The First Epistle of John: Part 6

Walking in the Light of Love

Introduction:

We're continuing our study on 1 John, specifically looking at 1 John 2:7-11. Today, we’re diving into a subject that's at the core of our Christian walk: Love.

1 John 2:7–11 KJV 1900

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Tension:

Loving people when they love us back or agree with us? That’s easy.

But how about when they don’t agree with us or even hurt us?

We live in a world filled with division, hatred, and darkness. Even within the church, loving one another can sometimes feel impossible.

John’s message is clear: If we say we walk in the light but hold onto hate, we’re deceiving ourselves and walking in darkness.

Transitional Sentence:

So, what does John have to say about this? Let’s look at three key points John makes about love.

Main Point 1: Love is a Old and New Command

1 John 2:7–8 NKJV

Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

Explanation:

This commandment is old because it has been with us since the beginning – to love one another. (God is love —Eternal)

From the Old Testament law to the teachings of Jesus, the call to love is a consistent thread woven through the fabric of Scripture.

He showed us this love by His sacrificial death on the cross. (John 3:16)

He says that the true light is already shining because of Jesus’ work on the cross and the presence of the Holy Spirit among believers.

Believer that know God’s love, overflow with God’s love. 1 John 2: 3-4

1 John 2:3–4 KJV 1900

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

You can’t give what you don’t have.

It’s like trying to pour coffee from an empty pot. First, you’ve got to fill up on God’s love, let it overflow in you, and then share it with everyone around you.

Something that helped me learn to walk in love was this. Love is a command not a feeling.

Illustration:

Imagine a parent telling their child to clean their room. The child might not feel like doing it, but the command is clear. The same goes for love. God commands us to love others, regardless of our feelings at the moment. Just as the parent expects obedience, God expects us to follow His command to love.

It is about deliberate and intentional actions that reflect God's love.

Emotions can fluctuate, but the command to love remains steadfast.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Points

Love is a Old and New command, not based on how you feel , but about what you do.

Transition:

Now that we understand that love is a command, let's explore how we can apply this command in our daily lives.

Main Point 2: Love is Evidence

1 John 2:9–10 NKJV

He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

Explanation:

John makes a stark contrast between those who claim to walk in the light and those who actually do.

If we say we are in the light but harbor hatred toward our brother or sister, we are still in darkness.

If we claim to walk in the light, our lives must reflect this by loving our brothers and sisters.

Hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness are indicators of walking in darkness.

Illustration:

Think of bugs drawn to a light on a dark night. Just as bugs are naturally drawn to the light, we should be naturally drawn to love if we are truly walking in the light.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Points

Love is evidence that your are walking in light.

Transitional Sentence:

We’ve seen how love is evidence, inspired by Jesus’ example. Now, let's look at how love serves as our guide in life.

Main Point 3: Love is our guiding Light

1 John 2:11 KJV 1900

But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Explanation:

Walking in the light means loving our brothers and sisters.

Hatred (Darkness) blinds us and prevents us from seeing clearly, leading us astray. It causes us to lose our way and stumble through life.

Love keeps us on the right path

Light exposes the darkness

John challenges us to self-examination.

Do we harbor grudges or animosity towards anyone?

Are there broken relationships in our lives that need reconciliation?

The command to love is not optional for a follower of Christ; it is essential.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Illustration:

Picture a lighthouse on a dark, stormy night. The light from the lighthouse guides ships safely to shore, preventing them from crashing into the rocks. Similarly, Jesus' love shines brightly, guiding us through the darkness and leading us safely on our journey.

Fill-in-the-Blank Teaching Points

Love is our Guiding Light

Conclusion:

The message of 1 John 2:7-11 calls us to walk in the light of love. It reminds us of the foundational command to love one another as Christ loved us.

This love is the mark of true discipleship and the evidence of God's work in our lives.

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Let’s Talk

Why is it challenging to love those who disagree with us?

Why is loving or brothers and sisters in Christ so important?