Walking in The Light: Living in Fellowship with God

Becoming Like Jesus  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  31:12
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Good afternoon. As each of us has made the choice to gather together today as one body, we are reminded of the importance of belonging to a community of believers. Many of us have experienced the joys and benefits of fellowship with other Christians, but we also know that it can be challenging at times. I believe that's God has given us 1 John 1:5-2:2, where John emphasizes the need for a right relationship with God and with each other. In these verses, we see the role that Jesus plays in bringing us into fellowship with both the Father and our fellow believers. And as we explore this passage, we will see how His forgiveness and grace can and will transform our relationships with one another.
So let’s look at our passage.
Verse five reads.
1 John 1:5 ESV
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

God is Light

Last week in our passage John stated that he had delivered to them a “message.” Today he begins in verse five and says, “This is the message we have heard.” And so John is going to now through the remainder of this chapter explain what the message was that he recieved from Jesus. Not only was John an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, as the Word of Life. But, the Word of Life has given a very specific message to the Apostles to deliver to the world.
So what is this message? To put it very simply. It is the fact that “God is Light.” His message is essentially one about the character of God. John doesn’t intend to define what God is in himself, but to provide a basis for ethical application. If God is light, those who truly know God will walk "in the light."
This metaphor of light and darkness is used frequently in the New Testament, and in every case, the context provides the clue to its meaning. Here the author says, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all" so that he can immediately draw out its ethical implications.
As we consider this verse, we must ask ourselves: Do we truly know God? Do we walk in the light as he is in the light? Or do we continue to walk in darkness? If we claim to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness, we are not living out the truth of our faith.
The other important thing that we need to see is this very stark contrast that John is setting up. God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.
In verse six we read.
1 John 1:6 ESV
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
In this verse, John is warning his readers against false claims of fellowship with God. He is addressing a group of people that we discussed last week, who had left the community of believers and were teaching false doctrine.
This group claimed to have fellowship with God, but their actions did not match their words. They continued to walk in darkness, meaning they were living in sin and not following the truth of God's Word. The author of 1 John points out that this claim of fellowship is false and that the gnostics are lying about their relationship with God.
Also, John states that the secessionists are guilty of "not practicing the truth." This phrase means that they are not living in the light of God's truth, and they are not seeking to avoid sin. In other words, they are not putting their faith into action.
As Christians, we must be careful not to fall into the same trap as the gnostics. It is not enough to claim to know God or to attend church regularly. We must also live in the light of God's truth, putting our faith into action and seeking to avoid sin. This means not only avoiding obvious sins like lying or stealing but also avoiding the more subtle sins like pride or selfishness.
In verse seven we read
1 John 1:7 ESV
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 cleanses us from all sin.
John now presents a counterhypothesis in the form of a conditional sentence, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light." John uses the metaphor of light in an ethical sense, projecting a situation that is the opposite of what was presented in verse six. In this verse, the author speaks of those who walk in the light, as God is in the light.
But what does it really mean to "walk in the light" and "walk in the darkness"? Unfortunately John doesn’t give a clear definition in this letter, the Gospel of John does however gives us some insight. Walking in the light involves being open to God and His revelation in Christ, while walking in the darkness involves a refusal to do so.
However, in our passage John is more concerned with explaining the consequences of walking in the light or darkness than defining what they mean. Walking in the darkness while claiming fellowship with God leads to lying and not living by the truth, as noted in verse six. But what are the consequences of walking in the light?
The first consequence John gives is that we have fellowship with one another. Those who walk in the light with God also have fellowship with one another. This may be surprising, as we might expect the consequence to be fellowship with God. However, the author emphasizes that there is no true fellowship with God that is not expressed in fellowship with other believers. We saw this last week as well.
The second consequence of walking in the light is that the blood of Jesus purifies us from every sin. This refers to Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, which provides purification from sins for those who walk in the light with God. Walking and cleansing are both ongoing activities, and walking in the light does not mean that those who do so never sin. Rather, it means that they do not hide their sins from God, and as a result, the blood of Jesus continues to purify them.
Purification from sin is virtually equivalent to forgiveness of sins, as indicated by the parallel use of these concepts we will see in just a bit in verse nine. Therefore, walking in the darkness is not just walking in ignorance but walking in sin.
In verse eight we read
1 John 1:8 ESV
