Next: The Life

Scripture References
  • This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NKJV)
  • "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:5 NKJV)
  • "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." (Matthew 4:15-16 NKJV)
  • In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. (John 1:4-9 NKJV)
  • The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. (Revelation 21:23 NKJV)
  • The work of the Holy Spirit
  • And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (John 16:8-11 NKJV)
  • Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 NKJV)
  • For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV)
Commentary
  • Every soul that walks in darkness is headed for sorrow.
  • Either that sorrow will lead to despair, and eventually to death; or it will lead to a turning from darkness to light, from Satan to God.
  • Jesus Christ is the only true Light that will cure the sorrow of the world.
  • The Holy Spirit has His role: to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
  • John demonstrates ours: "sent to bear witness of that Light".
  • Oh, to be like Moses - whose face shone from being in the presence of God!

Throughout the Bible, light is often used as a powerful metaphor to describe the nature of God and His redemptive plan for humanity. In this context, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate manifestation of that divine light.

  1. Dispelling Darkness: Light has the inherent power to dispel darkness, bringing clarity, illumination, and understanding. In the same way, Jesus, as The Light, shines into the darkness of the world, offering spiritual enlightenment and revealing the truth. He exposes the lies and deceptions of the enemy, providing a way for people to walk in righteousness and experience the abundant life that God intends for them.
  2. Revealing God's Nature: Just as light allows us to see and understand the world around us, Jesus Christ reveals the nature and character of God to humanity. In John 14:9, Jesus tells His disciples, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." Jesus is the perfect representation of God's love, mercy, compassion, and holiness. He is the living embodiment of God's nature, shining the light of God's glory into the hearts and lives of people.
  3. Guiding the Way: Light serves as a guide, showing us the path to follow and helping us navigate through darkness and uncertainty. Jesus, as The Light, guides believers on the path of righteousness and leads them to eternal life. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaims, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Through His teachings, example, and the Holy Spirit's guidance, Jesus illuminates the way for believers, helping them make choices that align with God's will.
  4. Bringing Salvation: Light brings life and hope, and in Jesus Christ, the light of salvation shines brightly. He came into the world to offer Himself as the sacrificial Lamb, taking upon Himself the sins of humanity and providing a way for reconciliation with God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering the gift of salvation to all who believe in Him. As The Light, Jesus brings hope, redemption, and eternal life to those who embrace Him.
  5. Overcoming Darkness: The darkness in the world cannot comprehend or overpower the light of Jesus. In Him, there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Jesus' light shines brilliantly, exposing the darkness of sin, evil, and spiritual ignorance. He brings freedom, breaking the chains of bondage and transforming lives. The light of Jesus dispels fear, despair, and hopelessness, replacing them with faith, joy, and the assurance of God's love and grace.

As believers, we are called to walk in the light of Christ. Jesus declared Himself as the light of the world, offering guidance, truth, and spiritual illumination to all who follow Him. Just as light dispels darkness and reveals what was once hidden, Jesus brings clarity and understanding to our lives. He exposes the lies of the enemy, reveals the truth of God's Word, and guides us on the path of righteousness.

Walking in the light of Christ means aligning our lives with His teachings and living in obedience to God's Word. It involves surrendering our will to His and allowing His truth to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. By embracing the light of Christ, we gain wisdom, discernment, and a deeper understanding of God's purposes for our lives.

However, we cannot walk in the light of Christ in our own strength. That is where the transformative work of the Holy Spirit comes in. The Holy Spirit, as the indwelling presence of God in believers, empowers and enables us to live according to God's will. It is through the Holy Spirit's work within us that we are sanctified, transformed, and conformed into the likeness of Christ.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leading us to repentance and a turning away from sinful ways. He guides us into righteousness, helping us to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the temptations and struggles we face, providing the strength and wisdom we need to navigate life's challenges.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit illuminates God's Word, enabling us to understand and apply its truths to our lives. He speaks to our hearts, guiding us in making decisions, providing comfort in times of distress, and revealing the deep truths of God's love and grace.

As we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit, our lives are transformed from the inside out. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit in us – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities reflect the character of Christ and draw others to Him.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers us to serve and minister to others. He equips us with spiritual gifts to edify and build up the body of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment, we can share the light of Christ with those around us, pointing them to the hope and salvation found in Him.

In conclusion, embracing Jesus Christ as the light of our lives and yielding to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit is essential for every believer. Walking in the light of Christ means aligning our lives with His truth and allowing His light to illuminate every aspect of our existence. The Holy Spirit empowers us, convicts us, guides us, and transforms us into the image of Christ. By continually seeking the light of Christ and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live in righteousness, experience the fullness of God's love and grace, and fulfill our purpose to bring glory to God in all that we do.

Next: The Life