“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 1:7)
We will begin a new series this Sunday. We will look at the Book of 1 John.
As I read at God’s Word, it’s like spiritual nutrition. 1 John is a small portion meal to be enjoyed slowly. The contents of the book are to be enjoyed and not quickly consumed. We must chew on the contents with patience.
I am looking forward to this time together.
I’m reminded of an old story about and elderly couple that were traveling in the car, “When we dated, we always sat so close together, and now we are so far apart.” From the driver’s seat, the husband responded, “I haven’t moved from behind this wheel; if anyone has moved, it is you.”
This may help us in thinking about our relationship with God. If God seems distant to us, it is not because God has moved. If we walk in the light, we enjoy God’s purifying presence and the fellowship of all who are in the light. But if we walk in darkness—that is, away from the light of God—how can we expect to remain connected with God? We know God’s light pushes away the darkness, and Jesus comes to bring us out of our darkness (see John 8:12; 10:14-18; Luke 15). But if we continue walking in darkness, that is like running away from God.
This book was written between 85-90 AD. The main problem confronting the church, at that time, was declining commitment. Many of the believers were conforming to the world’s standards.
John wrote this letter to put the believers on track. To show the difference between light and darkness, to grow in genuine love for God and for one another.
I am looking forward to going on this journey through 1 John together.