The Light Upholds Us

Text:

1John 2:7-11:

7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

 

Theme:

The Light Upholds Us

 

Introduction:

• The First Epistle of John is the fourth of the general epistles and was written by the Apostle John in his later years.
  • The purpose of the epistle is to declare the Word of Life to those to whom he writes, in order that they might be united in fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.
  • He shows that the means of union with God are,
    • By Christ, through his atoning work and his advocacy
    • By man, through our holiness, obedience, purity, faith, and love
  • In this scripture there is a strength and a liberation that is purely of the God!

 Body:

• There are three dichotomies that comprise the understanding of God’s Word in this portion of scripture.
  • Love vs. Hatred
    • It’s pretty plain. Love is of God and hatred is of the Devil!
    • 1John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”
  • Light vs. Darkness
    • It’s pretty plain. Light is of God and darkness is of the Devil!
    • 1Thessalonians 5:5, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
  • Standing vs. Stumbling
    • It’s pretty plain. God UPHOLDS the believer with His Hand!!!
    • Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Conclusion:

• He’s UPHOLDING me!!!!!

 

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