WALK IN THE LIGHT

PROCLAMATION

“… God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle John, under the inspiration of The Holy Spirit of God, to all believers.  John begins this first epistle by proclaiming that Jesus, The Christ, rose from the dead and he saw Him, heard Him, and touched Him. (1 John 1:1-3)  In this letter he is declaring to them what he heard from Christ. (1 John 1:4-5)  He said that God is light and there is no darkness in Him.  John told them if they walk in the light, the blood of Christ Jesus covers them and purifies them from all sin.  He said, if we claim to have fellowship with Christ and yet we walk in darkness, then we lie. (1 John 1:5-7)  He also says that we lie if we claim to be without sin. (1 John 1:8 and 1:10)  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

 

APPLICATION

Most people do not like to be told that they are sinners and that their parents were sinners also.  The truth is that all of us are sinners. (Romans 3:23)  The only difference between us is that some of us have accepted Christ, confessed our sins, and we have been forgiven, while others have not done so.  Believers have chosen to walk a different path and we walk in the light along the least-travelled path. (Matthew 7:14)  Many people deny Christ and have chosen to remain in darkness and walk the well-travelled wide path which leads to destruction. (Matthew 7:13)  Jesus, The Christ, said, “I am the way…” (John 14:6) and He also said, “I am the light of the world …” (John 8:12)  We have a choice, we can choose whether or not we want to walk in the light.  Please choose wisely because there are eternal consequences for our choice.

BELIEVERS MUST WALK IN THE LIGHT NOT IN DARKNESS

Proclamation:

“If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out 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, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:6-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle John, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to all who believed in Jesus, The Christ.  He begins this letter by stating that he heard, saw, and touched Christ, and he was sharing what he saw and heard with them. (1 John 1:1-4)  He said that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)  Those who claim to walk with Him but walk in darkness are liars.  He also said that those who claim to be without sin also lie and deceive themselves. (1 John 1:8 and 10)  Then he said, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Application:

We cannot walk with Christ and hold hands with the devil.  We cannot serve to masters. (Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13)  Some people do no like to hear this, but all of us have sinned. (Romans 3:23)  If we say that we, or anybody else that we know, have not sinned, then we are lying.  On our own, none of us is righteous. (Romans 3:10)  All of us should admit that we have sinned, then we should pray and ask to be forgiven, and He will forgive us. (1 John 1:9)

BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU ASSOCIATE WITH

Proclamation:

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler.  Do not even eat with such people.”  1 Corinthians 5:11 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Paul began this chapter by telling them that it had been reported that there was sexual immorality among them.  Not only was there fornication among them but some of the men were sleeping with their father’s wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)  Members of the church knew about this but did not do anything about it and Paul urged them to take action. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)  He had written to them previously warning them not to associate with sexually immoral people (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) and now he was being more specific in this letter. (The epistle entitled First Corinthians is actually the second of four letters written by Paul to the believers at Corinth.)

Application:

We may not have control over who is in our family, or the people that we work with, but we choose our friends.  We need to give some thought to the people that we choose to spend time with.  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)  None of us is perfect, we have all sinned. (Romans 3:23)  This is not to say that we should not speak to non-believers or back-sliders.  However, if we continually spend time with unapologetically, incorrigible sinful people, what does that say about us?  We should fellowship with people who share our beliefs, values and principals. (1 John 1:7)  We should not fellowship with those who continually walk in darkness. (Ephesians 5:11)  We really should not call ourselves “Christian” if we continue to walk in darkness with our sinful friends. (1 John 1:6)  Once we accepted Christ we were changed into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we should put away our old sinful ways, and our old sinful friends.

LEAD A BLAMELESS LIFE AND PUT NOTHING VILE BEFORE YOUR EYES

Proclamation:

“I will be careful to lead a blameless life … I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.  I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.  I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.”  Psalm 101:2-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm were written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Before he became king, David was careful to behave wisely and walk in God’s way.  That is why King Saul feared him and hated him, and that is why the people loved him. (1 Samuel 18:14-15)  David said that he would rule his own house well, with integrity of heart, and in a sincere and upright manner.  He would be an example to his family and to all good men.  He said that he would not put anything vile, lustful, evil, or representing idols before his eyes, nor would he meditate on those things.  He would meditate on The Lord. (Psalm 16:8)  This was all long before his unfaithful episode with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:1-5)  Many Bible scholars believe that David was speaking prophetically regarding the reign of Christ is this psalm and not about his own life.

