Walking in the Light: Living in Truth and Fellowship
Notes
Transcript
Preliminary:
Preliminary:
Invite to 1 John 1.
It was June 20, 1979 - It was just a couple months shy of two years before I was born. A rooftop party was arranged atop the White House in DC. Jimmy Carter the then president was showing off one of his attempts at making the world a little greener and cleaner. He had had 12 massive solar panels installed on the Whitehouse roof and was showing it to the world.
Now the solar panels were still very primitive and were only used to heat water, one who was deeply involved in the installation stated, ‘They cranked out hot water “a mile a minute,”
Seven years later president Ronald Reagan quietly took the panels down and they were never reinstalled at the White House. All kinds of speculation abounds as to why that happened.
Solar energy is a contentious and controversial subject - part of the issue is because some are unsure of how reliable it is, some are put off by some of the initial costs, some have high steaks in the oil industry
But the basic’s of solar is:
“The use of sunlight to generate electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits a solar panel, the panel's photovoltaic (PV) cells absorb the energy and create electrical charges. These charges move in response to an internal electrical field within the cell, causing electricity to flow. The electricity generated is called direct current (DC) electricity, which is captured by the panel's wiring.
..most appliances use alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity needs to be converted. This is done by an inverter, which is a key piece of equipment in a solar energy system. The inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity, which can then be used to power your home. The converted electricity runs through your electrical panel and is distributed throughout your home to power your appliances.”
https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work#:~:text=Photovoltaics%20Basics%20When%20the%20sun%20shines%20onto,in%20the%20cell%2C%20causing%20electricity%20to%20flow.
The article on the Government Website for Energy states, “The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year.”
Now whatever your thoughts and feelings about solar energy - again, I am not here to speak for them - I am using their process to illustrate somethings - that is still a powerful statement....
“The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year.”
Solar has to do with the sun or sunlight, or the energy from the sun.
Someone has humorously put it: “We don’t pretend to know anything about the speed of light, except that it gets here too early in the morning.” (The Complete Speaker’s Sourcebook, Eleanor Doan, p238)
Our text is going to talk not about solar energy or power, or even sunlight - but the absolute necessity of S-O-N light.
Read 1 John 1:5-7
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
When one reads this passage I suppose the first question you need to answer is… “What is light?”
The 1828 Webster’s dictionary’s first definition defines light as:
“1. That ethereal agent or matter which makes objects perceptible to the sense of seeing, but the particles of which are separately invisible.”
The newer Merriam Webster defines light in today’s English as, “something that makes vision possible”
Light is good - darkness is dangerous.
Making decisions in the dark can lead to some regrettable consequences. Back in the days before electricity, a tightfisted old farmer was taking his hired man to task for carrying a lighted lantern when he went to call on his best girl. "Why," he exclaimed, "when I went a-courtin’ I never carried one of them things. I always went in the dark." "Yes," the hired man said wryly," and look what you got!"
sermoncentral.com/sermons/have-you-been-smoking-lately-james-may-sermon-on-endurance-35310?ref=SermonSerps
Beacon Theological Dictionary (Beacon Theological Dictionary)
This is a basic descriptive image of God as revealed in Christ.
The scriptural word means brightness either as substance, reflection, or as revelation.
God is light (1 John 1:5)
who came among us as Jesus Christ (John 1:9 “9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” );
and in Him all men may see light (Psalm 36:9 “9 For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.” ). Christ, as Deity in the flesh, is the embodiment of light.
Creation took place as light was introduced into the world (Gen. 1:3).
Being is light.
Nonbeing is darkness.
...
Light is a fundamental concept theologically since it is descriptive of the nature of God and is definitive of the mission of Christ.
It guides the soul responding to the prevenient and saving grace of God and is part of the new atmosphere in which the regenerate person lives
(John 8:12 “12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” ).
The soul of man was created to be an earthly lamp of God. It may be proper, therefore, to define light as the spiritual understanding which a person receives as he accepts the revelatory Word of God. His continued acceptance (walking in the light) is his salvation.
Since Christ alone is the Light of life, to be indwelt by Christ is to have light, and not to be indwelt by Christ is to live in darkness (John 1:12; 3:19-21). The unconverted sense spiritual light as blind men sense the light of the sun but do not see. In one respect the fire of hell is the residue of refused light.
