13.3 Light and Darkness
The Path to Truth

Read John 1:4–10; 3:19–21; 5:35; 8:12; 9:5; 11:9–10; and 12:35. What strong contrast is presented here, and why is this contrast fundamental to understanding the truth?

The juxtaposition of light and darkness depicted in the cited Bible passages is a central contrast in the message of the Gospel of John. This contrast is not merely a literary device but a fundamental truth about the spiritual reality of the world and God’s revelation.

The Contrast Between Light and Darkness

1. Light as a Symbol of Truth and Life:

   • Jesus as the “Light of the World”: Jesus is repeatedly described as the “light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). In the Bible, light symbolizes divine truth, knowledge, and the eternal life revealed in Jesus Christ. This light guides and illuminates those who turn to God, granting them the ability to live in truth.

   • Life and Light Connection: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). This light is inseparably connected to life itself, which can only be found through Christ.

2. Darkness as a Symbol of Separation and Rejection:

   • Ignorance and Sin: Darkness represents ignorance, sin, and spiritual separation from God. John 3:19 describes how people reject the light because they love darkness since their deeds are evil. Darkness symbolizes humanity’s natural tendency to turn away from God and remain in sin.

   • Spiritual Blindness: Without the light of Christ, the world remains trapped in spiritual darkness, unable to recognize the truth about God and life.

Why Is This Contrast Fundamental?

1. Knowledge of God Is Only Possible Through Light:

   • Inability to Understand God Independently: People cannot recognize or understand God through their own efforts. Darkness highlights humanity’s spiritual helplessness, while light shows that true understanding and life are only possible through the revelation of Jesus Christ. John emphasizes that Jesus alone has made the Father known (John 1:18). Without Him, humans remain blind to divine truth.

2. The Choice Between Light and Darkness Determines Our Lives:

   • Decision Point: John 3:19–21 illustrates that everyone faces the decision to seek the light or remain in darkness. This choice has eternal consequences, as light is associated with life in Christ, and darkness with separation and death.

   • Transformation Through Choice: Those who choose the light step out of darkness and are renewed by Christ. This decision is key to true discipleship.

3. Light Reveals the Truth About Ourselves:

   • Self-Confrontation: The light of Christ not only reveals the truth about God but also about ourselves. It confronts us with our sins and calls us to repentance (John 12:35–36). Only those willing to step into the light can receive forgiveness, healing, and a new life.

Application to Our Lives

• Shine in the Darkness of the World: As Christians, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in the darkness of this world (Matthew 5:14–16). This means living a life characterized by love, truth, and justice, and inviting those around us into the light.

• Seek the Truth: We should actively seek the light of Christ by dwelling in His Word, maintaining fellowship with God, and aligning our lives with His standards.

• Make Decisions in the Light: In our daily lives, we face moral and spiritual decisions. These Bible passages remind us to choose the light as our standard and not the darkness that seeks to deceive us.

Conclusion

The contrast between light and darkness is fundamental to understanding the truth because it describes the spiritual reality of the world. Jesus, the light of the world, reveals God and shows us the path to eternal life. Those who are willing to step into the light will recognize the truth, while those who remain in darkness live separated from God. Our task is to seek the light of Christ, live it, and reflect it in a world that desperately needs guidance and hope.

Read John 8:42–44. How does Jesus describe the false foundation on which the religious leaders of Israel based their faith?

In John 8:42–44, Jesus describes the false foundation upon which the religious leaders of Israel based their faith and reveals a deeper spiritual truth: their self-righteousness and resistance to Jesus stem from a lack of connection to God and deception by the devil.

False Foundation of Faith

1. Self-Deception About Belonging to God:

   • Claiming God’s Children: The religious leaders claim to be children of God because of their lineage from Abraham. However, Jesus exposes that they do not truly love God since they reject Him, the messenger of God (John 8:42). True sonship to God is demonstrated through love for Jesus and acceptance of His message. Their rejection of Jesus shows that they do not stand in God’s truth.