Application:

It is not possible for us to live a life without committing a sin. (Romans 3:23)  However, we should strive to live a sin-free, blameless life.  Our goal should be to conduct our lives in such a manner which would be pleasing to The Lord.  We should endeavor to walk in the light, and in an upright and righteous way. (1 John 1:7)  Our behavior should be a Christ-like example to our family, friends, and to all of the people that we encounter.  The books that we read and the movies that we watch should not be vile, evil, pornographic, or demonic.  We should not even think about those things.  We should not let the ungodly, worldly people influence us to participate in things which would displease God.  We should be involved in and meditate on things which are true, honest, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and Godly. (Philippians 4:8)  We should read and meditate on The Word of God day and night. (Psalm 1:2)

JOY COMES TO THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT

Proclamation:

“Let those who love The Lord hate evil … Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.  Rejoice in The Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.”  Psalm 97:10-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm are thought to have been written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  It presents the same subject and argument as the preceding psalm, the coming of the kingdom of Christ.  This psalm provides descriptive imagery regarding the coming of The Lord.  It ends with a focus of the light of The Lord shining on the righteous.

Application:

Those of us who love The Lord cannot also love the things which The Lord hates.  We cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24)  Believers love The Lord and must walk in the light and let His light shine through us for the world to see. (John 8:12, Matthew 5:16, and 1 John 1:7)  He will show us the way, guide our feet and a light unto our pathway, if we follow His word. (Psalm 119:105)  Blessings are in store for those of us who are upright in heart.  So, let us rejoice in The Lord and praise His holy and righteous name.  He is coming back.

I TRUST IN THE LORD GOD AND I WILL NOT BE AFRAID

Proclamation:

“In God, whose word I praise, in The Lord, whose word I praise; in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can man do to me?  I am under vows to You, my God; I will present my thank offerings to You.  For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”  Psalm 56:10-13 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King David.  He began this psalm asking God to be merciful to him because of his enemies. (Psalm 56:1-2)  Then he confidently states that he will trust in The Lord. (Psalm 56:3-4)  Later he repeats these words (Psalm 56:10-11) but he says it twice using two different names for God.  In verse 10 he uses “Elohim” denoting God of justice.  In verse 11 he uses “Jehovah” denoting God of mercy.  He also repeats the question, “What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:4 and 11)  He knows that he belongs to God, and that God has delivered him from death in the past.  Because of God’s help in the past he is able to walk in His sight, being fully exposed knowing that God can see his heart, thoughts, and actions.  He is able to walk according to the word and the will of God.

Application:

As believers we know, intellectually, that God is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time, but we do not behave as if we really believe it.  We know that God is in control, yet we worry, we let worldly things upset us, we fear things and people, and we do not always follow The Word of God.  We know what He has done in the past, and we need to trust Him in the present and for the future.  We need to pray for mercy and forgiveness, and for help to walk uprightly in His sight least we stumble and fall back into sin. 

SUBMIT AND BE TRANSFORMED AND WALK IN THE LIGHT

Proclamation:

“But if we walk in the light, as He is The Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle John, the youngest of the twelve disciples who often referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23)  John wanted the people of God to know that the only way they could have true fellowship with The Lord God and with each other was if they walked in The Light and behaved in a Christ-like manner.  However, only those who believe and submit to Him will be purified from sin.

