I John 2:10-11 (Part 2)

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Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

THE STUDY:

          Reflecting on what we have learned previously, we can glean from the idea that John is sharing with the reader the importance of what we say and how our actions should line-up with our words. What could be the negative consequence of this thought? First, it affects us negatively with our relationship with God. As a matter of fact John says, if we are doing this we are “Liars” and we “walk in darkness.” Secondly, we see in this passage, it negatively affects others around us. John writes, “and in him there is no cause for stumbling,” which is saying if we love our brothers we remain in the light and we will not cause someone to stumble.

          The word “stumble” is found 15 times in the NT. The modern English word that derives from this Greek word is “scandalize” which means to literally “trip somebody up.” But the Greek word has a more intent meaning. The definition is found to literally mean “a trap or a snare.” But John may be using this metaphorically to mean “a stumbling block.”  This is the only occasion John uses this word. We have to ask ourselves why he used this word?

          The reason John uses this word may be due to the fact that there are two possible translations of this verse: (1) the believer who walks in love will not personally stumble and (2) the believer who walks in love will not cause others to stumble.^[1] This being said we find the idea that whoever “abides in the light” not only removes any stumbling blocks in their way but is not a stumbling block for others.

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• This morning we can walk away with the understanding that remaining in the light has effects on us as well as others. Charles Barkley said once, “I am not a role model!” John is telling the readers in this Epistle, “Yes you are.” As a role model for Jesus we can lead people toward the light or away from it.

CONCLUSION:

          I have dealt with many situations in my ministry. One of those situations that seem to always come up is the idea of drinking beer. Let me be upfront with this subject, the Nazarene church discourages the drinking of alcohol. I am in favor of this as well. As a child growing up I never saw anything good come from it. Many argue the idea that wine was part of Jesus' life. Biblically, I cannot dispute this fact. I am not going to debate the idea of drinking beer but in regards to this thought, don’t let Satan cause you to stumble and don’t be a stumbling block to others who may have a problem with alcohol.

         

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Utley, R. J. D. (1999). Vol. Volume 4: The Beloved Disciple's Memoirs and Letters: The Gospel of John, I, II, and III John. Study Guide Commentary Series (206). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.