in the beginning with God.

3 God created everything through Him, and nothing was

created except through Him.

4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and His life brought light to everyone.

5 The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it.

“Life” and “Light” are two key words in our text today. John writes quite a lot about “life” and “light.

“Back in the days before electricity, a money tight farmer reluctantly gave one of his hired help a lantern that the young man wanted to borrow. The young man wanted court his best girl that night. The old farmer exclaimed, "When I was young and went on a date, I never carried one of them things. I always went in the dark." The young man looked at [the old farmer] and said, "Yes,…and look what you got!”

“Making decisions in the dark can lead to … regrettable consequences.” -source unknown

Last week we looked at the opening verses of the Gospel of John. Those verses identify, call out who the “Word” is…Jesus.

We learned Jesus is eternal. Always has been, always will be!

We learned Jesus not only has the authority of God, but that He is God.

We learned Jesus is God revealed to man.

And, we learned when see Jesus for who He is…we understand both our need for Him and His purpose for our lives. It should drive us to obedience and worship!

Today we build on all of that and see that Jesus is both Life and Light…

John 1:4

The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. NKJV

Some of you will soon flock to Florida for vacation or a winter escape.

In the year 1513, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, sailed to the western coast of Florida. He’d been told of a spring of water which could restore life. He believed the story, and he began a lifelong exploration trying to find it. He never found this “fountain of youth”. Believing a fable, he died trying to obtain something that never existed.

There is no fountain of youth in Florida or anywhere.

But, there is a fountain of Life - Jesus!

Jesus is the Source for life.

God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. John 1:3

Everything that exists came to exist through Jesus Christ at creation. Jesus gave life to everything.

Yet, verse 4 of our text is talking about more than a physical life birthed/created, but a spiritual life given/purposed for eternity…

1 John 5:11-12

11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.

There are only two groups of people in this world: You either have the Son or you don’t. Believer/Unbeliever.

There is no third party, undecided group. Indecision is a decision. You either have the Son, or you don’t have the Son. You either have life, or you are a dead man/woman walking.

“...His life brought light to everyone.” vs. 4

Not only is Jesus the source of physical and spiritual life, but He is also the source for the direction of man’s life.

Jesus is a “guiding light”. https://www.preceptaustin.org/john_15_commentary

“... “I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

We as humans, as most of creation, are drawn to light. God has made us this way.

No one likes to sit in complete darkness. The average home has 67 lights. We like light! https://www.fortnightly.com/fortnightly/2015/12-0/how-many-lights-home-energy-dept-counted

Light helps you see. Light keeps you from stumbling/falling/tripping over something in the dark. Light reveals the path and keeps you safely on the path.

You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. Psa. 18:28

Light brings knowledge. Light brings understanding. Light reveals Truth! Jesus Christ is the Light!

John 12:46

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.

If you are looking for direction in your life…You can trust the light of Jesus. He promises to direct your path, to lead you out of darkness.

John 12:35b-36

35b “…Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going.