Walking in the Light: Freedom and Truth in 1 John

Devotional

Day 1: Walking in the Light: The Ongoing Cleansing of Jesus’ Blood

When we walk in the light, as Jesus is in the light, we experience true fellowship with one another and continual cleansing from all unrighteousness. This is not about being perfect, but about living in honest relationship with God, allowing His light to expose and heal us. The blood of Jesus is like a spiritual car wash, constantly washing away the residue of sin as we stay close to Him. Even when we stumble, His grace is at work, and we are invited to keep coming back into the light, knowing that His forgiveness is always available. [03:03]

1 John 1:7 (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."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life you’ve kept in the shadows? What would it look like to bring it into the light with God and experience His cleansing today?

Day 2: Confession and the Gift of Complete Forgiveness

Acknowledging our sin is not about shame, but about receiving the incredible gift of forgiveness that God offers through Jesus. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, but when we confess—admitting our need for a Savior—God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This forgiveness is not partial or temporary; it is a finished work, completed once and for all by Jesus. You are not defined by your failures, but by the perfect forgiveness given to you for His name’s sake. [08:13]

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: What is one sin or struggle you need to honestly confess to God today, trusting that His forgiveness is complete and final?

Day 3: Jesus, Our Advocate and the Assurance of Salvation

When we sin, we do not lose our place in God’s family or fall out of His favor. Instead, we have an Advocate—Jesus Christ the Righteous—who stands in our place, interceding for us before the Father. Our relationship with God is secure, not because of our performance, but because of Jesus’ finished work. We are not called to walk a tightrope of fear, but to rest in the assurance that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough, and that our salvation is not fragile but firmly anchored in Him. [13:30]

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: When you fall short, do you run from God or to Him? How can you remind yourself today that Jesus is your Advocate and your standing with God is secure?

Day 4: The Evidence of New Life: Loving Others and Obeying God

True faith in Jesus produces visible fruit in our lives. If we claim to know God but do not keep His commandments or harbor hatred toward others, we are deceiving ourselves. The love of God is perfected in us as we keep His word, and the evidence of being rooted in Christ is a life that increasingly reflects His love—especially in how we treat our brothers and sisters. Even as the darkness of the world rages, the true light of Jesus is already shining, and we are called to walk in that light by loving others as He has loved us. [18:49]

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 find difficult to love? What is one practical way you can show Christ’s love to them this week?

Day 5: Do Not Love the World: Living with an Eternal Perspective

The world and its desires are passing away, but those who do the will of God will live forever. We are called to enjoy the blessings God gives us, but not to let them have our hearts. There is a difference between having things and things having us. Our true treasure is not found in possessions or status, but in our relationship with God and the eternal life He promises. As the world grows darker and the spirit of antichrist increases, let your heart be anchored in Christ, living each day with eternity in view and refusing to let anything take God’s place in your life. [35:11]

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Reflection: What is one thing you are tempted to value more than God? How can you surrender it to Him and realign your heart with His eternal purposes today?

Sermon Summary

The letters of John, especially 1 John, were written to address confusion and false teaching about who Jesus is and what it means to truly belong to Him. John, who walked with Jesus, wrote with deep conviction, not just from theory but from personal experience—he saw, heard, and touched the Lord. The early church was facing challenges from Gnostic ideas that denied Jesus’ divinity, His role as Savior, and even the reality of sin. John’s response is clear: Jesus is God, He is the Christ, He is the only one who can forgive sin, and He is the way, the truth, and the life.

A central theme is the distinction between sin as a root (our inherited sinful nature) and sin as fruit (the actions we commit). Before Christ, we are all born with a sinful nature, and our sinful actions are evidence of that root. But when we put our faith in Jesus, the root is cut off—the old nature is removed, and we are given a new nature. Yet, the fruit of sin may still linger, like dying apples on a tree that’s been uprooted. The struggle with sin is not a sign of failure, but evidence of new life within us. If there’s no struggle, if sin doesn’t bother us, that’s a warning sign.

John reassures believers that our relationship with God is not fragile. We are not constantly falling in and out of God’s favor based on our performance. Instead, we have an advocate—Jesus Christ—who stands for us. Our forgiveness is not partial or temporary; it is complete, once and for all, because of what Jesus has done. This is the perfect tense of forgiveness: a finished work, not needing repetition.

The evidence of this new life is seen in our love for others and our desire to keep God’s commandments. If we claim to know God but our lives show no fruit—if we hate our brother or love the world more than God—then something is off at the root. True faith produces real change, even as we continue to battle the remnants of sin.

John also warns of the spirit of antichrist—anything or anyone that denies Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This spirit is not just anti-religion, but specifically anti-Jesus. In a world growing darker, the light of Christ is already shining, and darkness is running out of time. We are called to abide in Christ, let His word dwell in us, and live as people who are truly free—free from sin, free from condemnation, and free to love.

