Studies From The Book of John IX Life and Light (John 1:3-4) RCCG Canaan Land Digging Deep September 8, 2015 Studies From The Book of John IX Life and Light (John 1:3-4)

The Life that is the Light of Men Text: John 1:4 In Him was Life and that Life was the light of men – Jn 1:4. Advantages of light: Awareness of one’s self Awareness of one’s environment Early anticipation of impending events Discernment of true situation of things Comfort of knowing what is and what is not Avoiding pitfalls that are scattered around Cessation of unprofitable and ignorant behaviour and perceptions Knowledge of where true solutions can be found

The Life that is the Light of Men Text: John 1:4 Before Jesus’ coming to earth in flesh, man walked in terrible darkness – i.e. had a very limited knowledge of God and therefore stumbled repeatedly in his attempts to please God. Jesus revealed the very nature of God with authority no one had even seen: God is love (Mt 5:43-48) God is merciful (Jn 8:10) God cares about our needs (Mt 5:31-32) God is very interested in sinners () Human religion is blindness (Mt 15:14)

Tradition cannot save anyone (Mt 15:3-9) God is pure and holy (Mt 5:17-20) Sin is inward – outward manifestation is death (Mt 15:17-20) God loves worshippers (Jn 4:24) God is ageless (Jn 8:58 Before Abraham was, I am) Satan is a thief, murderer and a destroyer/Also father of liars (Jn 8:44) God wants us to be like Him – Light of the world (Mt 5:13-16)

The Life that is the Light of Men Text: John 1:4 Many types of light: Matchstick light: very brief appearance then fades (Deut 4:9 Forget quickly) Candlelight: weak and feeble light ( came for bread, healing, miracles etc.) Lantern light: limited in range (won’t witness to others and will eventually fall back into darkness). Electric light: strong and bright but can be switched off (still susceptible to discouragement from problems and challenges).

Moonlight: powerful reflection of another’s light but has no light of its own (false pastors, prophets and evangelists – will lead many to heaven but won’t make it themselves). Sunlight: gives life and strength to others as it is being consumed up (the sanctified believer or minister) Star light: lights up mighty expanses of space, spans generations, ages and nations (the truly redeemed and perfected saint; almost as perfect as Jesus)

Our Lord the Creator of All Text: John 1:3 Who is usually referred to as the Lord God in the Trinity? (Rev 19:6-7) Who actually: Created Adam and Eve? (Gen 2:7) Planted the Garden of Eden? (Gen 2:8) Visited Adam and Eve after the fall? (Gen 3:8,9) All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made - Jn 1:3

Our Lord the Creator of All Text: John 1:3 Jesus was punished for the sins of humanity then exalted Died and went down to hell (Heb 2:9) Exalted about all (Eph 1:17-22) We must follow in His example by living holy lives (I Pet 3:13-14) Avoid lustful lives that lead to death (Jam 1:15) Avoid illicit pleasures that lead to death (I Tim 5:6)

Our Lord the Creator of All Text: John 1:3 Why must we pray in Jesus Name? He is our mediator (peace maker) with God (1 Tim 2:5) He is our link to the Trinity (Jn 14:6) His Name is above every other (Phil 2:9) No one can oppose a prayer prayed in Jesus Name (Phil 2:10) God will answer when we pray in Jesus Name (Jn 16:23)