Walking in the Light: Embracing Truth and Fellowship

Devotional

Day 1: God as Light

God is described as light, symbolizing His holiness, righteousness, goodness, and truth. This metaphor challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure that nothing obstructs their relationship with God. Walking in the light means living in a way that reflects God's character and truth. John emphasizes that in God, there is no darkness at all, meaning there is nothing in Him that is the opposite of these attributes. This calls us to live transparently and authentically, aligning our lives with God's nature and rejecting any form of darkness that may hinder our fellowship with Him. [05:18]

1 John 1:5-7 (ESV): "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice 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 cleanses us from all sin."

Reflection: What areas of your life are still in darkness? How can you bring them into the light of God's truth today?

Day 2: The Importance of Confession

Confession is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with God and others. John emphasizes that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession involves acknowledging our sins as God sees them and calling them what they are. This act of confession restores our fellowship with God and others, allowing us to walk in the light and experience His purifying grace. It is a humbling process that brings healing and renewal, enabling us to live in the freedom and joy of God's forgiveness. [24:10]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Is there a sin you need to confess to God or someone else today? How can you take a step towards confession and healing?

Day 3: The Reality of Sin

John addresses the denial of sin, which is prevalent in society and even within some churches. He warns that denying our sinfulness is self-deceptive and prevents us from living in the truth. Christians should be marked by an awareness of their sin and a constant reliance on God's grace for forgiveness and transformation. Recognizing our sinfulness is the first step towards genuine repentance and spiritual growth. It keeps us humble and dependent on God's mercy, reminding us of our need for a Savior. [19:25]

1 John 1:8-10 (ESV): "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Reflection: In what ways have you been denying or minimizing your sin? How can you cultivate a more honest and humble awareness of your need for God's grace?

Day 4: Fellowship with One Another

Walking in the light not only restores our relationship with God but also enhances our fellowship with one another. Sin disrupts this fellowship, causing disconnection and isolation. By living in the light, we experience true partnership and cooperation with fellow believers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. This communal aspect of our faith is vital for spiritual growth and encouragement, as we bear one another's burdens and build each other up in love. [15:49]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the fellowship and support of your church community this week? What specific actions can you take to encourage and build up others?

Day 5: Jesus as Our Advocate

John offers hope by reminding us that Jesus is our advocate who stands before the Father on our behalf. When we sin, Jesus intercedes for us, having already paid the price for our sins on the cross. This assurance should encourage us to live confidently in our faith, knowing that we are forgiven and empowered to walk in the light. Jesus' advocacy provides us with the strength and motivation to pursue holiness and obedience, trusting in His continual intercession and support. [33:04]

1 John 2:1-2 (ESV): "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is your advocate change the way you approach your struggles with sin? How can you rely more on His intercession and support in your daily walk with God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we continued our series titled "Assured," focusing on the first letter of John. This letter, written by the Apostle John, addresses the spread of false doctrines and distorted teachings that were leading many believers astray. John, the last living Apostle, writes with a pastor's heart to assure the Christian community of the true gospel, emphasizing right belief, behavior, and attitude. He begins by affirming his firsthand experience with Jesus, stating that he has seen, heard, and touched the Word of Life, thereby providing authenticity to his message.

John introduces the metaphor of God as light, emphasizing that in God, there is no darkness at all. This metaphor serves to highlight God's holiness, righteousness, goodness, and truth. John addresses several false claims circulating among the believers, such as the idea that one can have fellowship with God while walking in darkness. He refutes this by stating that living in darkness obstructs our relationship with God, and true fellowship requires walking in the light.

John also tackles the misconception that sin does not affect our relationship with others. He explains that harboring sin disrupts our fellowship with one another and with God. He emphasizes the importance of confession, stating that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John warns against the denial of sin, which is prevalent in society and even within some churches. He stresses that acknowledging our sin is crucial for genuine fellowship with God. He concludes by offering hope, reminding us that Jesus is our advocate who has paid the price for our sins. This assurance should encourage us to walk in the light, have confidence in our faith, and live in obedience to our Savior.

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Key Takeaways

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2. The Importance of Confession: John emphasizes that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession involves acknowledging our sins as God sees them and calling them what they are. This act of confession restores our fellowship with God and others, allowing us to walk in the light and experience His purifying grace.

3. The Reality of Sin: John addresses the denial of sin, which is prevalent in society and even within some churches. He warns that denying our sinfulness is self-deceptive and prevents us from living in the truth. Christians should be marked by an awareness of their sin and a constant reliance on God's grace for forgiveness and transformation.

4. Fellowship with One Another: Walking in the light not only restores our relationship with God but also enhances our fellowship with one another. Sin disrupts this fellowship, causing disconnection and isolation. By living in the light, we experience true partnership and cooperation with fellow believers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

5. Jesus as Our Advocate: John offers hope by reminding us that Jesus is our advocate who stands before the Father on our behalf. When we sin, Jesus intercedes for us, having already paid the price for our sins on the cross. This assurance should encourage us to live confidently in our faith, knowing that we are forgiven and empowered to walk in the light.

