New Series: Being Light in a Dark World: A Study of 1 John
Sermon Recap
John now turns from the reality of Jesus to
the character of God: “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” Light
describes God’s absolute holiness and truth. If we claim fellowship with Him,
our lives cannot be defined by hiding in darkness while insisting that nothing
needs to change.
Walking in the light does not mean Christians
never sin. John immediately tells believers what to do when they do: confess
rather than conceal, trust Christ’s cleansing rather than excuse sin, and obey
Jesus rather than merely claim to know Him. Fellowship with Christ brings us
out of hiding and into an honest life of repentance, forgiveness, obedience,
and growing freedom from sin’s control.
1 John 1:5-2:6
Walking in the Light
[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. (ESV)
Christ Our Advocate
[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. (ESV)
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you most in 1 John 1:5-2:6?
- What is the difference between walking in darkness and struggling with sin while walking in the light?
- Why is confession difficult for us?
- How does Jesus as our advocate change the way we respond when we fail?
- Where are you tempted to hide, minimize, or excuse sin?
- What area of obedience is Christ currently pressing on in your life?
- Do you have someone in your life who serves as your accountability partner?
Closing Thoughts
A church that walks in the light should be a
place where people do not have to pretend. Because Jesus cleanses and advocates
for sinners, we can confess honestly, receive grace, and help one another
pursue holiness. As a group, practice the kind of fellowship that tells the
truth about sin without abandoning grace. That kind of community becomes a
powerful witness in a culture built on image management and hiding.
END
A Devotion for this Lesson:
1 John 1:7 (NIV)
“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.”
Light reveals what darkness hides. And when we walk with God, His light reveals not only His holiness but also the areas of our lives that need His transforming grace.
Walking in the light doesn't mean we never stumble or sin. It means we stop making excuses, hiding our failures, or pretending we have everything together. Instead, we confess our sins, trust in Christ's forgiveness, and allow God's Word to change how we live.
The wonderful truth is that God doesn't expose our sin to drive us away from Him, but to lead us toward the forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
So, don't be afraid of the light. When God reveals something in your life that needs to change, respond with honesty and humility. His grace is greater than your failure, and His desire is to help you grow in holiness and become more like Jesus.
Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you've been making
excuses instead of allowing God's light
to bring change?
Prayer:
Father, help me walk in Your light today.
Give me the courage to acknowledge my sins, receive Your forgiveness, and obey Your Word.
May my life increasingly reflect the character of Jesus.
Amen.
