Walking in the Light – 1 John 2:1-16
1. The purpose of this letter is so that you do not sin
• Romans 3-6 is one of the most comprehensive teachings we have on sin and grace.
• Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Jesus was the only exception to this as he was not born with a sin nature (Adam’s seed) but born of the Holy Spirit.
• Genesis and elsewhere says sin results in death. Genesis 3:3; Rom 6:26
• Sin is rebellion or disobedience towards God. 1 Sam 15:23
• Adam and Eve’s sin was that they disobeyed God’s command. As a result of their sin their eyes were opened to their nakedness and were ashamed resulting in them hiding from God. Genesis 3
• God hates sin because it separates us from him. Isa 59:2
• Sin means to “miss the mark” whilst repentance means to “turn around”.
• Sin is often done in darkness due to the feelings of shame and guilt it produces.
• The story of the Prodigal defines sin and repentance. Sin is when we turn our back on the father and choose our own path. Repentance is when we turn our back on sin and turn back to the father and the path he has for us. Luke 15:11-32
• There are many great men and woman of the bible who sinned. David was one such man, yet God referred to him as a “man after his heart”. Acts 13:22
• The difference between believers and non-believers is the attitude of their hearts to repentance and conviction.
• Grace does not give us a free ticket to sin, but the power to overcome. Rom 6:1-2
• Grace (unmerited favoured of God) is receiving something we don’t deserve. Mercy (our debt paid) is not receiving what we do deserve. Eph 2:8
2. Jesus is our advocate when we do sin
• Advocate comes from the Greek “paraclete” and means to come along side.
• Jesus is in heaven, at the right hand of the Father, in the courts of heaven. Rom 8:34
• Jesus is our atonement (propitiation = make right) for sin and sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat of heaven. 1 John 2:2
• Jesus Justified (paid the penalty of sin) by taking our place on the cross. Rom 5:1
• When we go to court, there are 3 positions of advocacy, in front, behind or beside.
• When the accuser comes before the throne with his allegations against us, Jesus stands with us and proclaims, “inadmissible your honour”, and shows the father our clean slate which is stained by his blood. Zech 3:1-2; Rom 8:33
• Jesus was tempted in every aspect, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. Matt 4:1-11; 1 John 2:16
• Jesus overcame temptation by the power of the Spirit (baptized in power prior) and the word of Truth (quoting God’s word).
• The Holy Spirit is also the advocate, who is now living in us, meaning he made his home in us. He continues the work of Sanctification (Holiness) in us, bringing us to perfection. John 14:26
• We are temples of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus when he walked the earth. We are able to be and do like Jesus. 1 Cor 3:16; Rom 8:11
3. When we are in Christ, our fruit is that we walk in Light
• God (Trinity) is light, there is no darkness in them. 1 John 1:5
• Light indicates that we have Christ but also indicates we have knowledge and understanding of good and evil. 2 Cor 4:6
• Evil deeds are done in darkness.
• Light shines in and dispels darkness. At night a city lit by light stands out.
• Jesus is Light to the World, but metaphorically and spiritually, bringing illumination to our hearts and symbolizing a light to those in darkness.
• We are a city on a hill, light of the world, called to spread light in the world. Matt 5:14
• Love is a direct result of walking in light. If we hate, then we are not walking in Light. Matt 22:35-40
• Love is a fruit of the Spirit, indicating we have the Spirit at work in us. Gal 5
• Walking in Light, results in our spiritual develop. From “children” to “young men” to “fathers”. Children need their parents; young men need guidance; whilst fathers bring direction and correction. Rod and Staff
LIGHT Acronym
L = LIGHT results in LIFE and is displayed in LOVE
I = ILLUMINATION, the work of the Holy Spirit in us to God’s truth.
G = GROWTH, which comes from being in the Light (SON).
H = HARSH, when we are in darkness, light can feel harsh, it expels darkness and often results in conviction of sin.
T = TRUST, we won’t be ashamed of our sin and honour God with our lives and remain in him and be at peace and safety.
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