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:37] - Introduction to 1 John
[05:18] - God as Light
[07:06] - Addressing False Claims
[08:51] - The Misconception of Sin
[10:39] - Walking in Darkness
[12:17] - Walking in the Light
[14:06] - Light and Darkness in John's Gospel
[15:49] - Fellowship with One Another
[17:35] - Denial of Sin in Society
[19:25] - Awareness of Sin
[21:03] - Puritan Prayer
[23:23] - The Deceitfulness of Sin
[24:10] - The Importance of Confession
[26:01] - Light Purifies
[28:53] - Acknowledging Sin
[31:26] - Jesus as Our Advocate
[33:56] - Encouragement to Walk in the Light
[34:53] - Closing Prayer and Communion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What metaphor does John use to describe God in 1 John 1:5? How does this metaphor help us understand God's nature? [05:18]
According to 1 John 1:6, what is the consequence of claiming to have fellowship with God while walking in darkness? [07:06]
What does John say happens when we confess our sins, according to 1 John 1:9? [24:10]
How does John describe the relationship between walking in the light and fellowship with one another in 1 John 1:7? [12:17]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to "walk in the light" as described in 1 John 1:7? How does this impact our daily lives and relationships? [12:17]
How does the metaphor of God as light challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of darkness? [05:18]
Why is confession of sin important for maintaining fellowship with God and others, according to 1 John 1:9? [24:10]
How does the denial of sin, as mentioned in 1 John 1:8 and 1:10, affect our relationship with God and our understanding of truth? [19:25]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be "walking in darkness"? What steps can you take to bring these areas into the light? [10:39]
How can you make confession a regular part of your spiritual practice? What specific sins do you need to confess to God today? [24:10]
Think about your relationships within the church. Are there any broken relationships that might be caused by unconfessed sin? How can you seek reconciliation? [15:49]
How does knowing that Jesus is our advocate (1 John 2:1) give you confidence in your faith? How can this assurance help you live more boldly for Christ? [33:04]
In what ways can you ensure that your beliefs and behaviors align with the truth of the gospel, rather than the false teachings or societal norms? [07:06]
How can you foster a deeper sense of community and mutual support among fellow believers by walking in the light together? [12:17]
Identify one specific area in your life where you need to rely more on God's grace for transformation. What practical steps can you take this week to address this area? [19:25]

Sermon Clips

1. "The elder Apostle John writes to them with a pastor's heart to assure them of the true gospel. He writes to give them confidence in the risen Christ and to encourage them that they possess right belief, right behavior, and right attitude. They are walking in the truth." [03:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If we say that we have fellowship with him, yet we walk in darkness, we lie, and we do not practice the truth. So it's assumed by this hypothetical claim, this if statement, that some were saying, ah, how you live has no bearing on your relationship. Relationship with God. I can live however I want to. I can do whatever I want. God and I are still tight." [07:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If God loves me while I'm just walking in darkness, if he loves me, that if he loves me in doing those things, then why do I need to stop walking in darkness? Why do I need to make a change? It's not that God doesn't love you. God does love you, but he loves you in spite of who you are. Not because you are just so awesome in your you-ness. No. In fact, better would be God loves you because of who he is." [08:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If we walk in the light as he is in the light then we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his son purifies us from all sin. We should be walking in the light unobstructed his light should shine upon us allowing us to see exposing us exposing the world to us revealing ourselves to us and we can clearly see the truth." [12:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Do you ever feel disconnected from others in the church? You ever feel disconnected from family or friends or feel disconnected from God? First place you ought to look is for sinful darkness in your life because if you're not walking in the light you won't have fellowship with God or with one another with your friends people at church your spouse." [15:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Here's what we do with the presence of sin in our lives. Confession. Confession means to know our sin as God knows them. To call it what God calls it. Acknowledging our sin before God as sin." [24:10] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Jesus is the light of the world. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. He is the true light. Jesus took our sins to the grave in His body when He died on the cross. And He also gives us the grace to walk. To walk and live in the light of His righteousness. Growing and producing fruit." [27:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If we are calling things that God calls sin, not sin. Right? So God calls them sin. We call them not. Not sin. Well, one of us is lying. And if we don't sin, well, then it's got to be God. When we call sinful things not sin. I'm going to say that differently. When we fail to acknowledge and we fail to confess sinful things as sin, then we're calling God a liar." [29:33] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you've trusted in Jesus, you have an advocate. Someone who stands up for you and pleads your case. Someone who speaks to the judge on your behalf. And in this case, it's Jesus Christ. And he says to the judge, Yes, Father, those are his actions. Yes, those are her actions. But I paid for those on the cross. I took it. I paid the price. I served the sentence." [33:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "In the face of all the messages that are out there, in the face of the follow your heart and the live your own truth and the you be you, let's not look inward to find a standard of living. But let's work. But let's look upward to the light. Let's walk in the light as he is in the light. And we'll have fellowship with him. We'll have fellowship. We'll have fellowship with others." [33:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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