Walking in the Light: Overcoming Lies of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Arrows Church, everyone. My name is Robert, and I am so glad you chose to be here today. We are a community where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect, and with Jesus, anything is possible. Last week, we started our series called "Prove It," where we are diving into the book of 1 John. This series is about understanding that our faith is not just a mental state but a tangible truth that we can prove.
We began by emphasizing the importance of bringing your Bible to church. Bringing a Bible shows that it is important to you and serves as a testimony to others, including your family. It prepares your heart to receive what God is going to teach you and allows you to take notes on what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. The Bereans in Acts 17 were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. We should do the same, fact-checking what we hear against the Word of God.
We then moved into the main part of our message, focusing on three lies that we often believe about our faith. These lies can negatively affect our eternity if we continue to believe them.
Lie #1: We Can Walk with God and Walk in Darkness
We often believe that we can walk with God while still engaging in sinful behaviors. However, 1 John 1:5-6 tells us that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. Walking in darkness means choosing to ignore the light of Christ and living in sin. To walk in the light, we must be open to the light of Christ and live in a way that reflects His holiness.
Lie #2: We Are Not That Bad
Many people believe that they are not that bad and that their minor sins are not a big deal. However, 1 John 1:8 tells us that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Without Jesus, we stand in opposition to a holy God and are the very objects of His wrath. But the good news is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Lie #3: We Can Defeat Sin Ourselves
Some believe that they can overcome sin through their own efforts. However, 1 John 2:1-2 tells us that if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We cannot defeat sin on our own; we need Jesus to mediate our relationship with God.
We concluded by encouraging everyone to take their next step in faith, whether that means entering into a relationship with Jesus for the first time or seeking to walk more confidently in the light. Walking in the light is the hardest thing you will ever do, and you cannot do it alone. We want to surround you with resources and people who can help you on this journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Bringing Your Bible
Bringing your Bible to church is more than a ritual; it shows that you value God's Word. It prepares your heart to receive what God is going to teach you and allows you to take notes on what the Holy Spirit reveals. The Bereans in Acts 17 were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. We should do the same, fact-checking what we hear against the Word of God. [00:58]
2. We Cannot Walk with God and Walk in Darkness
God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. Walking in darkness means choosing to ignore the light of Christ and living in sin. To walk in the light, we must be open to the light of Christ and live in a way that reflects His holiness. [12:04]
3. We Are Not That Bad is a Dangerous Lie
Many people believe that they are not that bad and that their minor sins are not a big deal. However, 1 John 1:8 tells us that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Without Jesus, we stand in opposition to a holy God and are the very objects of His wrath. But the good news is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. [21:51]
4. We Cannot Defeat Sin Ourselves
Some believe that they can overcome sin through their own efforts. However, 1 John 2:1-2 tells us that if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We cannot defeat sin on our own; we need Jesus to mediate our relationship with God. [25:07]
5. Walking in the Light Requires Community
Walking in the light is the hardest thing you will ever do, and you cannot do it alone. We need people in our lives who will ask us hard questions and hold us accountable. If you are struggling to walk in the light, seek out community and resources that can help you. You can be 100% confident in your walk with God if you surround yourself with the right support. [34:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Importance of Bringing Your Bible
[04:13] - Opening Prayer
[05:53] - Introduction to the Series "Prove It"
[06:41] - Personal Story About Believing Lies
[10:07] - Would You Want to Know If You Were Believing a Lie?
[12:04] - God is Light, No Darkness at All
[13:57] - Lie #1: We Can Walk with God and Walk in Darkness
[17:10] - What Does It Mean to Walk in Darkness?
[18:42] - Loving the Light vs. Loving the Darkness
[20:18] - Fellowship with One Another
[21:51] - Lie #2: We Are Not That Bad
[23:33] - The Good News: Confession and Forgiveness
[25:07] - Lie #3: We Can Defeat Sin Ourselves
[26:34] - Jesus as Our Advocate
[28:21] - What Gives Jesus the Authority?
[29:59] - Is Jesus Pleading My Case?
[31:23] - Am I Walking in the Light?
[32:57] - Am I Walking in Darkness?
