Walking In The Light | 1 John 1:5–10 | Pastor Justin May

We often pay for subscription services we don't fully use, which parallels how we sometimes treat the gospel. The gospel is a free gift, yet many Christians fail to experience its full benefits. The goal of this sermon is to help us enjoy what Jesus has already paid for.

I. God is Light (and We Are Not)
John begins his letter by grounding us in the nature of God: He is completely pure and without fault. This is not just theological—it is immensely practical. We can’t understand ourselves or the gospel without understanding who God is. Our tendency is to want to bring God down to our level, but that only leads to self-deception and blocks our experience of the gospel.

II. The Benefits of the Light
John gives three gospel benefits we can enjoy when we walk in the light. The first is unity. God is light, and walking in the light connects us with others who are doing the same. The church becomes a place not of fake perfection but of grace-filled honesty. Fellowship thrives in the light. The gospel doesn’t just reconcile us to God; it reconciles us to one another.

III. Sanctification
The second benefit is sanctification. Walking in the light doesn’t mean sinless perfection; it means we are honest about our sin and allow God to cleanse us. This cleansing is ongoing. God wants to change us, and that process happens in community. The church should be a place where we help each other become more like Jesus—not by pretending, but by participating in real transformation together.

IV. Experiencing Forgiveness
The third benefit is experiencing forgiveness. Even though our forgiveness is secured by Jesus, many Christians don’t feel forgiven. Confession is key. When we bring our sins into the light through confession, we experience the freedom and joy of knowing we are truly forgiven. The church plays a vital role in affirming that forgiveness and helping us live in that reality.