Walking in the Light

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7)

John’s message was abundantly clear: God is light and has no darkness at all.

Imagine for a moment a realm where darkness cannot exist. Only light is there, with nothing hidden and nothing fearful. That’s how Heaven operates. That’s God’s realm.

To walk in the light of a relationship with God and also to walk in darkness is not possible. That’s why John said that Christians who say that they have a relationship with God and yet are doing works of darkness are lying.

When we walk in the light of a relationship with God, a transformation happens and we experience relationship, not just with God, but also with other believers. Our unity as a church is rooted in our relationship with God and goes beyond the boundaries of the world around us. The world wants to separate based on backgrounds, denominations, and colors of skin.

We aren’t perfect. We’ve all stumbled, fell, and made mistakes with moments of darkness, but because of God’s mercy, when we do what we know—confess our sins, act in faith, and speak the Word—God not only forgives us, but He also cleanses us to be light bringers again. That cleansing also allows us to work with other believers so we can powerfully display the unity of the faith as an example to the world.

Practical Application

We can’t walk in the light if we are accepting and taking part in darkness. Decide not to support or stand with Satan’s agenda in any way. Be an advocate for truth and speak the Word uncompromisingly.

Isaiah 2:5; Ephesians 1:7

Fullness of Joy in Fellowship

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4)

John and the other apostles had a firsthand encounter with Jesus, the Living Word, and he wanted the church to share in what they experienced— a genuine relationship with the Lord. He didn’t want their faith to be founded on stories of others, but on their own personal relationship with Jesus. The core of what John was teaching the church was about fellowship with God. In fact, the Greek word for fellowship is koinonia and more perfectly means partnership. This fellowship is not just socially gathering or connecting; it means sharing life with Jesus and being a part of what He is a part of.

John explained that when Christians partake in this type of partnership, our joy can be full. The Greek word for full is pleroo and it means complete, satisfied, or even overflowing. It presents the idea of cramming a net so full of fish that there isn’t room for anything else. John’s desire was for Christians’ joy to be packed to the brim and spilling over on every side.

God wants our lives to be so full of joy that it spills over onto those near us, but that cannot happen without a personal relationship with Jesus. Relationships grow with time and communication. So, any time you invest talking to God in prayer, reading His Word, and fellowshipping with other believers is a wise investment that will pay off with a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Practical Application

Is there a lack of joy in your faith? Maybe you have neglected time with God or time with other believers. Adjust your schedule to make sure it includes prayer, Bible study and time in church so that your joy may be full!

John 15:11; John 1:24

Understanding Grace

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just. (Romans 3:5-8)

The apostle Paul asked an important question that has perplexed many Christians: Does God’s righteousness give us a pass to sin without consequences?

Paul gave his answer to the question with a resounding, “GOD FORIBD!” He entirely denied the idea that we should purposely sin to somehow magnify God’s grace.

In fact, he said, if this is the case, “then how shall God judge the world?”

Using grace as a license for sin cheapens the grace of God. God’s grace has been given to us, so we can walk in righteousness, transformed from people living in darkness to children of the light.

In fact, John tells us in 1 John 1:9 that we must confess our sins, and God, who is faithful and just, will forgive and cleanse us. That’s written to Christians. God’s grace does not negate the necessity we have to confess and ask forgiveness. God’s grace and power is given to us through forgiveness and reconciliation.

God has given us grace, not so we can keep sinning, but so that our sins can be forgiven and our heart changed.

Practical Application

Be quick to repent. We all make mistakes; the issue comes when we try to cover them up, make excuses, or pretend it did not happen. This never helps us move forward. When you sin, quickly go to God. Ask for forgiveness, receive it, and thank God, believing you will not fall into it again.

Romans 3:31; 1 Peter 2:16