This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you: 1 John 1:5-6

1 John 1:5-6 English Standard Version

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. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

            John heard the message directly from Jesus. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. Often in the bible God gives us contrast between two things that we understand to give us a greater understanding of kingdom truth. Light represents truth and the kingdom of God. Darkness represents lie and deception and the kingdom of darkness. When the devil operates, he operates in darkness and until we come to know Jesus Christ we walk in darkness. But when we come to know Jesus Christ and our eyes have been open, we come into the light. His word is a light unto our path and a lamp unto our feet. In Him is no darkness. In Him is light and truth.

            The word fellowship is the Greek word koinonia and it means fellowship, communion, sharing, participation. A term that conveys a sense of commonality, solidarity, and shared responsibility among households or individuals.[1] It is impossible to claim that we have close intimate fellowship with God and continue to walk in darkness. If we are truly abiding in Christ what will result is the character and nature of God produce in us. It happens over the course of a lifetime. The word walk is the Greek word peripateō and it means walk; live. To walk (behavior) — to live or behave in a specified manner.[2] So if we are walking in darkness we are behaving and manifesting the character and nature of darkness. Who our heart is surrendered to will be evident in the way we live our lives. If He is in the light, we are called to walk in the light.

            John writes we lie and do not practice the truth. The devil is known as the father of lies. Those who lie reflect the character and nature of the devil. God is light and He is truth. It is pointless to live in deception and lie to ourselves. It is easy to find out if our heart is truly surrendered to God, we simply need to take an assessment of how we live daily. The word practice is the Greek word poieō it means do; make. To do (act) — to carry out or perform an action or course of action.[3] If we are practicing the truth that simply means we are living it out. God’s word is not a suggestion. It is not a good idea. It is the commands of Almighty God of how we are to live. This world is based on the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Those who live according to the world’s ways give their allegiance to the devil. But those who live for God and according to His word demonstrate that their hearts and lives are truly surrendered to Almighty God.

Prayer

Father help me to live and walk according to the truth. Refine my heart and life. Prune me of anything that would hinder your work and desire within me. Help me to know you and walk in your ways. Help me to see and understand the things you want me to see and understand. Father have my heart and mind mind. May every desire and dream be surrendered to you. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Reflection Questions: Are you practicing and walking in the truth? Is there any area of your life that God is calling you to surrender that you are resisting the work and leading of The Holy Spirit?

[1] Derek Leigh Davis, “Assembly, Religious,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

[2] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).

[3] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).