2. Dependence on Human Standards:

   • Human-Centric Perspective: Their worldview is shaped by human ideas rather than God’s truth. They interpret the Scriptures and God’s Word through their own perspectives, desires, and pride instead of recognizing the divine truth.

3. Influence of the Devil:

   • Devil as Their Father: Jesus clearly states that their true father is the devil (John 8:44). The devil is the father of lies, and they follow his way of thinking by distorting the truth and living in selfishness and rebellion. Their hostility toward Jesus indicates that they do not have God’s truth within them but are under the influence of the devil.

Warning for Us Today

1. Danger of Speaking from “Our Own”:

   • Misinterpreting Scripture: When we read the Bible solely from our perspective and according to our needs or desires, we distance ourselves from God’s truth. Just as the religious leaders were blind to the true meaning of God’s Word, we can also misunderstand Scripture if we are not willing to submit to the light of Christ.

2. Need for Faith and Obedience:

   • True Understanding Requires Submission: Jesus makes it clear that true knowledge and interpretation of Scripture are only possible through faith and obedience to God. We must consciously submit to God and be willing to give up our own prejudices and desires to recognize the truth.

3. Accepting Christ as the Light of the World:

   • Christ Reveals True Meaning: Only Christ is the light that reveals the true meaning of God’s Word. His truth corrects our human perspective and leads us into a genuine relationship with God.

Practical Application

• Self-Reflection: We should regularly examine whether we are reading God’s Word from an egoistic or distorted perspective. Ask God to illuminate our hearts and lead us into the truth.

• Humility: It requires humility to let go of our own views and be guided by Christ. This applies not only to Bible interpretation but to all aspects of our faith life.

• Faith and Obedience: True understanding comes through a living relationship with Christ. Trust Him and put His words into practice to grow in truth.

Conclusion

Jesus warns us against interpreting Scripture from “our own” perspective, as the religious leaders did. Their rejection of Jesus and resistance to the truth stemmed from their attachment to lies and pride. True knowledge and understanding of Scripture are only possible through Christ, who is the light of the world. Our task is to open ourselves to the light in faith and obedience, using it as the foundation for our lives and understanding of the truth.

How Do You React to Biblical Teachings That “Kick You in the Feet” – Compared to How You Should React?

When biblical teachings “kick you in the feet,” we often experience an internal conflict. Our natural reaction is not always the one we desire or that is appropriate. Here are typical reactions and the ideal way to handle them:

Typical Reactions to Uncomfortable Biblical Teachings

1. Defensive Attitude:

   • Resistance to Unpleasant Truths: It is easy to resist uncomfortable truths. We might justify ourselves, find reasons why the teaching “does not apply to us,” or ignore the message altogether.

2. Minimization:

   • Downplaying the Teaching: Sometimes we tend to downplay the teaching or dismiss it as less important to avoid changing our behavior.

3. Frustration or Guilt:

   • Feeling Overwhelmed: Instead of responding constructively, we might feel overwhelmed, condemn ourselves, or believe that we can never meet God’s expectations.

How We Should React

1. Humility and Openness:

   • Invitation to Draw Near to God: When a biblical teaching confronts us, it is an invitation from God to come closer to Him. Instead of closing ourselves off, we should humbly acknowledge that God wants to change us through His Word.

   • Scripture Reference: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).

2. Self-Reflection:

   • Honest Examination: Ask yourself honestly why this teaching affects you. Are there areas in your life that you have not yet surrendered to God? Such questions help identify the root of our resistance.

3. Willingness to Change:

   • Openness to Transformation: God does not call us to achieve perfection on our own. Instead, He invites us to open our hearts to Him and allow His Spirit to lead us to change our lives.

4. Prayer:

   • Seeking God’s Help: Ask God to help you accept His truth and live according to it. Prayer is a source of strength that provides both understanding and the power to act.

Practical Steps

• Acceptance: Believe that God’s Word corrects us because He loves us and wants our best (2 Timothy 3:16).

