John loved the Ephesian church. This was his first letter to them, serving as a prologue to the gospel of John.

In those days, the Gnostic teaching was beginning to penetrate the church. It stated that the body of a person is just an outer shell, while the true person is inside and separate, and therefore what we do with our bodies doesn’t affect who we are. The Gnostics taught that when Jesus came as a man, it was God just putting on this outer shell.

John states in his gospel, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus was a real man, not just a spiritual being with an outer covering of flesh. The Bible teaches about how soul, spirit and body make up the person.

So, what we do in the physical does have spiritual implications, and vice versa. Our spiritual and physical lives can’t be separated.

In vs.1 – 3 John asserts that he is writing what he has seen and heard, not his own made up story. He says he is writing in order that they would have fellowship with each other and with God. How awesome to know that God desires to fellowship with us!

In v 5 John says, “This is the message… God is light.” He uses the word ‘light’ to describe God’s holiness. There are just two other religions that have the concept of a holy God – Islam and Zoroastrianism. But only the Bible speaks of a God who not only is holy, but who also is compassionate because of His holiness, and came down and gave His life that His people may be holy as He is.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” So John was quoting Jesus directly. God has been described as unapproachable. John himself, when he had a glimpse of God’s glory, fell as if he was dead (Revelation 1:17).

1 Timothy 6:16 says God has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light. We read the prophet’s words in Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…” and this was fulfilled in Christ’s coming (Matthew 4:15-16). Jesus plainly declared, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). Jesus is the light that gives life (John 8:12).

John goes on to write, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie…” (1 John 1:6). The Greek word for ‘fellowship’ is ‘koinonia,’ which implies having things in common. The Bible makes it clear that we all have one sure calling, and that is to fellowship with the Father and Son (1 Corinthians 1:9). Often, we may want our fellowship with God on our own terms. But John says we cannot say we fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness. That would be a lie. And liars cannot enter the kingdom of God (Revelation 21:8).

The works of darkness are spoken about in Ephesians 5:1-8: fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, coarse jesting. And Paul asserts, “Let it not even be named among you.” If anyone claims that it’s okay to continue in these works, it’s deception, and will invite the wrath of God (v. 6). In 1 John 2:9 we are given another example of living in darkness: harbouring unforgiveness and hatred.

If we claim to be Christians, we cannot continue in a lifestyle of sin (this is different from an occasional fall). We are called to hate the works of darkness. One of the signs of walking in the light is that we will be able to see clearly – to discern what is right and wrong. Develop convictions, and find ways to be accountable in areas where you are weak.

John concludes the passage with a reminder that God forgives and cleanses us if we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). Hebrews 10 beautifully presents a comparison between the sacrifices under the old covenant, and the blood of our Lord Jesus that cleanses us in the New Covenant. But, as John reiterates here, this cleansing is conditional on our confession to God.

Let us make every effort remain in fellowship with God by rejecting the works of darkness, walking in the light, and being quick to confess our sin to God when we fall.