Walking in Light: The Call to Love

Devotional

Day 1: The Timeless Command to Love

The command to love one another is a timeless principle found throughout Scripture. It is old because it has been a consistent message from the Old Testament to Jesus' teachings. It is new because Jesus exemplified a selfless love through His sacrifice, setting a higher standard for us to follow. This love is not just a feeling but an action that places others' needs above our own. Jesus' life and death on the cross provide the ultimate example of this selfless love, challenging us to love others in the same way.

John emphasizes that this command is both old and new, urging believers to understand the depth and breadth of what it means to love. The love we are called to exhibit is not merely a superficial or conditional love but a profound, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for us. This love should be evident in our daily interactions, reflecting our commitment to follow Jesus' example. [06:53]

1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show selfless love to someone in your life today. How can you place their needs above your own?

Day 2: Faith Without Love is Darkness

Claiming to know God while harboring hate or resentment towards others indicates that we are walking in darkness. This darkness blinds us and affects our spiritual walk. True faith is demonstrated through our actions and attitudes towards others, especially fellow believers. We must examine our hearts and actions to ensure they align with the love of Christ.

John addresses the danger of professing faith without love, highlighting that such a stance is incompatible with walking in the light. Harboring hate, even if subtle, reveals a heart that is not fully surrendered to God. To walk in the light, we must actively choose to love, forgive, and seek reconciliation with others. This love is a testament to our genuine relationship with God and our commitment to living out His commandments. [08:00]

1 John 2:9-10 (ESV): "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling."

Reflection: Is there someone you are harboring resentment or bitterness towards? How can you take a step towards reconciliation and love today?

Day 3: Agape Love Reflects Our Relationship with God

The love John speaks of is agape love, a selfless, giving love that expects nothing in return. This love overlooks offenses and seeks the well-being of others. Walking in this love proves that we know God and are walking in the light. It is a love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ, who forgave even those who wronged Him.

Agape love is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. It is not dependent on the actions or responses of others but is rooted in a deep commitment to love as Christ loved. This love is transformative, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. By embodying agape love, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the reality of our faith. [15:26]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV): "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Reflection: Reflect on how you can show agape love in your daily interactions. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this selfless love to those around you?

Day 4: Walking in the Light Prevents Stumbling

Walking in the light not only helps us avoid stumbling but also prevents us from causing others to stumble. Our actions and attitudes have a significant impact on those around us. When we walk in the light, we create an environment where others can also walk in the light, fostering a community of love and support.

John highlights the importance of walking in the light, emphasizing that our conduct influences not only our spiritual journey but also the journeys of those around us. By living in the light, we set an example and create a supportive environment for others to thrive spiritually. This communal aspect of faith underscores the interconnectedness of our actions and their ripple effects on the broader community. [17:43]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today? What specific actions can you take to encourage and support others in their spiritual walk?

Day 5: Bitterness and Hatred Lead to Spiritual Blindness

Holding onto bitterness and hatred leads to spiritual blindness and darkness. This state not only affects our relationship with God but also negatively influences those around us. The remedy is to turn to Christ, allowing His word to guide us back to the light. We must be willing to forgive and love others as Christ loved us, even praying for those who have wronged us.

John warns about the dangers of bitterness and hatred, illustrating how these negative emotions can cloud our spiritual vision and lead us away from God. To overcome this, we must turn to Christ, seeking His guidance and strength to forgive and love others. By doing so, we break free from the chains of darkness and walk in the light, reflecting Christ's love to the world. [19:22]

Hebrews 12:14-15 (ESV): "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

Reflection: Is there a root of bitterness in your heart that needs to be addressed? How can you seek God's help to forgive and let go of this bitterness today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's study of 1 John 2:7-11, we delve into the second test of proving our faith: loving our neighbor. John emphasizes that the command to love is both old and new. It is old because it has been a consistent message throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to Jesus' teachings. It is new because Jesus exemplified a selfless love through His sacrifice on the cross, setting a higher standard for us to follow.

John addresses three types of people in this passage: the professing man who claims to know God but harbors hate, the obedient man who loves his brother and walks in the light, and the bitter man who is blinded by darkness. The professing man is often where many of us find ourselves, claiming faith but failing to show love in our actions. John makes it clear that this hate, even if subtle, indicates walking in darkness.

The obedient man, on the other hand, loves his brother and abides in the light. This love is agape love, a selfless, giving love that expects nothing in return. Walking in the light not only helps us avoid stumbling but also prevents us from causing others to stumble. Our actions and attitudes towards fellow believers reflect our true relationship with God.

Finally, John warns about the dangers of becoming a bitter and hating person, blinded by darkness. This state not only affects our spiritual walk but also influences those around us negatively. The remedy is to turn to Christ, allowing His word to be a lamp to our feet, guiding us back to the light.

In conclusion, loving our neighbor is a crucial test of our faith. It requires us to follow Jesus' example of selfless love, forgiving others, and serving them joyfully. Our love for others is a direct reflection of our love for God and our walk in the light.

###

Key Takeaways

1. being of others. Walking in this love proves that we know God and are walking in the light. It is a love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ, who forgave even those who wronged Him. [15:26]
4. Walking in the Light Prevents Stumbling: Walking in the light not only helps us avoid stumbling but also prevents us from causing others to stumble. Our actions and attitudes have a significant impact on those around us. When we walk in the light, we create an environment where others can also walk in the light, fostering a community of love and support.