• Study: Dive deeper into the Bible to better understand the teaching and recognize its application.

• Community: Share your struggles with trusted fellow believers who can encourage and support you.

Conclusion

Our natural reaction to challenging biblical teachings is often defensive or evasive. However, in these moments, God calls us to grow in humility, openness, and obedience. Instead of shutting ourselves off, we should view God’s truth as an opportunity for change and deepening our relationship with Him. Through prayer, self-reflection, and faith that God desires our best, we can learn to live in His light.

The juxtaposition of light and darkness in the Gospel of John is not only a theological concept but also deeply connected to our daily lives and faith. It shows us the reality of our decisions and their impact on our spiritual growth.

1. Light and Darkness in Daily Life

• Light as Guidance:

  • Moral and Spiritual Clarity: In everyday situations where we must choose between truth and deception, the light of Christ helps us find moral and spiritual clarity to make decisions that align with God’s will. For example, honesty in difficult circumstances requires the courage to live in the light.

• Darkness as Distraction:

  • Temptations and Convenience: Darkness symbolizes temptations and the inclination to do things that may seem convenient but ultimately harm our relationship with God. Everyday scenarios like compromising our integrity or ignoring injustice are examples where darkness entices us.

2. Choices Between Light and Darkness

• Conscious Choice:

  • Daily Priorities: John 3:19-21 reminds us that everyone faces the choice to seek the light or remain in darkness. This choice is reflected in our daily priorities—whether we allocate time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with God or let distractions like materialism, selfishness, or pride dominate.

• Consequences of Our Decisions:

  • Impact on Faith Life: Choosing the light leads to a closer connection with God and a fulfilling life, while darkness brings distance from God and inner unrest. Our daily lives are shaped by small decisions that either strengthen or weaken our faith.

3. The Light of Christ as a Guide

• In Relationships:

  • Reflecting Christ’s Light: In our interactions with others, we should reflect the light of Christ through love, forgiveness, and justice. For instance, remaining patient and understanding in conflicts instead of succumbing to anger or bitterness exemplifies living in the light.

• In Work and Society:

  • Christian Testimony: Bearing Christian witness in the workplace involves making ethical decisions, even when unpopular, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

4. Practical Applications

• Reflect the Light:

  • Matthew 5:14-16: We are called to be the light of the world through our words, actions, and the way we serve others.

• Daily Pursuit of the Light:

  • Engaging with Scripture and Prayer: Seeking the light involves studying the Scriptures, seeking God’s guidance in prayer, and intentionally aligning our lives with His principles.

• Trusting in Christ:

  • Guidance in Darkness: When we find ourselves in darkness or facing challenges, we can trust that Jesus is our light and will show us the way (John 8:12).

Conclusion

The contrast between light and darkness is deeply woven into our daily lives and faith. It calls us to consciously choose the light of Christ to find guidance, truth, and life. By seeking the light and reflecting it in the world, we not only live in harmony with God’s will but also offer others hope and a model that can lead them closer to Christ.

Choose Today to Consciously Embrace the Light of Christ, Bringing Truth, Life, and Guidance into Every Darkness.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-epilogue-knowing-jesus-and-his-word-13-3-light-and-darkness-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

December 24, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 14

¹ Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

² For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

⁵ I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

⁶ Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

⁷ And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

⁸ For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

⁹ So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

¹⁰ There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

¹¹ Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

¹² Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

¹³ Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

¹⁴ For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

¹⁵ What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

¹⁶ Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

¹⁷ For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

¹⁸ I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

¹⁹ Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

²⁰ Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

²¹ In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

²⁶ How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

²⁷ If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

²⁸ But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

²⁹ Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

³⁰ If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

³¹ For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

³² And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

³³ For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

³⁴ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

³⁵ And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

³⁶ What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

³⁷ If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

³⁸ But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

³⁹ Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

⁴⁰ Let all things be done decently and in order.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 14 of the First Corinthians letter provides a detailed guide from the Apostle Paul on the appropriate use of spiritual gifts within the Christian community. The focus is on the contrast between speaking in tongues and prophetic speech. Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are primarily meant for the edification and order of the church. His words aim to establish a balance between personal spirituality and communal usefulness. In doing so, he stresses that love and intelligibility are central values in Christian worship.