The one who receives the gift of life in Christ (1 John 5:12 “12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” )
may live and walk in light (1 John 1:7) and be a "child" of light (Luke 16:8) and a bearer of light (Matt. 6:22).
The redeemed person begins to take on more of a radiance of His light (Ephesians 5:8 “8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” ) a
nd to become light in the world (Philippians 2:15 “15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” ).
Dr. Richard Taylor points out the fact that an earnest believer is going to desire an “unbroken fellowship with God and continuous cleansing from all sin.”
He goes on to state, “It is perfectly clear to you that a religion without cleansing from sin is not adequate, and a religion without fellowship with God is not worthwhile. It is like a library without books, or a railroad without rails, or a bank without money.”
He goes on to warn, “it is dangerously possible to continue religious profession and habits without either cleansing or fellowship” …he continues, “…make sure that your are walking not just in the form but in the fact of heart holiness.”
The classic passage on light is found in Ephesians 5:13
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
So biblical, theological, spiritual light is that which makes manifest.
The definition for light we were to memorize in Bible College was “Light is “biblical information plus Holy Spirit illumined persuasion that the information is correct.”
Darkness or night time can cause us to see things that aren’t there or our vision can be skewed our judgment impaired.
My sister Shelia and I were reminiscing on the phone recently about a trip we took, I believe to Texas - I would have been on my way to visit Angie if my memory serves me right.
We left Friday night after work and headed to Marshfield, MO to spend the night with my sister Teresa and her husband. The best way, in my opinion was Interstate 44. The only problem is around Waynesville, I-44 is very hilly and curvy until it passes Rolla.
What complicated the issue is that they had just completed a major construction overhaul of that strip of highway and there were no white lines on the shoulders of the road. It was dark - not many if any street lights - its dark, the road is black - freshly resurfaced - its quiet in my little Dodge -Neon my first car
My sister and I were both lost in our own thoughts.
I’m driving and look out in front of me - and remember I-44 is a divided highway - and I see what looks like to bright headlights - and from my perspective they were coming at me from my side of the highway.
It appeared they were coming head-on. I’m setting there convincing myself that what I was seeing wasn’t true - it can’t be true, they’re on the other side it’s just an optical illusion.
I had just convinced myself that they were really on Eastbound lane. They had to be.
It was in the darkness, and quietness of that moment that Sheila reached over and tapped my elbow - to tell me, I think, she needed to stop to use the restroom - I don’t remember for sure.
But in that quiet, dark, that elbow tap confirmed by suspicion and fear - they were coming right at us.
I yelled, I jerked the wheel, I slammed on the brakes
I don’t know what else I did - other than I think we pulled over and rested until I caught my breath
We have laughed about that many times since then. and while it is hilarious now - my terror and fear were real -
They were misguided, they were not true, they were impaired by the darkness and insufficient detail and information
This morning with the Lord’s help I want to bring three important factors to mind on this foundational message of 1 John on understanding God’s nature and His expectations for us.
I. The Call to Walk in the Light (1 John 1:5-7)
I. The Call to Walk in the Light (1 John 1:5-7)
We are given a clear call and directive to walk in the light
John beings however, with the theological truth claim that God is light (1 John 1:5)
What does it mean that God is light? Well you have to realize that John is giving us a metaphorical description of an attribute of God.
We have to understand that “light is not God” but rather “God is light” John isn’t teaching pantheism (a doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or regards the universe as a manifestation of God.)
Rather he is reminding us of a great truth about God -
John uses the word “light” six times in 1 John. He uses two different variations of the word “light” in the Greek.
Variation 1 - The sense of light which means: the source of light or illumination
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
8 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.
Variation 2- The sphere dominated by righteousness and holiness.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
God is light means that he is the source of righteousness and holiness. God is absolutely pure and holy.
“This”, says Harvey Blaney, the great Nazarene commentator, “is the gospel condensed to its briefest expression.”
What John is doing is reminding us that our standard of holiness, morality, and spirituality which is necessary to have the fellowship with Him - is God himself and His revealed Word to us.
This standard of holiness, morality, and spirituality necessary for fellowship with Christ is what John later refers to as “Walking in the Light” 1 John 1:7
This concept of “God as Light, in whom is no darkness” shows us a duality that is referred to often in scripture between light and dark. Light referring to righteousness and Godliness, darkness referring to evil and wickedness.
