Walking in the Light & True Fellowship....
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This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: 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.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Observation - This verse is about who God is and who we are in relationship to him. It reflects how we should be in fellowship with other believers. God is light. We are to be a reflection of his light. Because there is no darkness in him, we too should not live in a state of darkness. God has already stated that we sin and has made a remedy for it - Jesus. When we admit our sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us and gives us forgiveness.
Application - Because I am a follower of Christ I need to follow his example. I need to show love, compassion, mercy, etc. I need to speak the truth in love. I should not follow the world's example of hate, selfishness, indifference, etc. However, there will be times when I do not follow his example and I sin. I need to confess my sin to God and to others I've wronged.
Prayer - Father, I want to follow you. I want to follow you in my words, thoughts, and actions. You know I am not perfect and will never be perfect this side of heaven. I will not always follow you. In those times help me to confess my sin to you and those I've wronged. Thank you for forgiving me because of what Jesus did on the cross. In Jesus name, amen.
The video below is from a previous GMG Bible study on 1 st John. I think it goes well with today's post.
There is also a teaching by John Piper of Desiring God Ministries on 1 John 5-10.
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