Darkness Can't Deny the Lighty of the Father and Son

Informational Outline

1 John 1:5–10 “Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

Why do some Christians believe they can live sinless lives and others believe they can continue to Sinful lives?

Foundational Elements

Sermon Title: "Darkness Can't Deny the Light of the Father and Son"

Text of Sermon: 1 John 1:5-10

Subject: Light and Darkness

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all; walking in the light requires fellowship with Him and repentance from sin. Proposition: God's light exposes darkness, calling us to walk in truth and righteousness.

Objective: Hearers will commit to walking in the light of God's truth, confessing and turning away from sin.

Main Point of the Sermon (MPS): Understanding the power of God's light and our responsibility to live in it.

Formal Elements

1. Introduction

Opening Statement: "Welcome to a Brand New Unused Sunday Morning!" Connection to Series: This morning, as we conclude our series "Flip the Switch," we turn our attention to the undeniable truth that "Darkness Can't Deny the Light of the Father and Son."

Setting the Stage: Today, we explore the powerful analogy of light used throughout Scripture to describe the very nature of God and Jesus Christ. In 1 John 1:5-10, we see the clear distinction between light and darkness, a theme that not only defines who God is but also challenges us in our daily walk.

Introduction:

"Welcome to a Brand New Unused Sunday Morning! There’s something special about the start of a new day, especially one that we haven’t yet had the chance to fill with our thoughts, actions, and choices. It’s a blank canvas, waiting to be painted with the colors of our lives.

As we gather here today, we’re also standing at the threshold of a powerful truth—a truth that has the potential to transform not just our Sunday, but every day that follows. Over the past several weeks, we’ve been exploring the theme of light in our series 'Flip the Switch.' We’ve seen how God’s light guides us, how it reveals truth, and how it shines through Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Today, as we conclude this series, we’re going to dive deep into a profound reality: 'Darkness Can't Deny the Light of the Father and Son.' This isn’t just a poetic phrase or an inspiring idea—it’s a foundational truth rooted in Scripture. In 1 John 1:5-10, we’re reminded that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. This simple yet profound statement calls us to examine our lives and consider how we are walking in the light of God’s presence.

Think about it for a moment. When the light comes on in a dark room, the darkness doesn’t argue or resist—it simply disappears. The same is true for the light of God in our lives. No matter how deep or pervasive the darkness may seem, it cannot stand against the light of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

So today, let’s open our hearts and minds to this truth. Let’s allow the light of God to illuminate the corners of our lives, exposing any darkness that lingers, and let’s commit to walking in the light—because in His light, we find life, truth, and fellowship with one another. It’s a brand new morning, and with God’s light guiding us, there’s no telling what amazing things He can do in and through us."

1. God’s Nature as Light

1 John 1:5 “Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.”

Explanation:

This reveals the purity, holiness, and truth of God’s nature. He is completely devoid of any form of darkness-evil, sin, or deceit.

Light, in this context, symbolizes all that is good, righteous, and true. It represents the flawless nature of God—completely untouched by any form of darkness, whether it be evil, sin, or deceit. Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light, just as sin and evil cannot exist in the presence of a holy God. This understanding of God's nature sets the foundation for our relationship with Him, calling us to reflect His light in our lives and reject the darkness of sin.

Argumentation:

Light in Scripture often symbolizes truth, righteousness, and purity. From the very beginning, when God said, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), to Jesus declaring, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), light is synonymous with life and divine revelation.

In Scripture, light is a powerful and consistent symbol of truth, righteousness, and purity, serving as a key theme that spans from Genesis to Revelation. When God spoke the words, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), He wasn’t merely creating physical illumination; He was introducing the concept of divine revelation and order into a world that was formless and void. This act of bringing light into darkness set the tone for how light would be understood throughout the Bible—as a symbol of God’s presence, truth, and righteousness.

Fast forward to the New Testament, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). In this statement, Jesus is not just making a metaphorical comparison; He is identifying Himself as the source of all spiritual truth and the one who guides humanity out of the darkness of sin and ignorance. Just as light is essential for life, so is the truth of God, embodied in Jesus, essential for spiritual life and understanding.