Application:

As most people come to the end of the calendar year, they complain about how bad the year was for them and they hope that things will be better in the New Year.  We cannot change the events of life, all we can do is change how we respond to them.  Some of our problems are due to our bad habits and our bad choices, so for a better year we need to change.  We can develop a new habit by deciding to do something differently and then doing it daily for seven days.  However, the only way to become a truly new and better person in the New Year is if God changes us.  Only if we have The Spirit of God within us will we have the desire to do His will.  And, only if we submit ourselves to Him, will we be able to resist the devil and his temptations, and cause him to flee from us, which will allow us to have and enjoy a much better life. (James 4:7)  The LORD God appeared to King Solomon, after he had built the temple, and said "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)  The only way that we can be sure of a better life in the upcoming year is if we submit to Christ.  Therefore, I urge you, do not conform to the sinful pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able enjoy God's will. (Romans 12:2)  If we want a different outcome next year, then we must behave differently.  Submit to The Lord God, be transformed, and walk in The Light in the New Year.

WALK IN THE LIGHT AND NOT IN THE DARK

Proclamation:

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  David knew that without the help and guidance from The Lord that he would wander down the wrong path.  By meditating on The Word of God (Psalm 119:97) and by obeying it kept him from going down the evil path. (Psalm 119:101)  The Word of God illuminated his path and gave him directions. 

Application:

The steps and directions of a good man are ordered by The Lord God. (Psalm119:133)  If we read, study, and obey The Word of God and acknowledge His influence in our lives, then He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:6)  It is not wise for us to walk down the dark road of life by ourselves.  If we choose to do that then we are sure to stumble.  We need to let The Lord God direct us, and provide the light on our path.  As we plan, begin, continue, and complete every work and purpose in this life, we need to include God in it.  For it is in Him that we live, move, and have our very being. (Acts 17:28)  Walk in the light of the presence of The Lord and be blessed. (Psalm 89:15)

WALK IN THE LIGHT

Proclamation:

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in The Light of Your presence, Lord.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.” Psalm 89:15-16

Explanation:

This Psalm was written by Ethan, the Ezrahite, who was distinguished for his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:31)  Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God Ethan wrote about God’s mercy and truth, the glory of God, and the happiness of those in communion with Him.

Application:

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we don't walk in The Light very well.  We can only walk in The Light for a short while before we fall down and sin in our thoughts, words, or deeds.  Sometimes we are like a toddler learning to walk, we take a few steps then we fall down. When we try to walk in The Light, we don't get very far before we have a sinful thought and fall. With the help of The Holy Spirit we get back up and begin again to walk the walk of the Christian way.  It is much harder to 'walk the walk' than it is to 'talk the talk'.  Our goal should be to walk in The Light all day long, every day, in heaven.  However, while we are down here on earth the plan should be to walk in The Light a little bit longer each time between our falls. 

OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

Proclamation:

”If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin."  1 John 1:6-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded in this general epistle that we cannot have a fellowship with The Lord God if we do not obey His Word.  We must believe and walk in His way, in His light, and maintain fellowship with our Christian brothers, if we want Him to cleanse us and forgive us of our sins.

Application:

Many people claim to be Christian, but their actions do not support their claim.  Believers must walk with The Lord God, as Enoch (Genesis 5:22) and Noah (Genesis 6:9) did.  Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Christ as our personal savior, then we will be saved and our relationship with The Lord God is secure. (Romans 10:9)  We may be in or out of fellowship with Him, based upon our behavior, but our relationship does not change.  Just as we are still our parents children even when they punish us or put us out of their house.  The fellowship may be broken but the relationship is still the same.  We still sin, we confess our sins, we ask to be forgiven, (1 John 1:9), and then we persevere and continue to walk in His way. (Ephesians 6:18)   By walking His way and obeying His Word, we demonstrate and maintain our fellowship with God.

Rejoice And Praise God All Day Long

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness."  Psalms 89:15-16 (NIV)

This psalm, recorded by Ethan under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, is a song of lament and of hope.  The psalmist knew that the people of God were suffering, and he knew of God's promise.  He also knew that, regardless of their circumstances, the people of God should praise Him. (Psalms 89:5)  He stated that the people who had learned to make a joyful noise unto The Lord would be blessed.  Those who walk His way, and who praise His name, in spite of their situation, would be exalted.  

