Walking in the Light: Six "If Statements" from 1 John

Brief Sermon Outline

Text: 1 John 1:5-2:2

I. INTRODUCTION: Back in 1 John

John's ministry in Ephesus

1 John is both encouraging and corrective

Series context: Jesus' reality, God as Father, now walking in light

II. THE FOUNDATION: God is Light (v. 5)

Core message: God is Light

Light gives life, direction, purity

"In him there is no darkness at all"

Light always wins over darkness

III. SIX "IF STATEMENTS"

#1: Claiming Fellowship While Walking in Darkness (v. 6)

False teaching: relationship without lifestyle change

"The Christian Atheist" - believing but living as if God doesn't exist

#2: Walking in the Light Brings Blessings (v. 7)

Two benefits: Fellowship with others + Cleansing power

Glow-in-the-dark illustration: exposure to light makes us brighter

Freedom from guilt

#3 & #5: Denying Sin's Reality (vv. 8, 10)

Cannot claim sinlessness

Calling God a liar

#4: The Promise of Forgiveness (v. 9)

Confess = "say the same thing" as God

Faithful and just forgiveness

#6: Our Advocate (2:1-2)

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One

Both our attorney and our atonement

Five words that change our destiny

IV. CONCLUSION

You are pure and forgiven through Jesus

Walking in light = fellowship, cleansing, freedom

The choice: darkness or light of amazing grace