The symbolism of light as truth and righteousness is further reinforced by the contrast with darkness, which represents sin, evil, and separation from God. Light exposes what is hidden in darkness, bringing clarity, understanding, and a call to live in alignment with God's righteous standards. Therefore, the biblical theme of light is more than a poetic device—it is a profound expression of the divine nature and the moral and spiritual clarity that God provides. In embracing this light, we are called to live in a way that reflects the truth, purity, and righteousness of God, standing as a testimony against the darkness in the world.

Application:

1. Application:

We are called to reflect this light in our lives. As believers, we must strive to live in a way that aligns with God's nature, rejecting darkness and embracing the light of His truth.

We are called to be more than just recipients of God's light; we are called to reflect that light in our daily lives. As believers, this means living in a way that aligns with God’s nature—embracing truth, righteousness, and purity while rejecting the darkness of sin and moral compromise.

Reflecting God’s light involves a conscious effort to let His truth guide our thoughts, words, and actions. It’s about being transparent in our dealings, showing kindness and compassion, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. Just as light naturally dispels darkness, when we live according to God’s truth, the darkness of deceit, fear, and wrongdoing is exposed and driven away in our lives and the lives of those around us.

This calling challenges us to examine our own hearts regularly. Are there areas where we are still holding onto darkness—unconfessed sin, harmful habits, or attitudes that don't align with God’s will? If so, we need to bring these into the light through confession, repentance, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.

By embracing the light of God's truth, we not only grow closer to Him but also become beacons of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. As we strive to reflect God’s light, we fulfill our role as His representatives on earth, illuminating the path for others to follow and bringing glory to His name.

As we recognize God’s nature as light, we must also examine how this impacts our relationship with Him and others.

II. Walking in the Light

1 John 1:6–7 “If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Explanation:

1 John 1:6-7 emphasizes that walking in the light means having fellowship with God and with one another. It is more than just a belief; it is a lifestyle of obedience, transparency, and community.

1 John 1:6-7 emphasizes that walking in the light is not merely a matter of intellectual belief or verbal confession; it is a comprehensive lifestyle that reflects our relationship with God and with others. The passage states, "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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."

Walking in the light means living in a way that aligns with God’s truth and righteousness. It involves obedience to His commands, allowing His word to guide our decisions and actions. This kind of living is marked by transparency—honesty before God and others, with no hidden motives or secret sins. It is about living in the open, where the light of God’s truth can continually cleanse and renew us.

Moreover, walking in the light fosters genuine community among believers. When we live in the light, we can have true fellowship with one another, because our relationships are built on trust, honesty, and a shared commitment to living according to God's will. This mutual fellowship is a powerful testimony to the world of the transforming power of God's light, which not only reconciles us to Him but also to one another.

Argumentation:

The contrast is clear: If we claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Walking in the light involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will, which naturally leads to authentic relationships with others.

The contrast in 1 John 1:6-7 is both stark and challenging: "If we claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth." This verse makes it clear that our actions must align with our professed beliefs. Claiming to be in fellowship with God while continuing to walk in darkness—engaging in sin or living contrary to God’s will—is not just inconsistent, it’s deceitful. It’s a lie that we tell ourselves and others, and it prevents us from experiencing the true relationship with God that He desires for us.

On the other hand, walking in the light is about more than just avoiding sin; it involves a daily commitment to live according to God's will. This means consistently choosing actions, thoughts, and attitudes that reflect God’s truth, righteousness, and love. Walking in the light naturally leads to authentic relationships with others, built on trust, honesty, and mutual encouragement in the faith.

When we walk in the light, our lives become open and transparent before God and others. This transparency allows for genuine fellowship—where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in our faith. It also means that we are not isolated or hiding in darkness but are instead part of a community that reflects God’s light to the world. True fellowship with God cannot exist apart from a lifestyle that aligns with His light, and this alignment is what enables us to build real, meaningful connections with those around us.