We must learn to rejoice and be joyful.  Joy, like the peace of God, the world cannot give it, and the world cannot take it away. (John 14:27)  Joy is a gift from God. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)  When we rejoice in The Lord, our soul will be joyful. (Isaiah 61:10)  Since God has given us the joy in our spirit, it is up to us to learn to look at every situation as part of His purpose for us, and count all things as joyful. (James 1:2)  If we can see God's hand in everything, then it will be easier for us to praise Him and to be joyful all day long.

The Lord God Keeps Our Light Burning

"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."  Psalms 18:28 (NIV)  The King James Version of The Bible reads; "For thou wilt light my candle, The Lord, my God will enlighten my darkness."

King David penned this psalm as a song of deliverance.  In this psalm he records what God has done for His chosen people, and specifically what He has done for David himself.  Here he states that it was The Lord God who brought him out of trouble and darkness, and into His marvelous light.

When we were walking in darkness, we were lost, undergoing disappointment and discouragements, trials and tribulations, all without hope.  It was The Lord God who turned our darkness into light, showed us the right way, and provided a light on our path for our feet. (Psalms 119:105)  The moment that we believed, The Holy Spirit of God entered into us, and changed us. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, and 2 Corinthians 5:17)  He enlightened our mind and our heart.  The light that He lit within us, was so that we could be a light to a world that is struggling in darkness. (Matthew 5:14-16)  He made disciples of us so that we could go forth and make disciples of others. (Matthew 28:19 in the ASV, ESV, NAS, NIV, NKJV, NLT, and  RSV Bible versions)  We were spiritually enlightened so that we could enlighten others.  He keeps our light burning only because He still has work for us to do. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 and John 9:4)

Our Fellowship With God

"If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin."  1 John 1:6-7 (NIV)

The Apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recorded in this general epistle that we cannot have a fellowship with The Lord God if we do not obey His Word.  We must believe and walk in His way, in His light, and maintain fellowship with our Christian brothers, if we want Him to cleanse us and forgive us of our sins.

Many people claim to be Christian, but their actions do not support their claim.  Believers must walk with The Lord God, as Enoch (Genesis 5:22) and Noah (Genesis 6:9) did.  Once we believe that Jesus, The Christ, is The Son of God who was raised from the dead, and accept Christ as our personal savior, then we will be saved and our relationship with The Lord God is secure. (Romans 10:9)  We may be in or out of fellowship with Him, based upon our behavior, but our relationship does not change.  We still sin, we confess our sins, we ask to be forgiven, (1 John 1:9), and then we persevere and continue to walk in His way. (Ephesians 6:18)   By walking His way and obeying His Word, we demonstrate and maintain our fellowship with God.

The Light Of The World

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' "  John 8:12 (NIV)

The Apostle John again records the words of Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to the people gathered in the courts of the temple.  Here Jesus spoke the second of the great "I AM" statements and said "I AM the light of the world".  In this metaphor Jesus said that He eluminates and enlightens the way for those who believe so that they will not be lost in the darkness of ignorance or lack understanding.  The scriptures also refer to The Messiah as a light. (Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 49:6, and Isaiah 60:1-3 & 19-20)

In this second "I AM" statement, Jesus declared that He is "the light" to show the way for the world so that we would not have to continue to be lost in darkness. (John 1:4-5 & 1 John 1:5)  Jesus is the "light" of salvation and the "light" of God.  He not only lights the way to salvation, (Psalms 27:1), He also enlightens us and gives us "the light of life" which is wisdom and understanding. (Luke 2:32)  He indwells those who believe, and it is His light that shines forth from us when we obey Him and do His will. (Matthew 5:16)  Because He is in us, and we are in Him, we should seek to do that which pleases Him, to follow Him, to walk with Him, and to avoid that which is darkness and sinful. (Ephesians 5:8-14)   We need to pray that He will help us to walk in His light.

Praise The Lord And Be Blessed

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD."  Psalms 89:15 (NIV)

The psalmist states that those who shout for joy and pay homage to God are blessed.  They are blessed to be guided by, and to walk, in the light of God's presence. 

As we rejoice and praise God, we are granted God's favor.  If  we really want to be blessed and highly favored, then we must repeatedly give God thanks, praise, honor, and glory for the things that He has done for us.  The more we acknowledge Him, the more likely we are to be blessed by Him.