Light In The Darkness

Trinity Bible Church 6/12/05

Introduction: John 1:3-5

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

In Joseph Girzone’s novel Joshua, the main character is walking through the streets of Rome admiring the various buildings. He notices that most of them are Roman Catholic structures but is amused by a stately Protestant church with a sign in the front boldly proclaiming, “Lux in tenebris lucel”, (A light shining in the darkness). He was amused because he thought how this single church in the middle of many others would announce its assumed difference to them so boldly.

Do you feel the same way at work or among your neighbors? Do you feel like you are a light in a dark place? In what way would a Protestant church be light in Rome? It would only be so if the Word of God was preached faithfully, and the sacraments and discipline administered Biblically.

How about you? How are you really a light in a dark place? If a church just has a sign in the front, but no Word of God preached, it is not a light. If a person smiles, goes to church, and believes in the Golden Rule; that is not enough to be a light in a dark place.

We are going to look at several verses that contrast light and darkness and then at the end of today’s message I will give you four ways to cultivate your light to let it shine bright for Jesus.

I. The Great Contrast.

A. Goal of the Apostle John. Last week we stated he had a goal in writing this book, does anyone remember what it was? (John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.)

John wanted to introduce his readers to the most wonderful Person that has ever walked the face of this earth! “If I can introduce Him to you, and you believe on Him, you will have eternal life!” is what he must have thought.

B. The 3 L’s. In the opening verses of his gospel, John speaks of Christ as the Logos, the eternal Word of God; and today we read his description of Him as the Life and the Light. Last week we saw how Jesus is God the Son, active in the creation; this week, and throughout the rest of the book, we will see God the Son active in the work of salvation.

John 1:3-5

John 3:16-21

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

John 8:12

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

John 9:4-5

I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

John 12:44-47

Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

We’re not discussing yet – how a person comes to faith in Christ, just that there is a certainty about those that do and don’t. Those that do are in the Light and have eternal life, i.e. are heaven bound. Those that don’t are under darkness and condemnation and will spend eternity in hell.

The strong point we need to see from the Apostle John is how necessary faith in Jesus Christ is, how utterly dependent we are on Him for any favor in the presence of the Judgment seat.

II. Four E’s of Darkness.

Before looking at the life in the Light, I wanted to issue a warning of walking in darkness. (See 1 Cor. 10:1-13)

Entertainment. Church folks, in desire to see their church growing, can be involved in all kinds of religious activity to cause “crowd growth” instead of “church growth”. There are well meaning but sometimes unwise gimmicks like horse rides, clowns, movies, plays and music – people like the dramatic and it impresses them, but many times the Spirit of God is grieved while the people of God are pleased.
Externalism. This is when we major on non-local church matters and get all worked up about what one may call, “Single issue Christian concerns”. It could be very important moral battles like same-sex marriages or abortion rights; or it can be something closer to home like whether or not a church should have a Sunday School or Youth Ministry. These all have an appearance of spirituality, but lack the true purpose of the church.
Excitement. There’s nothing wrong with excitement, we want to be zealous for our God, but this is when we substitute fun feelings for true joy. Solomon’s son had his gold shields taken from his palace, what did he do? He got some brass ones up so as to keep up appearances! We must be on guard that we don’t promote excitement without substance. Pray, plan, allow God to move and there will be the genuine joy each and every time.
Experience. Americans love experiences, what is the draw of the theme parks, concerts, and a plethora of other amusements? American Christians are not immune to these temptations; in fact, the tempter is busy all the time to get us to compromise our standards with the lure to grow the church. One of the fastest ways to build a crowd is to have an evangelist or prophet in that will get out the fringe church goers. People will flock out for special meetings to get a touch, a blessing, a special word just for them. What they’re crying out for is an experience which isn’t wrong in and of itself but can be a distraction.

What is wrong is when we forsake the genuine and become satisfied with the artificial. God warns about the people of God who forsake the fountain of living waters, Him and His Word; and instead they drink the murky water of cracked cisterns, idolatry and the teachings of worldly religious ways.

Much can be said about this topic, I just wanted to present it as the Apostle John is using the contrast of light and darkness to help us understand how great the Lord Jesus is so we today need to be aware how to avoid the darkness and run to the light (next).

Conclusion:

1 John 1

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life — 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us — 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

5 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. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Eph 5:8-18 AMP

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].

9 For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life.

10 And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].

11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

13 But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light.

14 Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light. [Isa 26:19; 60:1,2.]

15 Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),

16 Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. [Prov 23:20.]

Four P’s that will reveal Christ as the Light inside of you, as you involve yourself in them, you will produce that life that He desires to see in you.

1. Pray. Pray often, pray alone and with others. We have several opportunities here at TBC for you to pray; pre-service prayer and regular nights of prayer.