It is first mentioned in Genesis 1:3 where God created light and then separated it from darkness, thus separating himself from darkness and associating himself with light.
(Adapted from - C. Hassell Bullock, “God,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, electronic ed., Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 295.)
To expand on this idea of God as light and in him is no darkness at all John uses a series of “if” statements.
I want to read them and then we will delve into them deeper. If you write in your Bible you might underline these, or take notes on your Bible app or somewhere, these are extremely important to John’s concept of God being light.
1 John 1:6 - If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1 John 1:7 - …if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:10 - If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
These “if” statements are laying out for us the difference between light and darkness
Between the purity, integrity of God, His Holiness, and the darkness, dishonesty, and depravity of mankind without a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
We are given a clear directive and call to Walk in the Light
This will be reflected in our behavior “that is what the term walk is referring to”
Our behavior should demonstrate that we have a correct “understanding of spiritual truth or light.
We are given wise instruction in Proverbs 23:23 “23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.”
This means we should search the Scriptures to establish truth and spiritual information we are not sure is correct.
This can include asking of those you trust and you know will be honest and helpful
This means the conscience must be kept clear by not doing questionable things
Romans 14:23 “whatsoever is not of faith is sin”
Now I don’t like manipulation, or guilt trips, or high pressure sales tactics - but I do want us to stop and think seriously and clearly for a moment. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will do some talking and illuminating right now -
This is a serious question and I want you to think on it prayerfully and carefully - “Are you walking in the LIght?”
If you are you will have cleansing from sin - do you still have sin in your life?
If you are walking in the Light you will have fellowship with God and the church -
how is your fellowship with God? - Are you connected with Him? Do you have his smile of approval on your life?
I hope you take this thought seriously --
SO we have attempted to point out what the light is and that we have a clear directive to walk in that light - to obey God and what he calls us to.
While we are called to Walk in the Light - we have an opposing force that is going to throw hindrances and roadblocks in our path to keep us from walking in the Light - to break that fellowship with God and one another.
II. The Obstacles to Walking in the Light
II. The Obstacles to Walking in the Light
There are some common obstacles that hinder people from walking in the light - I want to talk about a few of these as you and the Holy Spirit answer my question from earlier -
Sin and Temptation
Nature of Sin: Sin inherently opposes the light.
Engaging in sinful behavior or harboring sinful thoughts creates a barrier between an individual and God.
It is the walking in the information and manifestation of truth that comes your way - that brings you to cleansing and fellowship
Temptation is not a sin, nor does it keep you from walking in the Light - it is only the giving in to temptation that brings disconnect or breaks fellowship.
2. Lack of Knowledge
Biblical Ignorance: Not knowing or understanding the teachings of the Bible can prevent someone from walking in the light.
Knowledge of Scripture is crucial for recognizing and following the path of light.
I don’t believe everyone has to go to Bible College - but I do believe that walking in the Light is going to include becoming familiar with your Bible - the revelation of God
If you are walking in the Light you are going to be reading your Bible - notice I didn’t say understanding everything you read in your Bible - the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what you need to know - there are millions of tools and resources to help you understand and I can give you some advice on that if you desire - but if you don’t read - you are neglecting one of the greatest opportunities to walk in the Light - to have information put in your heart and life.
Spiritual Blindness: A lack of spiritual awareness can cause individuals to be unaware of their distance from God’s light.
Dr. R. S. Taylor writes: “We must be sure, when we know we have received the light, to walk in it immediately, for light that is not walked in produces blindness, and "if the light that is in thee become darkness how great is that darkness." In my boyhood I permanently injured my eyes by watching an eclipse of the sun without the aid of a dark glass. I have ever since known that God put the sun up there not to be looked at but to give light to walk in. Many have received light on holiness, or tithing, or dress, or other matters, and argued and hedged and fussed, just stared and stared at it, until today they are actually blinded and confused about the matter. But their confusion no longer justifies them.”
3. Worldly Influences
Cultural Pressures: Societal norms and values that contradict Christian principles can pressure believers to conform to darkness rather than light.
Romans 12:2 “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Materialism: The pursuit of material wealth and worldly success can overshadow spiritual growth and lead individuals away from the light.
