Walking in Light

Background Scripture: 1 John 1-2
Lesson Scripture: 1 John 2:7-17

Introduction

What enables people to realize a purpose in life? A study of the Bible will limit the options of what the true purpose may consist of. Although many people identify with an earthly purpose, relative few actually embrace a godly, eternal ambition.

Purposes associate closely with choices; daily life is filled with many smaller ones, but all of them are directed by a larger one. In the end, there are only two. Either we live for an earthly, selfish purpose or one that is ordained and given to us by God. Understanding this delivers an ultimatum to all of us: what is your purpose for living?

A poor, distraught father, burdened and oppressed with a lunatic son, sought Jesus for help, saying, “If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us” (Mark 9:22). Jesus replied to him, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible” (Mark 9:23). By rearranging the “if,” the Lord brought this man to a purpose and a choice. It was not a matter of if Jesus could help him—He had all power at his disposal; it was a matter of if the man could believe.

Our purposes must be founded on that which is immutable if they are to be of any value. Now scan these lesson titles. They will direct us to place our life’s purpose in that which is eternal. Living God’s fundamental plan and walking in the light defines the purpose of being ready for Christ’s return. Keeping our first love set on God while knowing, studying, and applying his Word is an objective to help the next generation walk in truth. In turn, the next generation finds purpose in honoring and respecting the elders. Living free of sin indicates finding meaning in the worthiness of Christ’s atonement, and this gives us the desire to proclaim salvation to every race. Having a true intention to be a part of the kingdom of God produces conviction for being Christ’s peculiar people. May the Sunday school lessons of this quarter edify each godly purpose and strengthen our resolve to live the gospel—that is real purpose!

Walking in Light

Lesson 1

June 5, 2022

Background Scripture: 1 John 1-2

Lesson Scripture: 1 John 2:7-17

Introduction

Walking in the light is a way to describe the manner in which a Christian lives. An experience with God changes the purpose of life from selfishness to one of service to God and requires a complete resignation to his will. A child of God, being guided by love, is not hiding sin, unresolved hurt, or anything else. Love provides direction for the thoughts and actions of everyday life because it casts out fear and drives out darkness.

True Christians have always been identified by the God-given love that pervades their lives. It governs their actions and reactions in every aspect of the daily walk. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Not only does this mean loving and caring about our own family and our spiritual brothers and sisters but also showing love and kindness to everyone we chance to meet, including those who mistreat us and take advantage of us. “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matt. 5:46).

Key Verse

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Eph. 5:8).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jesus introduced a fundamentally different way of life when He began his ministry. No longer would the people of God be responsible for meting out justice upon the transgressor. For many years the children of Israel had lived under the laws that God had given to Moses for maintaining order in civil matters. Punishing wrongdoers sometimes included severe punishment, even the death penalty for serious offenses. On the other hand, they were still supposed to love and care for their fellowmen. In this new dispensation, punishment for transgressors is to be handled by civil authorities, and we are free to love all people everywhere.

The gospel leaves no room for ill will, jealousy, envy, or any like spirits in a Christian’s life. To be free from these is an impossibility in a corrupt, natural state. Man is simply too self-centered and concerned with his own needs to want to put others first. Only when the love of God dwells within can this become a way of life that will prove to others that something is essentially different.

The things of this world do not affect the Christian like they do the unconverted, for he has found true fulfillment in loving God and his righteousness. Every age or place in life has its temptations and spirits that want to take the place of our devotion to God, but there is grace to identify and overcome that which would take us away from Christ’s saving power of love. We need to realize that this world is only a temporary dwelling place, a place to make preparations for our eternal home. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of the heart will only take us away from God and leave us dissatisfied if they are allowed to influence our lives.

Practical Truths for Today

The world desperately needs the scriptures we are studying today. God has done his part by making salvation available to all, but so many are choosing to ignore their Creator and follow their selfish and ungodly desires. This world lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19) and is Satan’s domain. It would be a much more beautiful place if everyone would live the life that is offered so freely! Jesus tells us that many will walk the wide pathway that leads to destruction compared to the few who will walk the narrow path that leads to everlasting life (Matt. 7:13-14). There is nothing that comes close to the fulfilling and joyful life that is available to anyone who chooses to accept Jesus as a personal Savior. All the pleasures of sin and everything that go along with it leave mankind with an empty, disappointed heart. The greatest tragedy of all will be missing the eternal home that God has prepared for those who have made the choice to serve Him. Words cannot convey a loss of this magnitude.