Key Takeaways

1. The Root and Fruit of Sin Sin is both a nature we inherit and actions we commit. When we trust in Christ, the root—the old sinful nature—is removed, but the fruit may linger as we grow. The ongoing struggle with sin is not a sign of spiritual death, but of new life. If there is no struggle, it may mean the root has never been changed. [05:16]
2. Complete and Lasting Forgiveness Forgiveness in Christ is not fragile or temporary. It is a finished work—perfect tense—done once and for all, not needing repetition. Our standing with God is secure, not based on our performance, but on Jesus’ completed work. This truth frees us from living in fear and striving for acceptance. [27:57]
3. True Faith Produces Real Fruit A genuine relationship with God will always show itself in our actions—especially in love for others and obedience to God’s word. If we claim to know God but our lives are marked by hatred or worldliness, we need to examine our root. The fruit reveals the tree. [18:15]
4. The Spirit of Antichrist: Anti-Jesus, Not Just Anti-Religion The greatest opposition in the world is not just against religion, but specifically against Jesus as the Christ. Any teaching or spirit that denies Jesus’ divinity, His role as Savior, or the relationship between the Father and the Son is antichrist. We must be discerning and hold fast to the truth of who Jesus is. [37:44]
5. Abiding in Christ Brings Victory and Freedom Letting God’s word abide in us is the key to overcoming the enemy and living in freedom. Our victory is not in our own strength, but in the abiding presence of Christ and His word. This abiding life is marked by confidence, assurance, and a growing love for God and others. [32:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Introduction to 1 John
[01:27] - John’s Audience and False Teachings
[03:03] - Walking in the Light and Cleansing
[04:41] - Sin: Noun vs. Verb
[06:59] - The Apple Tree Analogy
[08:13] - Confession and Forgiveness
[10:42] - Addressing Believers: “My Little Children”
[12:22] - God’s Character and Our Security
[14:03] - Jesus as Advocate and Propitiation
[15:58] - Knowing God and Keeping His Commandments
[18:15] - Root and Fruit: Evidence of Faith
[19:28] - Darkness Passing Away, Light Shining
[22:07] - Loving Your Brother
[24:26] - The Gift of Forgiveness
[27:28] - Perfect Tense: Forgiveness Completed
[32:12] - Abiding Word and Overcoming the Enemy
[34:12] - Loving the World vs. Loving God
[36:36] - The Last Hour and Antichrist
[39:12] - The Anointing and Knowing the Truth
[42:18] - The Father and the Son
[43:26] - Marks of the Antichrist
[44:29] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: 1 John – Root and Fruit, Forgiveness, and Abiding in Christ**

---

### Bible Reading

**1 John 1:5–2:6 (ESV)**
> 5 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. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 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. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

> 1 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. 2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

**1 John 2:15–17 (ESV)**
> 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

---

### Observation Questions

According to 1 John 1:8–9, what does John say about people who claim they have no sin? What does he say is available to those who confess their sins? ([08:13])
In 1 John 2:1–2, what role does Jesus play for believers when they sin? ([14:03])
What does John say is the evidence that someone truly knows God, according to 1 John 2:3–6? ([16:30])
In the sermon, what analogy does the pastor use to explain the difference between the root and the fruit of sin? ([06:59])

---

### Interpretation Questions

Why does John make a distinction between sin as a root (nature) and sin as a fruit (actions)? How does this help us understand the ongoing struggle with sin in a believer’s life? ([05:16])
The sermon says, “If there is no struggle, if you can sin and it doesn’t bother you, something’s wrong.” What does this suggest about the role of conviction and conscience in the Christian life? ([05:50])
John says that forgiveness is “once and for all, not needing repetition.” How does this challenge the idea that our relationship with God is fragile or based on our performance? ([27:57])
The pastor mentions the “spirit of antichrist” as anything that is specifically anti-Jesus, not just anti-religion. Why is this distinction important for Christians to recognize in today’s world? ([37:44])

---

### Application Questions

The sermon teaches that the struggle with sin is actually a sign of new life, not failure. Can you think of a recent time when you struggled with a sinful attitude or action? How did you respond, and what does that struggle reveal about your faith? ([05:16])
The pastor said, “If you can sin and it doesn’t bother you... something’s wrong.” Are there areas in your life where you’ve become numb to sin? What would it look like to invite God to soften your heart in those areas? ([05:50])
John says our forgiveness is complete and not based on our performance. Do you ever find yourself feeling like you have to “earn” God’s favor or forgiveness? How does the truth of perfect, finished forgiveness change the way you relate to God? ([27:57])
The evidence of knowing God is seen in loving others and keeping His commandments. Is there a relationship in your life where you are struggling to show love? What is one step you could take this week to move toward reconciliation or kindness? ([22:07])
The sermon warns about loving the world more than God. Are there things—possessions, status, habits—that have too strong a hold on your heart? What practical step could you take to loosen their grip and put God first? ([35:11])
The pastor said, “Let the word abide in you... it’s the key to overcoming the enemy and living in freedom.” What is one way you can let God’s word dwell more deeply in your life this week? ([32:12])
The “spirit of antichrist” is described as anything that denies Jesus as the Christ. Have you encountered ideas, media, or conversations that subtly or openly deny who Jesus is? How can you be more discerning and hold fast to the truth in those situations? ([37:44])