If you hadn’t noticed many of these are taken right from Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed -
In Matthew 13 Jesus interprets the parable for us - listen to this
18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Oh if we walk in the light - we will bear fruit - but we are going to have to walk over the obstacles and hindrances that come our way -
4. Lack of Faith
Doubt and Unbelief: Doubting God's promises and presence can hinder one's walk in the light. Faith is fundamental to maintaining a close relationship with God.
Fear: Fear of judgment, rejection, or persecution can prevent individuals from living openly and boldly in the light.
Faith is so foundational to walking in the light - we are told in scripture - THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
Dr. Richard Taylor reminds us:
We don't test our fellowship by our feeling, but by the simple question, "Am I walking in the light?"
If Satan taunts you with the fearful thought that you have lost your fellowship because you don't feel it, or your cleansing because you don't feel clean, you can give him the lie by shouting from the housetops that you are walking in every ray of light you have. Then you can get on our knees and acknowledge a state of fellowship, thank God for it, rejoice in it, and you can go about your work singing.
"The cleansing Stream I see, I see!
I plunge and Oh it cleanseth me!"
We need to see the absoluteness of this promise.
Indeed it is more than a promise, it is a statement of a fact.
See it!
Grip it!
There is no certainty more certain than the certainty of fellowship and cleansing if we walk in the light.
I’m talking about obstacles to walking in the Light
5. Isolation from the Christian Community**
Lack of Fellowship: Regular fellowship with other believers provides encouragement, accountability, and support. Isolation can lead to spiritual stagnation and vulnerability to sin.
Weak Relationships**: Shallow or non-existent relationships within the church community can result in a lack of spiritual nourishment and growth.
6. Unforgiveness
Harboring Grudges: Holding onto anger, resentment, or unforgiveness can darken one’s heart and impede a walk in the light. Forgiveness is essential for maintaining a pure and open relationship with God and others.
7. Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines
Prayerlessness: Neglecting prayer can lead to a weakened relationship with God. Prayer is a vital connection to the light.
Lack of Bible Study: Not regularly engaging with God’s Word can result in spiritual malnourishment and a drift towards darkness.
8. Pride and Self-Sufficiency
Dependence on Self: Relying on one's own strength and wisdom instead of God’s guidance can lead one away from the light.
Pride: An inflated sense of self-importance can hinder humility and dependence on God, which are necessary for walking in the light.
III. The Blessings of Walking in the Light
III. The Blessings of Walking in the Light
The blessings of walking in the Light are invaluable and amazing and I can testify to their veracity and truth personally I hope you can too.
Two great blessings of walking in the Light are given in 1 John 1:7 “7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
1. **Fellowship with God and Others**
Fellowship with God**: Walking in the light signifies living in a way that is consistent with God's nature. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. When we walk in the light, we maintain a close, intimate relationship with God, experiencing His presence, guidance, and love daily.
Fellowship with Believers**: Walking in the light also fosters genuine fellowship with other believers.
This unity is rooted in shared values,
mutual support,
and the collective pursuit of godliness.
It creates a strong, supportive community where believers can grow together, encourage one another, and hold each other accountable.
Fellowship - one with another - this is more than just a friendship - it is having a shared testimony of the saving grace of Jesus that is not possible to have with others who do not know that.
It is having an ability to call Chrisitans more than friends - they are brothers and sisters
But not just fellowship - but the Bood of Jesus cleanses from all sin.
1 John 1:7 states, "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." This verse highlights several profound blessings that come from walking in the light, reflecting a life lived in alignment with God's truth and holiness. Here are the blessings expounded:
IV. Practical Steps to Walk in the Light
IV. Practical Steps to Walk in the Light
Read your Bible pray every day
Obey what God tells you to do - cultivate your spiritual senses to hear Him
Live by faith and know that if you are walking in God’s light you have fellowship and cleansing
18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Are you walking in the LIght? Is it getting brighter and brighter?
If the Holy Spirit has point out something in your life that you need to walk in now is a good time to make a commitment to do that
If you aren’t sure that you have ever walked in the light - now is a good time to start - its not difficult or complicated - you just start with what you know
Jesus loves you, and is here to help you follow Him.
Eyes closed heads bowed - If you aren’t sure you are walking in the light or if God has spoken to you about light you have not been walking in raise you hand - I won’t embarrass or call you out but I will be praying for you
Lets pray