[34:13] - Walking in the Light Requires Community
[35:28] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 1:5-10 (NIV)
> This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 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. 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. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
2. 1 John 2:1-2 (NIV)
> My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
3. Acts 17:11 (NIV)
> Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 1:5-6 say about the nature of God and our relationship with Him? ([12:04])
2. According to 1 John 1:8, what happens if we claim to be without sin? ([12:33])
3. How does 1 John 2:1-2 describe Jesus' role in our relationship with God? ([25:07])
4. What practice were the Bereans commended for in Acts 17:11, and why is it important? ([02:38])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God is described as light with no darkness at all? How does this impact our understanding of sin and holiness? ([12:04])
2. What does it mean to walk in the light, and how does this affect our fellowship with one another? ([18:42])
3. How does the belief that "we are not that bad" deceive us, according to 1 John 1:8? ([21:51])
4. Why is it important to recognize that we cannot defeat sin on our own, and what role does Jesus play in this process? ([25:07])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are walking in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with God? What steps can you take to walk more fully in the light? ([12:04])
2. How can you make bringing your Bible to church a regular practice, and what benefits might this bring to your spiritual life and your family's faith journey? ([00:58])
3. Think about a time when you believed a lie about your faith. How did you come to realize the truth, and what changes did you make as a result? ([09:34])
4. In what ways can you practice regular confession of sins to God and others? How might this practice help you walk in the light? ([20:18])
5. Identify a specific sin you struggle with. How can you rely on Jesus as your advocate to overcome this sin, rather than trying to defeat it on your own? ([25:07])
6. How can you create a community around you that holds you accountable and encourages you to walk in the light? What steps can you take this week to build or strengthen such a community? ([34:13])
7. Reflect on the statement, "Walking in the light is the hardest thing you will ever do, and you cannot do it alone." How can you seek support and resources to help you in this journey? ([35:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Valuing God's Word by Bringing Your Bible
Description: Bringing your Bible to church is more than a ritual; it shows that you value God's Word. It prepares your heart to receive what God is going to teach you and allows you to take notes on what the Holy Spirit reveals. The Bereans in Acts 17 were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. We should do the same, fact-checking what we hear against the Word of God. [00:58]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: How can you make bringing your Bible to church a regular habit? What steps can you take to ensure you are prepared to receive and reflect on God's Word during the service?
Day 2: Walking in the Light of Christ
Description: God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. Walking in darkness means choosing to ignore the light of Christ and living in sin. To walk in the light, we must be open to the light of Christ and live in a way that reflects His holiness. [12:04]
1 John 1:5-6 (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."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are still walking in darkness? What practical steps can you take today to walk more fully in the light of Christ?
Day 3: Acknowledging Our Sinfulness
Description: Many people believe that they are not that bad and that their minor sins are not a big deal. However, 1 John 1:8 tells us that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Without Jesus, we stand in opposition to a holy God and are the very objects of His wrath. But the good news is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. [21:51]
1 John 1:8-9 (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."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on any sins you may have overlooked or minimized. How can you bring these before God in confession and seek His forgiveness today?
Day 4: Relying on Jesus to Overcome Sin
Description: Some believe that they can overcome sin through their own efforts. However, 1 John 2:1-2 tells us that if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We cannot defeat sin on our own; we need Jesus to mediate our relationship with God. [25:07]
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: In what areas of your life are you trying to overcome sin on your own? How can you rely more on Jesus as your advocate and mediator in these areas?
Day 5: The Necessity of Community in Walking in the Light
Description: Walking in the light is the hardest thing you will ever do, and you cannot do it alone. We need people in our lives who will ask us hard questions and hold us accountable. If you are struggling to walk in the light, seek out community and resources that can help you. You can be 100% confident in your walk with God if you surround yourself with the right support. [34:13]
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: Who in your life can you turn to for spiritual support and accountability? How can you actively seek out and engage with a community that will help you walk in the light?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We are a community where everyone's welcome, nobody's perfect, and with Jesus, anything is possible, and we believe those things to be true." [00:58]
2. "If you were believing a lie your whole life, would you want to know it? That's why we have phrases like 'Ignorance is bliss.' Because what if knowing the truth was more than just knowing the truth? What if knowing the truth meant now I have to do something in response to knowing the truth?" [11:08]
3. "Walking in the light is the hardest thing you'll ever do. And you do it better at some stages than others in your life. And you cannot do it alone. Ever. And so that's where we want to surround you and help you be that way. We want you to be confident." [35:28]
4. "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another. Isn't that interesting that our fellowship will be displayed to us in one another, if we walk in the light?" [20:18]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. We cannot claim to have fellowship with God and walk in darkness. I'm not making this up. This is God's word here." [17:10]
2. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Yes, God can have nothing to do with sin. Yes, we stand in opposition to God because of sin and our sinful nature. But God did not leave us hopeless." [23:33]
3. "Jesus is our mediator. He's our go-between. He's our advocate. He stands between a just and holy, pure God and us and me. He mediates that relationship, fights for that relationship. He advocates for us." [26:34]
4. "If you don't think you can be confident in this area, listen to me. You have believed a lie. Someone has lied to you and said you can't be confident in this area of your life. And they maybe even believed it, but listen to me, they lied. And even though it might sound like it's true, it's not. You can be 100% confident in this area." [35:28]
5. "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. Verse eight. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." [12:33]
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