RPG Adults
JOHN’S DESCRIPTION OF GOD
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
1 John 1:1-7
John 14:6-7
“If ye had known me,
ye should have known my Father also …”
JOHN’S DESCRIPTION OF GOD
John used simple language in his epistles, unlike other New Testament writers. His messages were straightforward and clear. His readers could easily understand him. Light, love and life are everyday words that he used to describe God.
When he said that God is light, he was saying that anyone who has fellowship with God must walk in the light. The requirement to walk in the light means that one must walk in obedience to the commandments of God. This includes regular confession of sins (to God, not to a human priest). In this the blood of Christ will continually cleanse us. Christ serves as our Advocate before the Father. When we walk in the light, we give up any hatred that we may have against anyone and replace it with love. Factors that disrupt our walk with God include loving the world, being trapped by lies and false teachers, etc. These are the things that the Apostle saw in his day and he addressed them.
God is also love, and His children are also to walk in love. John stressed this when he said that if we do not have love we do not know God. Love is not an abstract idea, it must be practical. It is more than just talking about love. Our actions must show it. It is giving, not receiving. As described in Scripture, it has to be unconditional. That is why Jesus said we must love our enemies and pray for them. His love has all these qualities and when we follow in His steps, we will not see any condemnation. We will always walk with a clear conscience.
God is also life. Jesus Himself said that He is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). John had experienced God as life. When one is born again, the journey of spiritual life begins. Faith in Jesus Christ gives us God’s life. Does your experience testify of these assertions about God?
THOUGHT: One must always walk in the light, show love and have life.
PRAYER: Lord, may I ever be the bearer of Thy light.