Walking in the light. A series on 1 John Part 3 (1 John 2:1-17)



Read 1 John 2:1-17


To "walk in the light" might seem like a strange expression, but John explains what it means in today's text. It's not a literal light, but the light of God and His Word. What is walking in the light? Well, the text tells us that to walk in the light is not to sin but to strive to be obedient to God's Word. You must strive to know God. How does one get to know God? By reading His Word! When we read His Word, we learn that it also means we must strive to live Christ-like lives. The Word of God must live in us; we must not be liars or haters. When we do walk in the light, John tells us that our sins are forgiven because Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. Just as one has an advocate before the judge in court, we have Jesus to go before our heavenly judge. Our love for God will be seen in obedience to Him, and "God's love is truly made complete." John is telling the reader that true light is the gospel of Jesus Christ and the salvation it brings to believers. If you say you know Him but do not obey, then you are a liar. John wants it to be clear that when you know God and love Him, you will be obedient to His commands. Yet, despite stressing this point with repetition, John also wants the readers to know he believes they are already forgiven and have overcome the evil one through the winning work of Christ.

   He shows affection for the readers by using terms of endearment. He isn't literally speaking just to the children, sons, or fathers. It's more likely that John was speaking in terms of spiritual maturity. 

   So what can we take from all this? To love God, one must seek to know Him through His Word. When you sincerely love God it will be seen in your obedience to Him. Our salvation, however, does not depend on our own actions but on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. What an amazing gift of grace; how can we not seem to know such an amazing God!

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