Theme: “Letters to the Churches: What is the Lord saying to us?”
Topic: Walking in the Light
Main Text: 1 John 1:1-10
Key verse: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NKJV
Introduction:
The writer of 1 John, the Apostle John, begins by explaining why his message should be believed. He offers firsthand evidence: He and the other disciples had seen, touched, and heard Jesus personally, having walked closely with Him for over three years. John includes this testimony to establish credibility, knowing that without it, some might dismiss the message as mere imagination or hearsay. Then, he delivers a profound revelation: Jesus is the Word of Life; He is life itself. God is Light, and as His children, we are called to walk in that same light. These truths are foundational to being in right relationship with God and with our fellow believers. But John makes it clear: the key is first acknowledging our sin, confessing it, and turning away from it. Only then can the blood of Jesus cleanse us and restore our fellowship with the Father. Finally, John speaks of joy; “full joy”. A joy that brings it all together and makes living in the light not only possible but deeply fulfilling.
Q1. (1a) What does it mean that Jesus existed before time began? (1b) How does understanding Jesus as the “Word of Life” affect your view of the Bible and your relationship with Him? (1c) Why is it important to believe that Jesus came in human form and not as a spirit or an idea? Discuss the ways in which believing in Jesus’ divine nature should bring joy to the daily life of a Christian.
Paragraph 2:
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16 NKJV). This was not just an encouragement, it was a statement of identity, a call to action, and, in many ways, a command: “You are the light of the world.” Jesus went on to teach some powerful, non-negotiable truths about light: it cannot be hidden; it is not lit to be covered; and when it shines, it shines for all; it is not selective. He made it clear that our lives are to shine for others to see, not for our own glory, but so that God may be glorified through us. This is the essence of the Christian life. We reflect the light of the One to whom we belong. The Apostle John draws from this same truth in his letter, writing, “If we say that we have fellowship with God, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6 NKJV). Light and darkness are mutually exclusive. They cannot coexist. Therefore, whenever our light is compromised by sin, we must act immediately: acknowledge it, confess it, and repent, so that our fellowship with God is restored and our light can shine again. It is like a lantern that’s been filled with contaminated oil. Its light dims or flickers. But once the impure oil is removed and replaced with clean fuel, the lantern burns brightly once again.
Q2. Read Ephesians 5:8-11; 1 Thess 5:5, 8; Romans 13:12-14 (2a) What does it look like practically, to “walk in the light” in your everyday life? (2b) Why do you think walking in the light is described as non-negotiable for Christians?” (2c) How does knowing that “God is Light” influence the way you see your sin or your lifestyle?
Paragraph 3:
The Bible asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3 NKJV). Sin disrupts our fellowship with God because it places us out of alignment with Him. We’re no longer walking in agreement. But God, in His love and mercy, continually calls us back. In Genesis 3:9 (NKJV), when God called out to Adam, “Where are you?” it wasn’t because God did not physically know where Adam was! It was an invitation for Adam to recognize his broken state and return through confession and repentance. This same principle is echoed in 1 John 1:9, which assures us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confession is not about condemnation; it’s about restoration. It keeps our relationship with God open, honest, and thriving. Without it, we live in self-deception and drift from His presence. But when we humbly confess and turn away from sin, God, like the father of the prodigal son, welcomes us with open arms. Through confession and repentance, the blood of Jesus cleanses us, and we are restored to joyful, intimate fellowship with our Father once again.
Q3. Read Proverbs 28:13; Acts 3:19; Matthew 3:2 (3a) Why is confession of sin essential for fellowship with God? What might keep someone from acknowledging their sin before God? (3b) How does God’s promise to forgive and cleanse encourage you to come to Him honestly? (3c) How can regular confession and repentance strengthen your relationship with God and others?
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for calling us to walk in the light even as You are in the light. Help us to live a life of holiness and purity and to daily walk in obedience to You. In Jesus’Name we pray. Amen