LIGHT/DARK

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Following on from the previous passage from 1 John, we are taught more about what walking in the light of Christ looks and feels like for the follower of Jesus. 

Nicodemus

As we get into this next idea, let’s pause and return to the words of Jesus as he spoke to Nicodemus concerning the necessity of being born again through faith. In this message, Jesus not only spoke to the necessity of faith in the Son of God, but he also spoke to how this faith would bring change into our lives. Listen in:

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

(John 3:19-21 NIV11)

Cannot

Jesus Christ made it plainly and painfully clear, if we are in Christ we will not be able to continue to live in sin. As Jesus put it, we cannot be in darkness and light at the same time. The work of redemption and the filling of the Holy Spirit preclude all believers from living successfully in both camps. 

We can try to feed our flesh and worldly desires as believers in Jesus, after all, this is simply known to us as sin. We can try and be people whose treasure is here on earth and in our own hands, but if we are held in the hands of Christ, we will be unsuccessful in our rebellion. 

Jesus has made it clear, if we live in the truth of the Gospel, the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ, our sin and rebellion will be exposed by the light of Christ and we will not be able to entertain both darkness and light. 

If we persist in sin, this darkness will be exposed. This is not to shame us or harm us, but to help us avoid the wages of sin. When we live in the dark, we suffer. When we live in the light of Christ, we grow. God loves us too much to let us remain in our dark places. He will call us out into his glorious light.

Next

This brings us to the next passage from 1 John that we need to read:

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 

2:1 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. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

(1 John 1:8-2:1 NIV11)

Hidden

Have you ever played hide-and-seek with a small child that believes that if they cannot see you, then you cannot see them? They close their eyes tightly or cover their head in hopes that you will then look past their perfect hiding spot. 

Those who profess to follow Christ and who still believe that they can fool God and fool others into believing that they are obeying the Lord while continuing on in sin are like these children. But the truth is, nothing is ever hidden from God. 

No Fear

If we are attempting to live two lives, one in sin and the other in Christ, we will soon discover the futility of this attempted deception. When the Lord convicts us and disciplines us for our continued relationship to sin, this is for our good. 

As we hear in this passage, there is no reason to fear the light of Christ. Jesus Christ is our atoning sacrifice. He has laid down his life for you. In your place, he was crucified for your sin. As such, Jesus is on your side. He is your advocate, your support, your strength, your very righteousness before the Father. 

Come Out

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, then it is time to come out of the dark. Turn away from that area of rebellion and sin. Let go of those addictions and habits. See the ugly truth of your old fleshly ways now that you are filled with his glorious light. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you amaze me. You know all about my failures and sins and yet you love me through it all. You do not turn away from me, even though I can be repulsive as I wrestle with my old desires. Thank you for being so patient and loving. Now Lord, help me turn from these areas of darkness and fill me completely with your glorious light.

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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