WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD

1John 1:1-2:29

The epistles of 1John 1-3 were written by the Apostle of Jesus Christ. They were written to Churches in and around Ephesus. At this time there were things happening in the Church according to Paul the Apostles predictions (Acts 20:17-23, 26-32). Some false teachers have recently departed from the Church (1John 1); some itinerant false teachers were still moving around (1John 2); an autocratic despot called Diotrephes (1John 3). John is using these epistles to encourage them to remain in their faith and walk in the light they had received.

Some of the key verses are (1John 5:11-12;  2 John 9-11; 3 John 4).

Light is a symbol of the presence of God in the world. Light is used to symbolize the word of God (Psalm 119:105), and the salvation God brings to the world in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5, 9). Therefore when we say we walk in the light, we need to understand it in this term.

Light is also the symbol of the people of God. They are called the children of light. Believers are called the light of the word, just like Jesus their Saviour is called the Light (with capital L) of the world.

God Symbolized As Light

The word of god tells us that God is light. He is called the Father of Light. This signifies (i) the absolute purity of God (1John 1:5, 7; 1Tim.6:16). In the burning bush, God described a perimeter beyond which Moses was not permitted to advance towards God’s presence. (ii) The Glory of God (Ps.84:11; Isa.60:19-20); (iii) God’s Knowledge (Ps.139:11-12); God’s Immutability (James 1:17)

God’s People Symbolized As Light

The bible also uses light as a symbol of God’s people, especially in the manner in which believers are able and required to reflect the glory of God in an evil world of sin (Mat.5: 14-16; Isa.62:1; Dan.12:3; Acts 13:47).

The world is lying in darkness and the only light that can come to people must come from God through believers. By practicing the principles laid out in God’s word, we can be the light of the world. 

God’s Children Walk in the Light (1John 2:1-29)

To walk in the light means that you LIVE every day with a firm belief in the one true God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; that you have received Christ as your Saviour from sin; and that you are continuing to live by the words and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31-32; Eph.5:14). To walk in the light means you are walking (living by) in the truth taught by our Lord Jesus Christ. Unless you are doing this, you are walking in darkness and the truth is not in you!

(1)        When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with God – fellowship with God is fellowship with the Light. Light will reveal the walks of darkness – sin. When sin is revealed, children of God will walk away from it. Those who have been caught in darkness unknowingly will be revealed by the light. So they can ask for forgiveness and receive cleansing by the blood of Jesus (1John 1:6-7).

(2)        We Walk in the Commandments of Christ (1John 2:1-6). The Commandments of Christ are the light that shows whether we have fellowship with him or not. We say according to Scripture, there is no truth in saying that we know Him (Jesus), or that we are saved if we do not keep His commandments (1John 2:4). Imagine for a moment a world where there is no law, where there is no Ten Commandments, Where everyone is free to do and act as they please, including steal, kill, rape, hate, destroy, etc. What kind of world would that be? Jesus wants us to show this light to the world, practicing living by His commandments, loving one another so that the world would know that we are His disciples!

(3)        We Love the Brethren and Keep His Commandments (1John 2:7-11). Many so-called bible scholars today would want to prove to you by different means that is not necessary to obey the commandments of God to be a true believer. But that is a false claim because Jesus Himself tells us otherwise (John 15:9-10; 14:15, 21-23). In fact John says here that anyone who claims to know Jesus or to be saved but does not keep his commandments is a liar (1John 2:3-5). By keeping god’s commandments and loving the brethren, we show that we know Him.

(4)        We Desist From Loving The World (1John 2:15-17). This is where many Christians are easily caught up – loving the world – lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life! There are many Christians who are covetous.

What their eyes see of the bright and shiny things of this world, they world have it, even if their money cannot buy it. If they have enough money to buy it, they rather buy it than commit those resources in the service of god.

Such Christians can argue or make excuses about giving their tithe to God but they don’t mind spending lots of money buying the latest gadgets, latest TV, latest clothing fashions.

Lust of the flesh belongs to the world. Those describe themselves as gay, lust after strange flesh. Those who describe themselves as straight, lust after the opposite sex.

The apostle tells us that all these lusts are not from God but of the world. The world is passing away with the lusts and the dazzling things in the world (2Peter 3:10-11). I pray that you will not build castle for the antichrist. You will not so your seed to the wind. We are charged to live soberly and godly in this present world.

Let us walk in the light, love the brethren, love Lord and keep His commandments. We are the children of light and not of darkness, children of God and not of the devil. We have passed from death to life. We love the truth and have falsehood. We expect Him to return any time to change us into His glorious image.