Illustration:

Imagine walking into a dark room and turning on a light. The darkness flees instantly because it cannot coexist with the light. Similarly, when we choose to walk in God's light, the darkness in our lives—sin, fear, deceit—must give way.

Imagine you are a fighter pilot who has to land on an aircraft carrier at night and all the lights go out. The ship is painted gray and blends in with the water and all you have is a tiny light on your plane to land with. I was once told that landing on an aircraft carrier was like trying to run down a 100 ft hallway and trying to jump in the air a few feet from the wall and land, while trying to lick a postage stamp. I was a young kid when this retired pilot told me this. Guess what I went home and tried it. Needless to say it didn’t end well and the stamp was in no danger from the moisture of my tongue. I did happen to put a small hole in the wall with my head.

See these pilots are able to do it because of their training, the trust they have for their equipment, and the faith that everything will be okay. We too must be able to cast our doubt, sin, fear, and deceit so that we can show our trust in God and walk within his light.

Jesus is the Light:

Jesus as the Light and the Fulfillment of God's Promise

The verse from 1 John 1:6-7 illustrates a profound truth about Jesus' role as the light of the world and how He fulfilled God’s promise, ushering in a new covenant between God and humanity.

When the scripture says, “If we say, ‘We have fellowship with Him,’ yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth," it highlights the essential nature of integrity in our relationship with God. To truly have fellowship with God, we must walk in the light, which means living in truth, righteousness, and purity, just as Jesus Himself walked.

Jesus became the light by embodying the truth and holiness of God in human form. In doing so, He fulfilled the ancient promises of God to send a Savior who would not only teach us the way but also be the way to God. The promise that the Messiah would bring light to those living in darkness is echoed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 9:2, which says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." Jesus’ arrival marked the fulfillment of this prophecy. He didn’t just speak of light; He was and is the light, shining in a world darkened by sin.

Moreover, this passage in 1 John reveals that through Jesus' sacrifice—the shedding of His blood—He established a new covenant. The old covenant was based on the law, which exposed sin but could not remove it. However, the new covenant, initiated by Jesus' blood, cleanses us from all sin. This cleansing is not just a ritualistic washing; it is a deep, spiritual purification that restores our fellowship with God and with one another.

By walking in the light, as Jesus is in the light, we enter into this new covenant. It’s a relationship built on truth, grace, and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice. This new covenant promises not just forgiveness, but a complete cleansing from sin, allowing us to live in the freedom and light that Jesus provides.

In summary, Jesus became the light by fulfilling God’s promise to bring salvation to a world lost in darkness. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He established a new covenant that offers true fellowship with God, cleanses us from all sin, and enables us to walk in the light as He is in the light. This transformative light is available to all who believe and choose to live according to the truth of God’s word.

Having understood the call to walk in the light, the next logical step is to address what happens when we stumble and fall short.

III. Confessing and Overcoming Darkness.

1 John 1:8–10 “If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”

Explanation:

1 John 1:8-10 provides the remedy for when we falter: confession. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness

1 John 1:8-10 offers a clear and compassionate remedy for the times when we falter in our walk with God: confession. The passage states, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." This is a powerful reminder that while we are called to walk in the light, we are not expected to be perfect.

The reality is that all of us sin and fall short of God’s glory. If we deny this truth, we are only deceiving ourselves and blocking the transformative work that God wants to do in our lives. However, the beauty of this passage is found in the promise that if we confess our sins—acknowledging them before God with a sincere heart—He is both faithful and just to forgive us.

God’s faithfulness ensures that He will always keep His promises, and His justice means that He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This cleansing is more than just a pardon; it’s a purification that restores our relationship with God and helps us to continue walking in the light. Confession, therefore, is not a one-time act but an ongoing practice that keeps us aligned with God’s will, maintaining the purity and righteousness that His light represents.

Argumentation:

The light of God not only exposes sin but also offers a way to overcome it. Through confession and repentance, we are restored to fellowship with God and continue to walk in His light.