God’s plan for a Christian’s walk includes a happy and secure place to enjoy communion with Him. A Christian home is one of the blessings of walking in light, a place where the love that God has given is exercised by parents and children. There is not a better place to nurture a love for God than a home where He is lifted up as the giver of everything good. It is a place to practice the loving acts of kindness and that which makes the path of life shine with the radiance of heavenly light. Children privileged to have such a home have the greatest heritage that there is. Love at home will prepare them for life in a world that is cast about in darkness. When father takes his proper place in setting a Christian standard of unselfish giving and mother serves as a keeper of the home, the family will be an asset to the church and the community. It will be a bit of heaven on earth! Criticizing others or feelings of jealousy will not be welcome here; rather, peace and harmony will abound. There may well be adversities, but there will always be a way to live God-fearing lives. Thankfulness will be evident within the home for all the things that are supplied by God.

The love of God is confirmed by the way we interact with others. Do the people we deal with get a feeling that we really do care if they are getting a fair deal, or does it seem to them that we are only concerned with our own welfare? We should be aware of the image we are leaving behind.

The doctrine of nonresistance that is clearly taught in the Scripture will not be obtainable without the love of God. Peter, in his impulsiveness, struck out at the servant of the high priest and prompted Jesus to exhibit the nonresistant spirit he had tried to teach his disciples (Matt. 26:52). Likewise, we will not be able to practice this far-reaching doctrine without the light of God’s love dwelling within. This doctrine is at the core of many areas of Christian living, including how we treat someone who has taken advantage of us, obeying the laws of our country, courteous driving habits, and keeping a respectful attitude, to name only a few. We need to remember a Christian has no rights in this life.

Much effort and study can be put to a specific interest when we really love something and become engaged in a topic such as world history, nature’s beauty, the great celestial wonders, or making profitable investments. How much more should we study the Scriptures and acquaint ourselves with God’s Instruction Book? It has the answers to all of life’s questions. If we have a great love for God and want to worship and please Him, it seems like we would make finding out all we can about Him a priority. Can we measure our spiritual life by the effort we put forth to know God’s will? Young people, begin studying in your years of youth. God’s approval is realized as we become more acquainted with his Word. How to apply the Bible to daily life also requires study (2 Tim. 2:15). If we do that, we will be able, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to walk in the confidence of God’s leading and give an answer of the hope that lies within us to those who would question us about our Christian life (1 Pet. 3:15).

Illustration

The following account is taken from Great Things the Lord Hath Done:

“During the month of May 1911, I worked in the Durham, Kansas, district. One Saturday evening I went home from my place of work on a little gray saddle horse. About one-half mile east of the church building I noticed something telling me to change my course in life; if not, I would meet with sore disappointments. As I continued over the rise I saw a light in the church and decided to investigate. I learned that two ministers were holding revival meetings. While the Word was being preached, the young people became concerned about their sins. One of my boyfriends met me at the door and asked if I would like to come along; without delay I answered, ‘Yes.’ After this promise I did some deep thinking. I had just purchased a new suit of clothes and promised my heart to live according to the pleasures of the flesh, but now things were different. The next day I attended the Sunday morning service. I was interested in the whole meeting and listened to some of the experiences of the converts. By evening I was in deep trouble. That week, when I went back to work, I did a lot of praying to God as my sins stood before me.

“I used to notice the mistakes of the church members, trying to justify myself, but by God’s grace I now saw my own sins. Several days later I attended some more meetings. While going to church I was urged all the way to stop and confess my wrongdoings to my father. I did this and found some relief. I used to think one of the ministers made his messages too long, but this evening I prayed that he would not sit down until I understood the gospel and my sins were forgiven. I was favored. At the close of the sermon my burden rolled away—I was free. Indeed all my troubles were exchanged for joy. My heart was enlarged in love to all men everywhere. This was a different love than I had ever experienced before, which made me a partaker of the divine nature of God (2 Pet. 1:4). Now I could love them that hated me, ‘For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?’ (Matt. 5:46).”1

Questions

1. How serious is it to have feelings of resentment or jealousy of the good fortunes or material success of others? What is the root of those feelings?
2. Is there a guideline I can use to be certain that my love is set on Jesus or if the things of the world are too dear to me?
3. 1 Great Things the Lord Hath Done, Book One, Gospel Publishers, p. 31
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).