Walking in the Light: Purity, Obedience, and Hope
Summary
In the light of God's truth, we are called to walk in purity, obedience, and hope. The message of 1 John, which I shared with you today, is a clarion call to live in the light of Christ, which is the very essence of God's character. God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. This foundational truth is not just a theological concept; it is a practical guide for our daily living.
We must understand that walking in the light is not an optional aspect of our Christian journey; it is a mandate. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. This purification is not based on our merit but on the character of God, who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them.
The danger of walking in darkness is real and immediate. It is not merely about physical darkness but spiritual darkness, which leads to sin, deception, and ultimately separation from God. Walking in darkness is a choice to break fellowship with those who walk in the light, and it has dire consequences for our relationships and our spiritual well-being.
As your pastor, I implore you to consider the security of your salvation. If there is any doubt, any lack of conviction, it is time to turn to the light of Christ. The Holy Spirit brings conviction, and where there is no conviction, there is a need to question the presence of salvation in one's life.
Let us be like the firefly, shining our light involuntarily, naturally reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do. Our light should shine so that others can see the good works that glorify our Father in heaven. We are called to be examples, not by our strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
Key Takeaways:
- Walking in the light is an active choice to live in purity, reflecting the absolute holiness of God. When we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. Acknowledging our sinfulness and confessing our sins is essential to maintaining fellowship with God and with one another. [01:02:02]
- Obedience to God's Word is not negotiable. We must heed the warnings Scripture provides and live in accordance with God's commands. This obedience is not about legalism but about a relationship with God, who is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. [44:27]
- Hope in Christ is the anchor for our souls. When we surrender our hope in ourselves and embrace the hope available in Jesus, we walk in the light. This hope is not based on wishful thinking but on the certainty of Christ's purifying blood. [01:02:49]
- Fellowship with other believers is a hallmark of walking in the light. When we choose darkness, we break fellowship not only with God but also with the body of Christ. Our relationships are a reflection of our walk with God. [01:04:11]
- The urgency of salvation cannot be overstated. If you have any doubt about your eternal destiny, do not delay in seeking assurance of your salvation. The light of Christ is available to all who will turn to Him, and in Him, there is fullness of joy and eternal life. [01:12:55]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
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.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 1:5, what is the nature of God? How does this foundational truth impact our understanding of sin and purity?
2. What does 1 John 1:7 say about the benefits of walking in the light? How does this relate to our fellowship with one another and the purification from sin?
3. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned the "if-then principle" found in 1 John 1:6-10. Can you identify and explain one of these "if-then" statements? [41:36]
4. What does the pastor say about the consequences of walking in darkness versus walking in the light? [45:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God being light and having no darkness at all (1 John 1:5) challenge common perceptions of sin and holiness in today's culture?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of confession and God's faithfulness to forgive (1 John 1:9). Why is confession crucial for maintaining fellowship with God and others? [01:08:00]
3. The pastor warned about the danger of deception when we claim to be without sin (1 John 1:8). How can self-deception about our sinfulness affect our spiritual life and relationships? [01:00:45]
4. Reflecting on the pastor's analogy of the firefly, how can Christians naturally and involuntarily reflect the light of Christ in their daily lives? [28:24]
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned that walking in the light involves living in purity. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure you are walking in purity? [49:31]
2. How can you practice obedience to God's Word in a way that strengthens your relationship with Him and others? Think of a specific command or teaching you can focus on this week. [01:02:00]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of hope in Christ as an anchor for our souls. What are some practical ways you can shift your hope from yourself to Jesus in your daily life? [01:02:02]
4. Fellowship with other believers is a hallmark of walking in the light. How can you actively seek and maintain fellowship with your church community, especially when you feel tempted to isolate yourself? [01:04:11]
5. The pastor stressed the urgency of salvation and the need for assurance. If you have any doubts about your salvation, what steps can you take to seek assurance and strengthen your faith? [01:12:55]
6. Reflect on a time when you chose to walk in darkness. What were the consequences, and how did it affect your relationships with God and others? How can you avoid making similar choices in the future? [01:00:03]
7. The pastor used the analogy of turning on a light switch to represent choosing to walk in the light. What are some "light switch" moments you can identify in your life where you need to make a conscious decision to follow Christ's light? [01:11:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Confession for Fellowship
To walk in the light means to recognize and confess our sins, understanding that this is not about self-condemnation but about honesty before God and maintaining fellowship with Him and others. Confession is an act of humility, acknowledging that we are not perfect and that we depend on the grace of God for purification. It is through this process that we experience true fellowship with one another, as the light of Christ shines within us, revealing areas of darkness that need to be addressed. This is not a one-time event but a continual posture of the heart that keeps us close to God and in harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The act of confession aligns us with God's truth, admitting our need for His cleansing blood, and it is in this light that we find genuine connection and community. [01:02:02]
1 John 1:7-9 (ESV)
"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. 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: What is one sin or shortcoming you have been reluctant to confess, and how can you bring it into the light today to restore fellowship with God and others?
