Let me remind you that when we were born again we
were delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into
the kingdom of Gods’ dear Son. [Colossians 1:13]
We are no longer under the control and dominion of
the darkness of this world: “For God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” [2Co
4:6]
There are many scriptures that speak of darkness and
light, using them as a metaphor for good and evil. Darkness is ignorance
of Gods’ truth; it leaves us powerless to resist sin. If I have been
delivered from the power of darkness; then sin has no more dominion over
me.
Paul writing to the Christians in Rome was emphatic
about this. “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you
are not under the law, but under Grace. Romans 6:14.” He encourages the
Church at Ephesus, writing, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are
ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8
Light is Gods truth and its knowledge of the
spiritual purity associated with it. Gods’ light gives us the power of
understanding moral and spiritual truth. At the last supper Jesus told
his disciples: I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12
If we keep beholding Christ and walking in his light
then we begin to morph [transform] into his image. It is walking in the
light; not just knowing about it that changes and transforms us into his
image.
1John 4:16-17 We have known and believed the love
that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth
in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may
have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so or
we in this world.
Notice the progression:
1. delivered from the power of darkness; A.
translated into the kingdom of Gods dear Son.
2. hath shined in our hearts; B. to give the light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
3. Sin has no dominion over you C. You are under
Grace
4. now ye are light in the Lord. D. walk as children
of light;
5. He that followeth me; E. shall have the light of
life.
6. because as he is, so are we in this world. F. have
boldness in the Day of Judgment.
This is the third time I have addressed this
wonderful privilege that has been offered to us. Christ is our example
and pattern. He took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in
the likeness of men. [Philippians 2: 7] Part of his mission in
becoming mortal man was to show us what mortal man could become.
The beloved Apostle John sounds a warning to all who
would have a profession without the possession. We would all do well to
give heed to his warning. Notice that even as he sounds the warning he
holds out a lifeline of hope as did ever writer in the Bible. With every
warning or rebuke there was always a “but God.”
1Jo 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have
heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no
darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in
darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in
the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
I am so thankful for that little word “but” that is
found through the scriptures. It reminds me of the things God will do
for me if I will allow him to.
Satan, our arch enemy does not want you and me to
come into the likeness of Christ; so he sets traps to trip us up. Just
don’t forget that Jesus said,” Behold I give you power over all the
power of the enemy. Luke 10: 19. And resist the devil and he will flee
from you. James 4:7.
Ro 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the
armour of light.
