View the video Blog for this lesson: I John 1:5
I John 1:5
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
THE STUDY
This begins the main body of this Epistle. In the prologue we read how John was revealing what they had heard, seen, and touched. He starts verse 5 by stating, “This is the message we have heard from him.” What is it they heard? God is Light!
John uses the phrase “God is light” as a running theme throughout this epistle (John 1:4-5, 7-9; 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36, 46; Rev. 21:23)[1]. We see John presenting two aspects to the idea of “GOD IS LIGHT.” 1. The Positive side to walking in the light (Verse 5 - 2:6). 2. The Negative side: things or people to avoid (2:7-28).
We don’t have to be scientist to know that darkness cannot consume light. When you walk into a dark room and turn on a flashlight it disperses the darkness. There has never been a case when someone has been in a lite room and turned on darkness and it consumed the light. If you really think about it there is only one way darkness can become present, when the light is either turned off (man turning lights off with a switch) or it chooses to leave (sun setting in the evening).
As we look at this passage today we need to focus on the message John is revealing to the readers, God is Light! In the Greek there are 3 names used to describe God:
Theos: Greek word translated “God.” Primary name for God used in the New Testament. The writers of the NT used this name to teach us that He is the only true God (Matt. 23:9; Rom. 3:30), unique (1 Tim. 1:17), transcendent (Acts 17:24; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 10:6), and He is the Savior of the World (John 3:16). This name is used of Christ as God in John 1:1, 18; 20:28; 1 John 5:20; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1.
Kurios: Greek word translated “Lord.” Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir, owner, master, husbands, it is used mostly as the equivalent of Yahweh of the Old Testament.
Despotes: Greek word translated “Master.” Carries the idea of ownership while kurios stressed supreme authority (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4).
The one used in this passage is the word “theos” to define God. John formulates short statements that describe God’s nature. In other places he says, “God is spirit” (John 4:24) and “God is love” (I John 4:16). Here, in verse 5, he reveals God’s essence in a short statement of three words: “God is light.” God is not a light among many other lights; he is not a light-bearer; God does not have light as one of his characteristics, but he is light; and although he created light (Gen. 1:3), he himself is uncreated light. Moreover, the light of God is visible in Jesus, who said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).[2]
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH …
I think we need to stop at this point. I believe we can walk away with this in mind ….
- Where there is Light there can be no darkness. Where there is God there will be no evil, where Jesus dwells there will be no Satan.
- This name of Jesus is so powerful that when we speak it, demons HAVE to flee. Like darkness disappearing due to the light that is penetrating, Satan and his demons have to vanish due to this one named Jesus.
CONCLUSION:
If you are sitting in a dark room with no windows, you can't see the objects in the room. Even though the objects are there, you aren't aware of them because you're in darkness. However, if someone turns on the light switch, the things previously hidden from your eyes are now obvious.
Don't get angry at people in spiritual darkness for not being able to see what's obvious to you. Instead, bring them some spiritual light.
I was preaching once and I ask this specific question, "What is a saint?" A little boy pointed up at one of the stained glass windows which had an apostles portrayed in it. He cries out, "People who let the light shine through!" Let your light shine through today!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (1 Jn 1:5). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (242). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
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