5. Bitterness and Hatred Lead to Spiritual Blindness: Holding onto bitterness and hatred leads to spiritual blindness and darkness. This state not only affects our relationship with God but also negatively influences those around us. The remedy is to turn to Christ, allowing His word to guide us back to the light. We must be willing to forgive and love others as Christ loved us, even praying for those who have wronged us.

### [15:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introduction to 1 John
[01:08] - Proving Our Faith
[02:49] - The Second Test: Loving Your Neighbor
[03:25] - The Supreme Command: Love
[04:04] - Understanding John's Heart
[05:11] - No New Commandment
[06:21] - Old and New Commandment
[07:25] - Love in Light of Christ's Sacrifice
[08:00] - The Professing Man
[09:14] - Actions Reflecting Love
[10:19] - The Danger of Gossip
[11:26] - Loving Fellow Believers
[12:29] - Different Theologies
[13:32] - Matthew 25 Parable
[14:09] - The Obedient Man
[15:26] - Agape Love
[16:39] - Walking in the Light
[17:43] - Impact on Others
[18:16] - Reflecting Christ
[19:22] - The Bitter and Hating Man
[20:39] - Turning to Christ
[21:49] - How to Love Your Neighbor
[22:54] - Following Jesus' Example
[24:44] - Proving Our Love for God
[25:21] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does John mean when he says the commandment to love is both old and new? ([06:53])
How does John describe the professing man in 1 John 2:9? ([08:00])
What are the characteristics of the obedient man according to 1 John 2:10? ([14:09])
What are the consequences of harboring bitterness and hatred as described in 1 John 2:11? ([19:22])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that John addresses his readers as "beloved" or "dear friends"? How does this set the tone for his message? ([04:04])
How does Jesus' example of selfless love on the cross set a higher standard for us to follow? ([07:25])
In what ways can walking in the light prevent us from causing others to stumble? ([17:43])
How does bitterness and hatred lead to spiritual blindness, and what is the remedy according to John? ([19:22])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there any subtle forms of hate or resentment you might be harboring towards fellow believers? How can you address these feelings in light of John's teachings? ([08:00])
Think of a time when you found it difficult to love someone within the church. How did you handle it, and what could you have done differently to show agape love? ([09:14])
How can you practically demonstrate selfless, agape love in your daily interactions with others, especially those who may have wronged you? ([15:26])
Are there any actions or attitudes in your life that might be causing others to stumble? How can you change these to foster a community of love and support? ([17:43])
Have you ever experienced spiritual blindness due to bitterness or hatred? What steps did you take, or can you take, to turn back to the light of Christ? ([19:22])
How can you make a habit of praying for those who have wronged you, following Jesus' example on the cross? ([22:21])
Identify one person in your life who you find challenging to love. What specific actions can you take this week to show them Christ-like love? ([24:04])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "John here outlines the Supreme command found in this book and that is love. John here is outlining this new idea of love. We're going to dive into what that looks like to walk in the light and to walk in love." [03:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "John reminds his readers and we can see today that all throughout scripture we see this command to love one another. This command to love one another when John says I'm saying no new Commandments we could go back, we could go to the very teachings of Jesus himself. In fact, in John's gospel account, we see Jesus say a new commandment I give you that you love one another just as I have loved you." [05:50](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "No matter where we look in scripture, it's clear that there is a command throughout scripture to love others well. And so that's why I believe that when John is saying that this is no that this is an old Commandment that you've had from the beginning, the word that you have heard either spoken through Jesus, spoken through the prophets in the Old Testament, love one another." [06:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We can prove that we know God by what we love. We can prove our love for God, prove that we know God, excuse me, by what we love. We are loving others well that reflects how we love, how we know God." [14:52](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus loved incredibly well. He loved so well I mentioned earlier that even when Peter denied him three times, Jesus still returned to him and he asked the question, Peter, do you love me? Jesus honestly prayed or loved better than any of us could because when he was hanging on the cross, he prayed the prayer, Father forgive them." [22:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The professing man loves to say that he loves God but his actions are those of hate or resentment towards his fellow believer. The obedient man loves his brother. It's the next person that Christ or that John outlines here. If we have the man that is professing but hates his brother, we have the obedient man who loves his brother." [14:09](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I think if we just look practically right if there's bright lights I have lights shining on me it's pretty easy for me to see the ground hopefully I won't trip although now that I said it I probably will Nick is nodding his head it's going to happen but if you're walking in complete darkness you're going to be tripping you're going to be falling over different aspects there's plenty up here that I would trip over if this room was in Pitch Darkness but it says when you walk in the light there is no cause for stumbling." [16:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we walk in the light, John is saying hey if you are walking in the light those who are around you are less likely to stumble and less likely to sin. Robert I think a couple weeks ago talked about how if we're walking in the light sometimes when we're around somebody they'll not want to be around us because their Darkness doesn't like to be exposed to light." [17:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you profess to know Christ but hate your brother, if you profess to know Christ but hold resentment, if you profess Christ but hold bitterness and jealousy and gossip towards a fellow believer, that eventually will lead you to being a bitter man or woman who hates Christ, blinded by your sin, blinded by darkness." [19:22](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you find your place here and you're bitter towards somebody, you're bitter towards your walk with Christ, feel like you're walking aimlessly through life, man open up God's word. Let it be a lamp to your feet to help start that process of walking in the light and loving like Christ loved." [20:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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