2. Prepare. By that I mean, your heart and mind with the Word of God. Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word.

3. Party. By party I mean group, social gathering, and celebration. Another word you would be familiar with is fellowship. God has designed us as social creatures but more important than that is the need we have for accountability. I want to minister soon on “What is a local church?” but one thing I can say today is it is not a social club with moral trappings; it is much more than that.

4. Proclaim. As we will see next time in our study of this gospel, John the Baptist pointed everyone to Christ and John the Apostle wants us to see that. One of the best ways I know to live the Christian life is to proclaim the gospel faithfully; God will help you to live it as you declare it and His kindness to others!

(For Further Study)

John 1:4

[The life was the light of men] "Light" is that by which we see objects distinctly. The light of the sun enables us to discern the form, the distance, the magnitude, and the relation of objects, and prevents the perplexities and dangers which result from a state of darkness. Light is in all languages, therefore, put for "knowledge" - for whatever enables us to discern our duty, and that saves us from the evils of ignorance and error. "Whatsoever doth make manifest is light," Eph 5:13. See Isa 8:20; 9:2. The Messiah was predicted as the "light" of the world, Isa 9:2, compared with Matt 4:15-16; Isa 60:1. See John 8:12: "I am the light of the world;" John 12:35-36,46: "I am come a light into the world." The meaning is, that the Logos (NT:3056) or Word of God is the "instructor or teacher" of mankind.

2 Cor 4:3-6

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

John 1:4

In him was life. From simple creation, or calling into existence, the Evangelist now advances to a higher idea-the communication of life. But he begins by announcing its essential and original existence in Himself, virtue of which He became the great Fontal Principle of life in all living, but specially in the highest sense of life. Accordingly, He is called "The Word of life" (1 John 1:1-2).

And the life was the light of men. It is remarkable, as Bengel notes, how frequently in Scripture light and life, on the one hand, and on the other, darkness and death, are associated: "I am the Light of the world," said Christ: "he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). Contrariwise, "Yea, though I walk," sings the sweet Psalmist, "in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" (Ps 23:4). Compare Job 10:21-22. Even of God, it is said, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto" (1 Tim 6:16). Here "the light of men" seems to denote all that distinctive light in men which flows from the life given them-intellectual, moral, spiritual: "For with Thee," says the Psalmist, "is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light" (Ps 36:9).

John 1:5

And the darkness comprehended it not, [ou (NT:3756) katelaben (NT:2638)] - 'did not take it in.' Compare Rom 1:28, "They did not like to retain God in their knowledge." Thus does our Evangelist, by hinting at the inefficacy of all the strivings of the unincarnate Word, gradually pave the way for the announcement of that final remedy-the Incarnation. Compare 1 Cor 1:21.

John 1:1-5

4. The original of life and light that is in him: In him was life, v. 4. This further proves that he is God, and every way qualified for his undertaking; for,

(1.) He has life in himself; not only the true God, but the living God. God is life; he swears by himself when he saith, As I live.

(2.) All living creatures have their life in him; not only all the matter of the creation was made by him, but all the life too that is in the creation is derived from him and supported by him. It was the Word of God that produced the moving creatures that had life, Gen 1:20; Acts 17:25. He is that Word by which man lives more than by bread, Matt 4:4.

(3.) Reasonable creatures have their light from him; that life which is the light of men comes from him. Life in man is something greater and nobler than it is in other creatures; it is rational, and not merely animal. When man became a living soul, his life was light, his capacities such as distinguished him from, and dignified him above, the beasts that perish. The spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord, and it was the eternal Word that lighted this candle. The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This proves him fit to undertake our salvation; for life and light, spiritual and eternal life and light, are the two great things that fallen man, who lies so much under the power of death and darkness, has need of. From whom may we better expect the light of divine revelation than from him who gave us the light of human reason? And if, when God gave us natural life, that life was in his Son, how readily should we receive the gospel-record, that he hath given us eternal life, and that life too is in his Son!

5. The manifestation of him to the children of men. It might be objected, If this eternal Word was all in all thus in the creation of the world, whence is it that he has been so little taken notice of and regarded? To this he answers (v. 5), The light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Observe,

(1.) The discovery of the eternal Word to the lapsed world, even before he was manifested in the flesh: The light shineth in darkness. Light is self-evidencing, and will make itself known; this light, whence the light of men comes, hath shone, and doth shine.

[1.] The eternal Word, as God, shines in the darkness of natural conscience. Though men by the fall are become darkness, yet that which may be known of God is manifested in them; see Rom 1:19-20. The light of nature is this light shining in darkness. Something of the power of the divine Word, both as creating and as commanding, all mankind have an innate sense of; were it not for this, earth would be a hell, a place of utter darkness; blessed be God, it is not so yet.

