1 John 1:6-10 Walking in the Light

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. If we say that 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.If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:6-10

Have you ever felt like you were walking in darkness, unsure of where to turn or what to do? Maybe you've struggled with sin and guilt, feeling too far gone ever to be forgiven. If so, you're not alone. In 1 John chapter 1, the author reminds us of the importance of walking in the light in our relationship with God and with one another.

The chapter begins with a powerful declaration of the author's experience of the Word of Life, Jesus Christ. He had seen, heard, and touched Him, his testimony to others. He wanted them to know that eternal life with the Father had been manifested to them. This is a reminder that we, too, can experience the reality of Jesus in our lives, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

However, the author says that if we say we have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, we are liars and do not practice the truth. Only by walking in the light can we have true fellowship with God and one another. This means being honest about our struggles and weaknesses and allowing God's light to expose and transform our hearts.

But what about when we do stumble and fall into sin? The author reminds us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This beautiful promise speaks to the depth of God's love and mercy for us. No matter how far we may have strayed, we can always return to Him and find forgiveness and restoration.

Commit to walking in the light of God's truth and grace. Be honest about struggles and weaknesses, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess our sins. Let us seek to live in fellowship with one another, being quick to forgive and extend grace to those around us, for it is in walking in the light that we find true freedom, joy, and life in Jesus Christ.

Study Q1What does it mean to walk in the light, and why is it important?

What does the author say about those who claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness?

How does confessing our sins lead to forgiveness and cleansing?

What is the promise of God's love and mercy for us, even when we stumble and fall into sin?

Point of Application:

As you read through 1 John chapter 1, reflect on your walk with God. Are there areas where you've been walking in darkness, keeping secrets and hiding from His light? Confess those things to Him, knowing He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Commit to walking in the light of His truth and grace and seek fellowship with one another. Let us extend grace and forgiveness to those around us, just as Christ has done for us. Remember that walking in the light makes us find true freedom, joy, and life in Jesus Christ.

1 John 2

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. - 1 John 2:9-10

As followers of Jesus, we all desire to know Him more deeply and to live in a way that honours and pleases Him. But what does it mean to know Jesus truly? In 1 John chapter 2, the author gives insight into this question by encouraging us to walk in obedience and love.

The chapter begins with a reminder that our knowledge of Jesus is about obeying His commands and not just about having the right beliefs. The author writes, "We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, 'I know Him,' but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person" (1 John 2:3-4).

However, some people interpret the meaning of "keeping His commands" differently and may use this text as evidence for reverting to the law.

The idea that "keeping His commands" in 1 John refers to a return to legalism or obedience to the Mosaic Law is not in keeping with the context of 1 John or the broader message of the New Testament. 1 John emphasizes that the new covenant in Christ is one of grace and love rather than law (1 John 4:7-12). The author stresses that obedience to Christ is a matter of love, not legalism, and that true obedience consists of a genuine relationship with Him (1 John 2:3-6).

According to the context of the book of 1 John, keeping His commands means obeying Jesus Christ and living a life that is consistent with His teachings. The commands of Jesus are summarized as loving God and loving one another (Matthew 22:37-40). The author of 1 John emphasizes that faithful obedience to Christ involves more than just a surface-level adherence to these commands, but a deep and sincere commitment to following His ways in all areas of life. This involves walking in the light, confessing our sins, and striving to live a pure and holy life, as He is pure and holy. Ultimately, keeping His commands is a manifestation of our love for Him, and a reflection of our desire to honour and glorify Him with our lives.

This may seem like a harsh standard, but it is a gracious invitation to walk in the freedom and joy of a life aligned with God's will. When we obey His commands, we experience the fullness of His love and the blessings that come with living in a relationship with Him.

But the author doesn't stop there. He says the one who loves God must also love their brother and sister. "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble" (1 John 2:9-10).

This reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is not just about our piety but about how we live with those around us. When we love our brothers and sisters, we live in the light of His love and grace and witness His gospel's transformative power.

So today, let us seek to know Jesus more deeply through obedience to His commands and love for those around us. Let us walk in the light of His truth and grace and be a light to the world through our love and service to others, for it is in knowing and loving Jesus that we find our life’s true purpose and joy.

Study questions:

What does it mean to truly know Jesus according to 1 John 2?

How does the author of 1 John emphasize the importance of obedience to Christ as a matter of love rather than legalism?

What are the commands of Jesus and how can we live a life consistent with His teachings?

Why is loving our brothers and sisters essential in our relationship with Jesus?

How can obedience to Christ and love for others bring freedom and joy in our lives?

Points of application:

We can deepen our relationship with Jesus by obeying His commands and living a life consistent with His teachings.

Our obedience to Christ should come from a place of love rather than legalism, and we should strive to follow His ways in all areas of our lives.

We can show our love for Jesus by loving those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Confessing our sins and striving to live a pure and holy life can help us walk in the light of His truth and grace.

As we seek to know and love Jesus more deeply, let us also be a light to the world through our love and service to others.