1 John 1
The message that John is going to give is not just a fabrication, but based on historical reality. The apostles have heard, seen and felt it.
The Gospel is not a fable. Ears heard of the life revealed in Jesus, eyes saw the wonders and signs proving His authority over sickness, waves, death and the devil. The disciples were allowed to touch with their hands (1 John 1:1,2; 2 Peter 1:16-18; Luke 24:36-40; John 20:24-29).
These great experiences are proclaimed by the apostles.
Preaching excludes reasoning and also comparison with other religions, which originated from man or breathed in by the devil.
To proclaim is to bear witness to incomparable experiences with Jesus, the Christ. The apostles did this on command, but they gladly obeyed it: they are delighted to be allowed to do this (1 John 1:3,4; Ephesians 2:19,20).
They proclaim that God is light (1 John 1:5).
Communion with God excludes walking in darkness.
Sins must be confessed and put away.
The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sins and restores communion with God and with each other (1 John 1:6,7).
It is not realistic to say that we are without sin (1 John 1:8,10).
In thoughts, words and deeds there are things that are not in harmony with God’s holiness. The LORD has started something new in us in the new birth. In this way we get a new way of thinking and living, a life according to God’s will and in his light.
But the old man does not want that and tries to regain ground. And unfortunately that happens so often…
Sins must be confessed to God.
Forgiveness comes after sincere confession (1 John 1:9).
We are not above ‘I wretched man’, but thanksgiving in Jesus Christ for redemption must triumph. (Romans 7:24,25).
The old has passed, the new has come.
All guilt is removed by the precious blood of Jesus.
Nothing stands in the way of fleeing from sin and walking in God’s light.
Questions
- What things in your life hinder you from walking in the light with Jesus?
- How do you clean it up?
With you, O LORD, is the fountain of life,
in your light we see the light.
(Psalm 36:10).
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