[2.] The eternal Word, as Mediator, shone in the darkness of the Old-Testament types and figures, and the prophecies and promises which were of the Messiah from the beginning. He that had commanded the light of this world to shine out of darkness was himself long a light shining in darkness; there was a veil upon this light, 2 Cor 3:13.

(2.) The disability of the degenerate world to receive this discovery: The darkness comprehended it not; the most of men received the grace of God in these discoveries in vain.

[1.] The world of mankind comprehended not the natural light that was in their understandings, but became vain in their imaginations concerning the eternal God and the eternal Word, Rom 1:21,28. The darkness of error and sin overpowered and quite eclipsed this light. God spoke once, yea twice, but man perceived it not, Job 33:14.

[2.] The Jews, who had the light of the Old Testament, yet comprehended not Christ in it. As there was a veil upon Moses's face, so there was upon the people's hearts. In the darkness of the types and shadows the light shone; but such as the darkness of their understandings that they could not see it. It was therefore requisite that Christ should come, both to rectify the errors of the Gentile world and to improve the truths of the Jewish church.

LIGHT, NOUN, AND VERB (BRING TO, GIVE), LIGHTEN

1. phos NT:5457, akin to phao, "to give light" (from roots pha-- and phan--, expressing "light as seen by the eye," and, metaphorically, as "reaching the mind," whence phaino, "to make to appear," phaneros, "evident," etc.); cf. Eng., "phosphorus" (lit., "light-bearing"). "Primarily light is a luminous emanation, probably of force, from certain bodies, which enables the eye to discern form and color. Light requires an organ adapted for its reception Matt 6:22. Where the eye is absent, or where it has become impaired from any cause, light is useless. Man, naturally, is incapable of receiving spiritual light inasmuch as he lacks the capacity for spiritual things, 1 Cor 2:14. Hence believers are called 'sons of light,' Luke 16:8, not merely because they have received a revelation from God, but because in the New Birth they have received the spiritual capacity for it.

"Apart from natural phenomena, light is used in Scripture of (a) the glory of God's dwellingplace, 1 Tim 6:16; (b) the nature of God, 1 John 1:5; (c) the impartiality of God, James 1:17; (d) the favor of God, Ps 4:6; of the King, Prov 16:15; of an influential man, Job 29:24; (e) God, as the illuminator of His people, Isa 60:19,20; (f) the Lord Jesus as the illuminator of men, John 1:4,5,9; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35,36,46; Acts 13:47; (g) the illuminating power of the Scriptures, Ps 119:105; and of the judgments and commandments of God, Isa 51:4; Prov 6:23, cf. Ps 43:3; (h) the guidance of God Job 29:3; Ps 112:4; Isa 58:10; and, ironically, of the guidance of man, Rom 2:19; (i) salvation, 1 Peter 2:9; (j) righteousness, Rom 13:12; 2 Cor 11:14,15; 1 John 2:9,10; (k) witness for God, Matt 5:14,16; John 5:35; (1) prosperity and general well-being, Est 8:16; Job 18:18; Isa 58:8-10."

The life and the light

The life and the light: -- Where Christianity is not, there are darkness and death; where Christianity is, there are light and life. Myriads of men testify that some Divine power in Christianity has made them new creatures. These are facts of Christian history, present results of Christian experience. We are not the apologists of a discredited or doubtful cause; we press the arguments on those who oppose. Christianity is a fact that must be accounted for. One branch of the argument is the practical influence of Christ, His fitness and fulness as the life and light of men.

I. THERE IS MATERIAL FOR THE CHRISTIAN ARGUMENT IN THE VERY CONCEPTION AND FORM OF SUCH A STATEMENT.

1. It is one of those profound and pregnant statements characteristic of the Christian writings, and especially of St. John. How is it that these simple chroniclers attained to ideas more spiritual, profound, and luminous than those of the greatest philosophers? Whence these conceptions of Christ, so unique, that no other was ever imagined like Him, and yet so congruous and vital that men confess and worship Him?

2. Not only profoundness, but peculiarity of meaning in this conception of Christ and His work. It might have been written yesterday, in the light of Christian history, so exact and adequate is the representation of the peculiar facts and influence of Christ's work.

(1) It roots all the religious powers of Christianity in the person of Christ. The way of life not taught by, but life was in Him. Not that His words gave light, but His life.

(2) The life and light of all men are in Him. Not merely that He lived, but was the fountain whence every stream of life flows; and all the light that shines about our lives and illumines our souls, bringing the life and knowledge of God.

(3) The life was the source of the light. In the world's darkness, He, the living Mediator, stands an incarnate, luminous manifestation of God; so that whoever looks on Him sees wondrous revelations. Just as all things upon the earth's surface are physically enlightened when it turns towards the sun, so are all men spiritually enlightened as they turn towards Him.

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