Commentary

The Superiority of Prophecy (Verses 1–5):
Paul explains that prophecy (prophetic speech) should be preferred over speaking in tongues because it directly edifies, exhorts, and comforts the church. In contrast, speaking in tongues is a personal communication with God that only benefits others through interpretation.

The Role of Intelligibility (Verses 6–19):
Paul argues that spiritual communication must be understandable to the church in order to be fruitful. He compares incomprehensible speaking in tongues to unclear sounds of an instrument that provide no direction. The goal is to build up the community, not to create confusion.

Speaking in Tongues as a Sign (Verses 20–25):
Paul makes it clear that speaking in tongues is a sign for unbelievers, while prophecy serves believers. This underscores the importance of context and the effect that spiritual gifts have in different situations.

Order in Worship (Verses 26–40):
Paul calls for an orderly practice of spiritual gifts. Every contribution, whether it is speaking in tongues, prophecy, or teaching, should be done with discipline and consideration. He particularly emphasizes that God is a God of peace and not of disorder. The instruction for women to remain silent in the church should be seen in the context of the social and cultural circumstances of the time and remains a controversial topic in interpretation.

Summary

1 Corinthians 14 teaches that spiritual gifts must be directed towards the edification of the church. While speaking in tongues has its place in personal faith life, prophetic speech is valued more highly because it is understandable and promotes the community. Paul emphasizes the importance of order, peace, and intelligibility in worship. Everything should be done in love so that it contributes to the strengthening of the community. His instructions urge the subordination of personal experiences to the common good, in order to reflect God’s nature as a God of peace.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 82—“Why Weepest Thou?”
This chapter is based on Matthew 28:1, 5-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18.
Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 82: “Why Are You Weeping?” describes the wonderful moment of Jesus’ resurrection and the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Lord. Based on the Gospels, it is shown how the sorrow and despair of the believers are transformed into joy and hope as they realize that Jesus is alive. This chapter emphasizes the central significance of the resurrection for the Christian faith and invites believers to embrace the hope of eternal life.

Commentary

The Women at the Empty Tomb:
The women who had accompanied Jesus up to His death came with spices to honor His body, unaware that the promise of His resurrection had already been fulfilled. Their deep sorrow was transformed into awe when they saw the angel who proclaimed the good news: “He is risen.” Their spices became unnecessary because the Savior was alive.

Mary Magdalene and Her Encounter with Jesus:
Mary Magdalene, whose grief was particularly great, experienced a personal encounter with the risen Jesus. Her inability to recognize Him immediately reflects the despair that kept her from the reality of His resurrection. However, Jesus’ loving “Mary” opened her eyes. This scene illustrates how Jesus reveals Himself uniquely to each individual.

The Disciples’ Doubts:
The disciples initially reacted with disbelief to the women’s message. Their doubts and fears prevented them from accepting the truth of the resurrection. Nevertheless, Jesus did not reject them but revealed Himself to strengthen their faith and restore their hope. Especially Peter received personal assurance of forgiveness through the mention of his name.

The Message of Hope:
Jesus’ words “Why are you weeping?” and the angels’ exhortation to spread the good news are still relevant today. The resurrection is the foundation of our hope and joy because it demonstrates that death has been overcome. The call to shift our focus from sorrow to the living Christ is an invitation to live in faith and hope.

Summary

Chapter 82 depicts the encounter of the women and disciples with the risen Jesus and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection. It shows how sorrow, doubt, and despair can be transformed into joy, hope, and faith. The central message is clear: Jesus is alive, and through His resurrection, He grants all believers the hope of eternal life. This chapter calls believers to grow in faith and joyfully share the message of Jesus’ victory over death.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/24-11-2024-1-corinthians-chapter-14-believe-his-prophets/