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Here John addresses another aspect of the false teaching of the gnostics. They claimed that they were not guilty of committing sins, which they probably meant that they had not sinned since they came to know God and experienced the anointing. However, the author says that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
It is important to note that claiming to be without sin involves lying to oneself and makes God out to be a liar as well. This is because God's word tells us that we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Therefore, claiming to be without sin is not only false but also contradicts the truth of God's word.
We need to acknowledge our sinfulness and confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9). We must recognize that we cannot save ourselves but are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). We need to be careful not to deceive ourselves, but humbly come before God, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness and grace.
John continues in verse nine and he writes
1 John 1:9 ESV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Verse 9 says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Confession of sin is not a common theme in the New Testament, but it is found in a few places where it is often public. When people confess their sins, God forgives their sins and purifies them from all unrighteousness. This means that God cancels people's debt and removes the guilt and shame that their sin had created. Both forgiveness and purification are portrayed as actions that are completed in time. In other words once it is done. It is done. There is no need to continually go back and ask for forgiveness for you sin. This is indicated by the tense of the verbs that John uses here.
The author uses the words "faithful" and "just" to describe God's response to people who confess their sins. God's faithfulness is his trustworthiness in fulfilling the commitments he has made to his people, and God's justice means that in forgiving and purifying sinners, He is acting righteously. The problem of how God can be said to be just and yet forgive sin is resolved by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, God can forgive sinners without compromising His justice.
John continues in verse ten and writes
1 John 1:10 ESV
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
John now returns to addressing the false teaching of the gnostics who claimed not to have sinned since they had come to know God. John uses a third conditional sentence to restate this false teaching, saying that if anyone claims they have not sinned, they make God out to be a liar and his word has no place in their lives.
John emphasizes that denying the reality of sin in our lives is not only self-deception, but it also goes against the word of God. He reminds his readers that God has declared all people to have sinned, and to deny this fact is to make God a liar. The author doesn't give an alternative idea to the false claim, like he did before. Instead, he urges his readers not to commit sin and reminds them that God has provided an atoning sacrifice for their sins.
It is important to note that the author's personal concern for his readers is evident here. While he addresses the false claims of the gnostics, he also provides reassurance to his readers that God has made a way for their sins to be forgiven. This passage serves as a reminder that we must acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness from God, rather than denying or downplaying them. We can have confidence that through Jesus Christ, our sins can be forgiven and we can have fellowship with God.
The chapter markings are not quite correct in this section and so the next two verses are actually a part of this present chapter.
So, in chapter two verse one we read.
1 John 2:1 ESV
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
In chapter 2 verse 1, John now speaks directly to the readers and addresses them as "my little children." This shows that he has a close relationship with them and cares for them. The author also changes from using "we" to "I" when addressing his readers. He explains that he is writing about the situations from the previous verses to help his readers avoid sinning. John is not saying that believers should never sin, as he has already criticized that idea in chapter 1. Instead, he acknowledges that believers may still sin and reminds them that God has provided a solution for their sins.
John recognizes, that well we are going to sin, but there is good news: Jesus Christ is our advocate who speaks to the Father on our behalf when we sin. The Greek word used to describe Jesus in this role means "advocate" or "one who speaks on behalf of the accused." Also, in other places in the letter, the term "righteous" is used to describe righteous behavior, but in this context, it refers to Jesus, who stands in the presence of the Father to speak on behalf of those who have sinned. However, Jesus is more than just an advocate - and this will be explained in the next verse.
1 John 2:2 ESV
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Verse two of 1 John chapter 2 says, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins." The Greek term translated as "atoning sacrifice” is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in this letter. John emphasizes that Jesus Christ is not only our advocate but also the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The idea of the atoning sacrifice is in contrast to the idea of advocacy, and Jesus is the one who speaks to the Father in our defense when we sin. This suggests that he is pleading for mercy for sinners, and his role as the atoning sacrifice is to secure that mercy; that is, he is the propitiation for our sins. The author declares that God himself sent his Son to be that atoning sacrifice. It is not just for the sins of believers, but Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, including the unbelieving world. However, this does not mean that all people's sins are automatically forgiven so that all are the inheritors of eternal life, even if they do not believe in the name of the Son of God. The author himself rules out such an idea elsewhere in his letter.

So What?

Are We Taking the DARKNESS Seriously?