Day 2: Obedience Beyond Legalism
Obedience to God's Word is a reflection of our love for Him and our desire to live in the light. It is not about following rules to earn God's favor but about responding to His love with a willing heart that seeks to honor Him in all things. True obedience is born out of a relationship with God, who is light, and it is a joyful submission to His will, knowing that His commands are for our good and His glory. As we align our lives with God's Word, we become beacons of His light in a world that often walks in darkness. This obedience is a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives and serves as a witness to others of the hope we have in Christ. [44:27]
Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate obedience to God in a specific area of your life where you have been tempted to compromise?
Day 3: Anchored in Hope
Hope in Christ is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast assurance that anchors our souls. This hope is grounded in the reality of Christ's sacrifice, which purifies us and enables us to walk in the light. It is a hope that transforms our perspective, allowing us to see beyond our current circumstances to the eternal joy that awaits us in Jesus. As we embrace this hope, we find the strength to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. This hope is contagious, and as we live it out, we inspire others to seek the light of Christ in their own lives. [01:02:49]
Hebrews 6:18-19 (ESV)
"So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
Reflection: What is one way you can cultivate a deeper sense of hope in Christ during challenging times?
Day 4: Fellowship as a Reflection of Light
Fellowship with other believers is a natural outcome of walking in the light. It is in the context of community that we experience the fullness of God's love and the accountability that keeps us from straying into darkness. This fellowship is not superficial; it is built on the shared experience of God's grace and the mutual encouragement to live out our faith authentically. When we isolate ourselves or choose to walk in darkness, we not only damage our relationship with God but also with the body of Christ. Therefore, it is essential to seek and nurture relationships with fellow believers who can walk alongside us in our spiritual journey. [01:04:11]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to strengthen your fellowship with other believers this week?
Day 5: The Urgency of Salvation
The assurance of salvation is of utmost importance, and it is something that should be settled in the heart of every believer. If there is any doubt or uncertainty, it is crucial to address these concerns immediately. The light of Christ is available to all who seek Him, and in Him, there is the promise of eternal life and joy. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as our eternal destiny hinges on our response to the gospel. It is a call to examine our hearts, to ensure that our faith is genuine, and to find rest in the assurance that comes from trusting in Christ alone for salvation. [01:12:55]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek or reaffirm the assurance of your salvation in Christ?
Quotes
1) "Walking in light means we have surrendered our hope in ourselves and have embraced the hope that is available in Christ Jesus." [01:02:02](Download | )
2) "The forgiveness and the cleansing that he offers is offered on the basis of his character, not my own. It begins with him because we can only love others because he first displayed that love for us." [01:09:38](Download | )
3) "It is entirely pointless for you to continue living a life in darkness. And there's some of you right now that you have plans today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, that you're going to do something intentionally that's going to take your life away from the life in Christ and go and subject yourself to darkness." [01:10:11](Download | )
4) "If you are premeditatedly thinking about living a life of darkness and to you, it is more important to you to live that life in darkness than to live your life in obedience to the Word of God. Can I tell you something this morning? Satan has got a hold of you." [01:10:46](Download | )
5) "If you choose to walk in darkness, you have just made a decision by the free will that God has given you to break and destroy relationships with those who walk in light." [01:04:11](Download | )
6) "God is not a light. He is the light. That ought to encompass every question you ever had. Without him we would have nothing." [55:26](Download | )
7) "No one who claims to be a Christian, no one who claims to be a follower of Christ, yet constantly returns to walk in darkness over and over without conviction is truly saved." [58:16](Download | )
8) "And where there is no conviction, there is no Holy Spirit. And where there is no Holy Spirit, there is no salvation." [59:55](Download | )
9) "Jesus Christ, the light of the world, has provided salvation. Therefore, we who have received the gift of salvation, must walk in the likeness of his light." [45:13](Download | )
10) "The only person you're fooling, if you're living that repetitive sinful lifestyle where you keep going back and back, the only person you're fooling is you." [01:01:20](Download | )
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