1 John 1:5-2:2
Introduction:
1. We have already seen that a key element of our joy being full is the fellowship we share with the Father, the Son, and one another.
2. In this section, we look at how Christ makes this fellowship possible as well as what is demanded of us to remain in that fellowship.
Discussion:
I. The Incompatibility of Light and Darkness
A. Light and darkness are consistently antithetical in the Scriptures.
1. At times, the contrast is in illumination of right and wrong (Mt. 4:13-17; 5:14-16; Jn. 3:19-21; 12:35; Eph. 4:17-18).
2. Primarily, it is a moral/ethical contrast (Rom. 13:12-14; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Eph. 5:8-11; Col. 1:13).
B. 1 John 1:6 indicates the latter is in view here, but the former is likewise true of God as He illuminates what is morally right.
II. The Necessity of Walking in the Light
A. No one can walk in darkness and claim fellowship with God.
B. Throughout the book, John will maintain that (in opposition to the false prophets) one’s manner of life is inseparable from one’s spiritual state.
C. To enjoy fellowship with God, we must walk in His light, which is cast in His word (Psa. 119:105; John 8:12; Eph. 5:13-17; 2 Pt. 1:19).
D. Walking in the light will be described further throughout the letter.
III. The Provision for Maintaining Fellowship
A. How can imperfect people fellowship a perfect God?
B. Two overarching requirements are named here:
1. Walking in light keeps us in consistent contact with Christ’s cleansing blood; it is a manner of life (1:7; cf. 2:3-6).
2. Owning and confessing our sins as we so walk ensures our faithful God will forgive and cleanse us (1:8-10).
C. These truths are designed to prevent us from sin (2:1a) and give us assurance that when we slip our Advocate will put it right (2:1b-2).
Conclusion:
1. The holiness of God demands holiness from His people (cf. 1 Pt. 1:15-16).
2. None of us is perfectly holy in our earthly lives, but God has made provision through the Christ to cleanse our sins along life’s way.
3. This is no license to sin; it is motivation to honor Him (Rom. 2:4).