Prayer: For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Continue Your love to those who know You, Your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen thrown down, not able to rise (Psalms 36:9-12). Protect us, Oh, God, against all temptations and those who would harm us, In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Main Scripture: Read 1 John 1:1-10.
Vs. 5b. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
Associated Scriptures:
Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations (Isaiah 51:4).
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105).
Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:12).
Correlative Quotes:
Light is essential, and they that walk with him must be as of many crystal classes with a light in the midst; for can two walk together, and they not be agreed (Amos 3:3).[1] – John Trapp
What light is in the natural world, that God, the source of even material light, is in the spiritual, the fountain of wisdom, purity, beauty, joy, and glory. As all material life and growth depends on light, so all spiritual life and growth depends on God. As God here, so Christ, in 1John 2:8, is called "the true light." Strong negation; Greek, "No, not even one speck of darkness…" – Jameson,
Study:
“God is light.” The beginning phrase of verse 5 is simple to understand and doesn’t require a lot of explanation. God provides the light that allows us to see. Without light we would not survive, so God’s physical light is primal to our existence. No light, no physical life.
God also provides spiritual light. Spiritual light is essential to our relationship with God. No light, no relationship. No relationship, no eternal life.
The light that came into the world (vs. 9) was the physical representation of God on earth (vs. 10). His name is Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Most people in the world did not and still do not choose to accept the light (vs. 11, John 3:19). But those who have received the light (vs. 12) were born of God (John 3:5). This is not a physical birth but instead a spiritual rebirth. This rebirth of the spirit does not change our earthly heritage but gives us a new Father and a new family. We now become the children of God (vs. 13). When we receive the light, we receive the gift of life, eternal life. God’s light means life in and from God. Those who accepted the light by believing in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10) are born again by the spirit of God or saved.
These two verses, 1 Corinthians 2:14 and Psalm 119:130, show an interesting but profound contrast. The verse in 1 Corinthians explains that those who do not have the light, because they don’t believe in God, cannot understand the things of God. They may be able to quote verses, they may even be able to give a general picture of what the verses are trying to say, but they cannot interpret the verse in light of its true meaning. Since they do not have the Holy Spirit to explain the Word’s life-altering spiritual substance, they are blind to the truth.
On the other hand, in Psalm 119:130 the “unfolding” of the Word, the spiritual significance of each word or phrase can be understood by even those who are uneducated in life or are spiritual babes in Christ. Not only can we understand and apply the Word’s current implication for our lives, as we grow, but the same verses will also have a deeper or more profound context for our lives. God’s truth grows with us. Since God is Truth, everything He tells us through the Word is the truth, everything. We may not always like it or agree with it, but it’s always the truth.
If we have the light, we must emulate that light. Light cannot be hidden. God’s light requires alteration in the way we think and how we act toward Him, ourselves and to others. We have become new creatures in Jesus. We will never be the same again.
Throughout history, the influence Jesus had on the lives of people has never been surpassed. No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers. People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed. Their outlook on life is altered forever. Staying true to their faith, they do not hesitate to face hardship, persecution and even death. Many consecrate their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires.[2]
You may be saying, "I can change." I hate to say this, but you can't. …Why? Because you can't change on your own; you need God's power. You need a Savior, someone who can make the changes you can't make yourself. Let me make an important point here: God never wastes energy. He doesn't waste effort on things that are unnecessary. In other words, if you didn't need a Savior, he wouldn't have sent one. The very fact that God sent a Savior means you need one.[3] – Rick Warren
Summary Statement:
Our salvation opened the door to God’s light. His light has given us eternal life. His word has opened our eyes to another world; a world filled with the freedom that comes through knowing Him as our savior. A new life has been given to us since we have become new creatures in Christ. We now have the freedom to live a life worthy of God’s original creative plan. We live that life in and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lesson within the Lesson:
Explain how God’s light leads to eternal life.
What changes in your life have you experienced through salvation?
How has the truth of God’s word impacted your life?
Give an example of how God’s power has become available to you?
[1] John Trapp, John Trapp Complete Commentary, Public Domain, © 1647, Printed by A. M. for John Bellamy at the sign of the Three Golden Lions, Cornbill, P. 466.
[2] Power to Change Ministries, © 2015, all right reserved, powertochange.com/
discover/faith/whoisjesus6/
[3] Rick Warren, You Need God’s Power to Change, Daily Hope with Rick Warren © 2015.
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