I John 2:8

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At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

THE STUDY:

          It would first appear that John is contradicting himself when he says in verse 7 this is “NOT” a new commandment yet in this verse he says it “IS” a new commandment. This is not the case at all. There are two aspects that will help us understand this: Literal aspect and theological aspect.

LITERAL - The word new in Greek suggests that the old has given birth to the new. The old does not cease to exist but continues along with the new. We note a good example with respect to the two testaments: the Old Testament prepared the way for the New Testament, but did not lose its validity when the New arrived. Likewise, the old command addressed the people of the Old Testament era but kept its validity when Jesus came. Jesus gave this command greater significance, in a new form, in the context of the New Testament.^[1]

THEOLOGICAL – What we read in this passage is prompted from Lev. 19:18 (“Love your neighbor as yourself”). The newness of this was due to the fact that Jesus says this LOVE is to extend to our enemies (Matt. 5:43-44) as well as love for God and our neighbors.

He explained the meaning of the command to love one another by removing man-made obstacles and by revealing the divine intent and purpose of this particular command. The command, then, has been continuously in force from the beginning of history to the present, for it does not grow old with time.^[2]

What’s really interesting is how John shares with the reader that this command is being lived out in most of the believer. This is found in the latter part of verse 8, “because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.” The reason for the darkness passing away and the light taking over is due to the fact that many were coming to the belief and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

         

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• I wonder if we took a long look at ourselves could we say the light is shining forth from us? I believe if we are in the truth and letting Jesus have complete control, the light that John is talking about will be evident. Not just to us but to those who are around us. Let your light shine today.

CONCLUSION:

           I found an article from “Christian Victory” that was very interesting concerning LIGHT. Science tells us that light is constituted of three rays, or groups of wavelengths, distinct from each other, no one of which without the others would be light. Each ray has its own separate function. The first originates, the second formulates, illuminates or manifests, and the third consummates. The first ray, often called invisible light, is neither seen nor felt. The second is both seen and felt. The third is not seen but is felt as heat. ^[3]

          The first thing I thought of after reading this paragraph was the TRINITY (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). To sum up my thought from this passage let me say this, “Let your light shine! This light is the Glory of the Father, Salvation from the Son, and the Burning of the Holy Spirit that shines from the believer. This little light of mine, I’m gonna to let it shine!

         

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (260). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

^[2] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (260). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

^[3] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

The Study of I John 1:5

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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

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^[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.