Light
& Darkness
"Light" and "darkness" are universal
symbols in human experience and thought. In his writings, John frequently uses
the contrast of light and darkness with the following general meanings:
| The
one who says … | Light | Darkness | | | Intellectual/Experiential
Realm | Revelation,
Knowledge, Truth | Ignorance,
Error | | | Moral/Ethical
Realm | Righteousness,
Purity, Goodness | Evil,
Impurity, Badness | |
*
"Light"
in the intellectual/experiential realm is directly related to "light"
in the moral/ethical realm. Jesus said, "Everyone who does evil hates the
light …But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light" (John 3:20-21).
*
"Light" is directly associated with "life" (John 1:4; 8:12).
God
is Light
Read
1 John 1:5. The essence of God is characterized by "light." Jesus
Christ was the incarnation of divine light for humanity. Jesus said, "I am
the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5). What
About Us?
Read 1 John 1:6-10. These verses may be summarized
and organized as follows:
| "If
we claim …." | Then
… | But
if we … | Then
… | to
have fellowship with God yet walk in darkness (v.6)
| we
lie and do not live by the truth (v.6)
| walk
in the light (v.7)
| we
have fellowship with one another; and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all
sin (v.7) | to
be without sin (v.8)
| we
deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (v.8)
| confess
our sins (v.9)
| he
will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (v. 9)
| we
have not sinned (v. 10)
| we
make God out to be a liar, and his word has no place in our lives (v. 10)
|
1. As this passage states, we cannot claim to have fellowship with God if
we "walk in darkness." We must "walk in the light." How do
we "walk in the light?" What attitude is required? What actions are
needed?
"But
whoever lives by the truth comes into the light" (John 3:21)
"Your
word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path." (Psalm 119:105) 2.
What does it mean to "confess our sins?" How is confession of sins related
to fellowship with God? How might this apply to the daily life of the Christian?
The
Light of the World
While forgiveness of sins is available through Christ,
this does not give us permission to sin! Read 1 John 2:1-2. John says,
"I write this to you so that you will not sin" (2:1a). But knowing that
everyone does sin, John also shares God's gracious provision for restoration.
Jesus Christ is the "atoning sacrifice" for our sins, and the believer's
"advocate" with God the Father.
Outside
Christ / Position "in Christ"
Note:
As followers of Christ, we have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and
brought into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:12-13). Once in darkness, we are
now "light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). However, in this present age,
we still live in this dark world, and we still struggle with our old darkened
nature. Thus we look forward to the age to come, when the kingdom of light is
consummated. Reflection/Application
†
Are you experiencing fellowship with God? Are you "walking in the light?"
What do you need to do to enjoy fellowship with God? Consider John 3:19-21, 8:12;
Ephesians 4:17-5:20.
†
Is there sin in your life that you need to confess? Go to the Light.
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