Walk in the Light

By Rick Bayer, June 21, 2020

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.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 1:5-2:6

Three Tests to confirm you are walking in the light

1. The test. v. 1:5-10

Self-righteousness is the last idol to be taken out of the heart.

2. The test. v. 2:3-6

3. The test. v. 2:1-2

Jesus is our . v. 2:1

The gospel requires you to believe two difficult things: you are so bad that Jesus had to die for you. Jesus was so gracious he was glad to die for you. Tim Keller

Jesus is our . v. 2:2

Questions for Discipleship Groups or Self Study

  • Share your best (or worst) ‘dad joke.’

  • Read 1 John 1:5-10

  • With regards to the truth test, are you more likely to deny or excuse sin?

  • Read 1 John 2:3-6

  • Do you agree with Rick that church people can readily walk in darkness?

  • Is there an area of obedience that Jesus is calling you to?

  • Read 1 John 2:1-2

  • What does it mean for you to have Jesus as your ‘advocate’ and ‘atoning sacrifice?’

  • Do you pass the confidence test? If you were to die tonight and God were to ask you “why should I let you into my heaven?” How would you respond?

  • In response to the question, “are you a Christian?” is your answer based upon the completed work of Christ or your own efforts?