---

Sermon Clips

Every Christian in here struggles with the fact that I don't want to sin, but I have fruit in my life sometimes. That looks like sin. And it is sin. Everybody see what I'm saying? And the struggle between I don't want to because my new nature says not to, but my old nature still has remnants in my life. That struggle is actually, it is proof that you're born again. I would argue that if there is no struggle, if you can sin and it doesn't bother you, and your conscience is seared, and you can just go and live any way you want to and do anything you want to and still say, I love Jesus, I'm saying time out, hold up, something's wrong. Something's wrong. Because everybody that loves God wants to do the right thing, praise God. All right? Even though they fail, they want to do the right thing in their heart. [00:05:22] (53 seconds) #StruggleProvesFaith

I grew up thinking that if I sinned and I knew it or didn't know it, I better know it. And I better confess it. And I better keep a short list because if I don't, I'm going to hell. If I die, I thought my salvation was that fragile that I could go to hell. I thought I could go to hell. I thought I could go to hell. I thought I could go out. And if I sinned and I died, then that was it. You know, let me say it this way. I had a picture of God that was more of a bipolar God. Okay. And I don't mean that negative. I'm just telling you the truth. It was almost like a bipolar God. You say, what do you mean? Watch this. You don't have to agree, but if you believe this, this is wrong guys. This is wrong. If I do good, God's happy with me. If I sin, God's mad at me. And he breaks fellowship with me. Then if I confess it, then I'm boom, I'm back in good graces with God and God's good with me, but I'm good for the next 20 minutes. Well, when I was young, two minutes. All right. And then guess what? As soon as I mess up or I sin either mentally, emotionally, physical, whatever, then boom, I'm back in. I'm on the outs with God. Then I have to say, Oh God, forgive me. Then boom, I'm good with God now, but I got to walk a tight rope because if I sin for a second, then I'm boom, I'm back on the outs with God. Come on. You can't live free. You can't live. This is how I lived. Okay. And then I started reading the Bible and I'm like, Whoa, that's not how God sees this. It's not how God sees it. [00:11:53] (89 seconds) #FragileSalvationMyth

He's saying, examine the fruit. You say you're an apple tree, but when I show up, you got pears. How many know? I could go, well, I'm going to say it. You can't self-identify. You can't say I'm an apple tree, and you got pears, baby. I need to stop right there. Whoo, that was close. [00:17:25] (27 seconds) #FruitRevealsTruth

You want to know how to get victory? That's it. Look at this next part. And you have overcome the wicked one. That's right. How did you overcome? God's abiding word in you. Remember what Jesus said. If you abide in me and my word abides in you, you shall ask what you desire and it shall be done unto you. Let the word abide in you. Let the word abide in you. What's that mean? Let it be the meditation of your heart day and night. [00:32:26] (22 seconds) #VictoryThroughWord

Here's the difference. Do you love them more than God? No way. No way. Here's the truth. You ready? There's a difference between you having things and things having you. And that's the distinguishing factor. When it says, do not love the world, nor the things of the world. All right. He's talking about, do things have you or do you have things? If you would give those things before you would give God his glory and serve him, something is off. Something is wrong. It proves that the love of the father is not in you. Because when you love the father, you realize all this is passing away. None of this matters. [00:35:04] (36 seconds) #LoveGodNotWorld

It's Antichrist. Listen to me. It's not anti-religion. It's not anti-God. It's anti-Jesus. Are y'all picking up what I'm putting down? All right? I want you to hear this. In the last days, the Bible says there's going to be a whole lot of religious things, but it'll be all anti-Jesus. Antichrist. [00:37:26] (29 seconds) #AntiJesusSpirit

Whoever denies the son does not have the father. Don't be deceived. And there are religious groups right now that say, oh, I believe in the father, but I don't believe in his son. It's a lie. It's a lie. Don't follow it. That's the spirit of antichrist. It says either he who acknowledges the son has the father also. So you have the father, you got the son. You honor the son, you have the father. You ignore the son, say he's irrelevant. You'll notice that the father, the love of the father is not in you. Well, I don't believe that. It doesn't matter what you believe. You have to have the son to honor the, you have to have the son to honor the father. Why? It's only he who died for your sins. You can't go to the father except without the one who came and died for your sins. That's why every religion that says Jesus is not the Christ, the son of the living God who died for your sins is a sham and a lie according to the word of God. Well, I just don't think that's the truth. That's very inclusive. Well, I just don't really care. It's what the Bible says. Amen. Come on. How many of you know we either believe the Bible or we don't? Amen. [00:42:02] (68 seconds) #SonAndFatherOne

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the biblical understanding of original sin?

How does Jesus' blood continuously cleanse believers from sin?

What are the key signs of the spirit of Antichrist?