SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-2:6
OBSERVATION:
John uses mysterious language to describe Jesus, first describing Him as an object (‘that which’) rather than as a person.
The Word of life refers to what Jesus is eternally, His original nature (essence, being) prior to His coming in the flesh (seen, touched, heard, appeared to us).
This being (named Jesus) came to bring us truth and life, and if we believe it, we will have fellowship with God and full joy and life.
Jesus’ message is this: God is light (purity, goodness, holiness), and if we step into Him (choose purity, goodness, holiness), then we will enjoy fellowship with God, and the death of Jesus will cover all our failure, shame, guilt.
The important thing is to admit our sin and aim for the light. He will cover for our sin if we admit it, hate it and strive to overcome it.
God cannot help those who live in denial. And only those who strive to obey are covered by Jesus.
”This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
APPLICATION:
Jesus is God’s answer to my deepest need. If I am honest about my failure, hate it, and try my best with His help, then I am covered, He speaks in my defense (I love this image).
I need to know how Jesus lived so I can imitate Him. I need to spend more time reading His biographies (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Do I have this joy, and if not, why not? Where am I not walking in the light?
I am thankful for this assurance that I am forgiven, I do feel the weight of my sinful stupidity, and am often frustrated with myself… frustrated but Not giving up, knowing God’s love and grace.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for speaking in my defense, and for showing me the way of life and love. I confess that I am slow to learn, slow to live the love You showed me. Help me to walk as You did. Amen.
John 1-2:6
John is testifying from personal experience that Jesus is eternal and is Life. We can have Life in Him; however, we can only have true fellowship with Him if we too walk in the light. The text that again really convicts me but gives great comfort is:
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Thank you Jesus for your blood that purifies me. I know that often I still slip back into the darkness. Thank you, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. I know that there is no fellowship possible with you when I deceive myself and say I’m okay and that I’m just human in my failings and shortcomings. I don’t want to be a liar Lord. Along with the psalmist I say
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
Jesus I want to be holy and walk in the light and be obedient to your word. Forgive when I fail or let me be honest when I sin. Thank you Lord for how you are refining me.
Alot of contrasts listed here in this passage – kind of like a survey, so “if you are saying and doing this” then…
So which camp am I in? Do I walk my talk?
Bottom line:
Ch2.v3- This is how we know we are in Him – I must walk as Jesus did.
Well, Jesus had a willing spirit, he was open to Gods master plan.
Am I open to God’s master plan? Am I willing to be quiet and listen to learn what God is doing around me and to join Him in the work that He is doing?
Jesus could have done a number of things in his brief life on earth (heaven knows that Satan tried to convince him to do a number of them in the wilderness!). But Jesus drew near to his father and paid attention to what was going on around him.
In John 1:14 says, ” and the word became flesh and dwelt among us”
Jesus dwelt among the people and understood the situation. He also took the time to see things on God’s point of view and to respond to it with God’s direction.
Walking in the light is not a difficult concept to understand – most of us claim it as what we want to do. What is difficult, is to take the actual steps to do just that – stepping out and being amongst our peers and community and asking God to show his heart for them and ask to join in his work to bring bring light to our communities.
The disciples walked with Jesus from day to day and Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection. Jesus used these people as His instrument to proclaim that He was risen indeed. And to all who hear and to all who proclaim that Good News have fellowship together. These fellowshippers who have decided to follow Jesus and have become Light walkers. Their sins have been forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Therefore they are able to WWJD – Walk With Jesus Daily.
Lord, help me to WWJD. Help me in my journey of learning to be a Light walker. Help me in my fellowshipping with Your people to be encouraged and to encourage so others may see You in all those who walk with their Saviour. Thank You for Your Word so that I may start with You each day so that I am able to continue my journey in joy walking in Your Sonshine.