I believe that one of the topics that we must confront is the reality of the darkness that may at times lurk within our midst. We must ask ourselves, are we taking this darkness seriously? Are we willing to acknowledge that there may be those among us who have been swamped by dubious religious experiences, who have departed from the faith and slipped into apostasy? This is not an easy task for any church to do. Particularly a small church that wants to grow. We want desperately to welcome and include anyone new who may come through those doors.
But John's presentation of darkness is comprehensive, and he is serious about it. He warns us that the darkness can come in many forms and can even be found within our own congregations. Yet, how often do we look the other way? How often do we fail to address the darkness and the danger it poses to the Church?
John shows us boldness and courage in these verses, for he was willing to risk warning his fellow believers. It is inherent in any such warning that those who have embraced unorthodox theological ideas will argue that they are spiritually enriching. However, we must be like John and address these situations head-on.
As Christians, we are called to protect one another, and this means calling the darkness what it is. We must be vigilant in identifying false teachings and cult groups.
Let us not be afraid to confront the darkness within our midst. Let us be like John, who named the darkness, diagnosed the problem, and sought a remedy. May we always seek to protect and defend one another against the dangers of the darkness. Amen.
Next I want to address the idea of whether or not spiritual righteousness leads to separation.

Does spiritual righteousness lead to separation?

As we examine the question of whether or not spiritual righteousness leads to separation, it is important to recognize that separation is not necessarily a bad thing. We are called to remain separate from the world and to not be yoked with unbelievers. However, when spiritual righteousness leads to a sense of elitism within the body of Christ, this is where we need to be careful.
John's test is clear: those who draw near to Christ and walk in the light should work hard to cultivate fellowship within the body. This means that our pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity should not lead us to isolate ourselves from other believers, but rather to deepen our relationships with them. Unfortunately, spiritual elitism can rear its ugly head in subtle and not so subtle ways, causing division within the body.
It is important for us to recognize that our pursuit of spiritual growth should never lead us to believe that we are better than others within the body of Christ. We must cultivate a deep sense of humility and a desire to serve others. True spiritual growth should lead us to deepen our relationships with other believers, not to isolate ourselves from them.
The final point that I want to look at is whether or not the forgiveness of God in Christ is at the very center of our fellowship her at Living Way Church.

Is Forgiveness Central?

The forgiveness of God in Christ must be at the center of our fellowship at Living Way Church. This means that we must recognize our ongoing need for forgiveness and the forgiveness that we have received through Christ. We cannot become spiritually elitist, thinking that we have arrived and are better than others. Instead, we must be humble, recognizing that our growth is only possible because of God's grace and mercy.
The danger of spiritual elitism is that it leads to arrogance and a sense of superiority over others. This can damage fellowship and create a sense of exclusion for those who do not meet our standards. We must reject this mindset and instead foster a community based on grace and mercy. We should not criticize others for their growth or lack thereof, but instead, encourage and support each other in our spiritual journeys.
We must also be teachable, recognizing that we do not possess all the answers and that we can learn from others. We should not be unteachable or resistant to correction, thinking that our spiritual authority is unquestionable because we possess the Holy Spirit. Instead, we must be open to learning and growth, recognizing that we all have blind spots that need to be addressed.
Living in darkness can take many forms, including wrong doctrine, sin, and deception. We must be vigilant and recognize when we are living in darkness, and strive to walk in the light. This light is created by God's penetrating light, and those who walk in it will discover lives that are knit together by God's forgiveness and redemption. Walking in this light is ultimately humbling, but it is also healing, renewing, and invigorating.
Forgiveness must be at the heart of our fellowship at Living Way Church. We must reject spiritual elitism, be teachable, and walk in the light of God's forgiveness and redemption. Let us strive to create a community based on grace and mercy, supporting each other in our spiritual journeys, and fostering an atmosphere where God's glory can shine through.

God is Light

let us remember that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. We are called to walk in the light and have fellowship with one another. This fellowship is rooted in the forgiveness of God that we receive through Christ Jesus.
Let us not fall into the trap of spiritual elitism and pride, thinking that we have arrived or that we are better than others. Instead, let us approach our walk with humility, recognizing that we all need God's forgiveness and mercy.
As we walk in the light, we will become more aware of our sinfulness and the ways that we fall short of God's glory. But in Christ, we have an advocate with the Father who has made propitiation for our sins. Let us cling to this truth and allow it to transform our hearts and minds.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Let us pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you with humble hearts, grateful for the message we have received today. We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who revealed Himself as our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. We ask that you help us to continue to deepen our understanding and relationship with Him, so that we may walk in His light and be transformed by His love.
We pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us, to help us discern truth from falsehood, and to convict us when we stray from your ways. We ask for strength and courage to live as children of the light, to love one another, and to seek forgiveness when we fall short.
We lift up our praises to you, God, for your endless mercy and grace. We thank you for the forgiveness we have received through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. May we never take for granted the gift of salvation that you have given us.
We pray for those who are struggling, for those who are in need of healing, for those who are lost or uncertain. May your presence be felt in their lives, and may they be drawn closer to you through the love and kindness of your people.
In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen
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