The light of God serves a dual purpose in our lives: it exposes sin and offers a path to overcome it. When God's light shines on our lives, it reveals the areas where we have fallen short—our sins, our flaws, and our weaknesses. This exposure might feel uncomfortable or even painful, but it is necessary for true spiritual growth and healing. Without the light, we remain in darkness, unaware of the areas that need transformation.

However, God's light does more than just reveal our shortcomings; it provides the solution. Through confession and repentance, we are given the opportunity to address the sins that have been brought to light. Confession is the act of acknowledging our sins before God, admitting that we have strayed from His will. Repentance, on the other hand, involves turning away from those sins and making a deliberate choice to follow God's path.

When we confess and repent, we experience God's forgiveness, and our fellowship with Him is restored. The barrier that sin creates between us and God is removed, allowing us to continue walking in His light. This process of confession and repentance is not a one-time event but a continual practice that keeps us in close relationship with God. It ensures that even when we stumble, we can get back up and keep moving forward in His light, growing in righteousness and purity.

God's light, therefore, is not just a force that condemns but one that heals and restores. It guides us back to the right path and empowers us to live in a way that honors Him. Through the ongoing process of confession and repentance, we are continually renewed and strengthened to walk in the light, reflecting God's glory in our lives.

Application:

This week, take time to reflect on areas of darkness in your life. Bring them to God in prayer, confess them, and allow His light to transform you. Remember, His grace is sufficient, and His light will guide you back on the path of righteousness.

This week, I encourage you to take intentional time to reflect on any areas of darkness that may be present in your life. These could be hidden sins, unresolved issues, or attitudes that don’t align with God’s truth. As you identify these areas, bring them before God in prayer. Confess them honestly, knowing that God’s light is not there to condemn you but to transform you.

Allow His light to penetrate these dark areas, inviting His truth and grace to bring about the change you need. Remember, God’s grace is always sufficient—it covers our sins, heals our wounds, and empowers us to live in righteousness. His light will guide you back onto the path that leads to life, peace, and closer fellowship with Him.

Make this a daily practice, allowing God’s light to continually shine into your life, leading you in His ways and helping you to grow in your walk with Him. As you do this, you’ll find that the darkness loses its hold, and you can live more fully in the light of God’s love and truth.

As we close this series, let’s revisit the powerful truth that darkness can never overcome the light of God and His Son.

Conclusion:

Recap:

Throughout this series, we've explored the transformative power of light—the light of God's word, the light of Jesus as the Savior, and now, the light that exposes and overcomes darkness. Today, we've seen how this light calls us to live in truth, fellowship, and constant renewal through confession.

We first looked at the creation of light through God then Jesus.

Secondly we shifted focus on the Guidance of the light of the Father and the Son.

The third set of points was to look at how the light of God and Jesus led us to salvation.

Today we closed by looking at the importance of remaining in the light of God and Jesus and the Grace that we are given even though we are sinners and not perfect.

Call to Action:

Let us leave today with a renewed commitment to "Flip the Switch" in our lives, ensuring that we walk in the light of the Father and the Son. Darkness cannot deny or overcome this light; it's up to us to embrace it fully.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for the light that You have so graciously given us. Throughout this series, we have seen the power of Your light—how it guides us, saves us, and transforms us. We thank You for the light of Your Word that illuminates our path, for the light of Jesus, our Savior, who shines in the darkness, and for the light that exposes and overcomes the sin in our lives.

As we conclude this series, we ask that You would help us to walk in this light every day. Give us the courage to live in truth, the grace to maintain fellowship with You and with one another, and the humility to come before You in confession, knowing that Your light is always there to cleanse and renew us.

Lord, we pray that this light would not just stay within these walls but would shine through us into the world around us. May we be beacons of Your love, truth, and grace, reflecting Your light in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Thank You for the new covenant You established through the blood of Jesus, for the fellowship we share with You and with each other, and for the constant renewal You offer through Your forgiveness.

As we leave this place, may we carry Your light with us, allowing it to transform us and those we encounter. Guide us, protect us, and use us for Your glory.

In the powerful name of Jesus, our Light and our Savior, we pray.

Amen.