Walking in the light as a believer means more than just avoiding sin; it encompasses a holistic approach to living that glorifies God in all aspects of life. It involves a continuous effort to live out our faith in a way that is transparent, holy, loving, and reflective of the truth of the gospel.
[00:00:00] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of harvest international. Our prayer is that the Bible speaks for encourage you in your study of God's Word.
[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast. And now here's Elgin. And by calling us to also be light, he is instructing us to reflect his character in our actions.
[00:01:09] This means living our qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Displaying these traits makes the nature of Christ visible to others and offers a glimpse of God's kingdom.
[00:01:32] So today we are going to have a discussion on how to walk in the light. Our spiritual inspiration coming from John chapter 8, verse 12, which reading from the NIV reads, When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
[00:01:53] I am the light of the world who ever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. So here's how I want to encourage believers to walk in the light, reflecting their faith through their daily actions and decisions. Number one, study the Word.
[00:02:20] Psalm 119, verse 130, reading from the International Version reads, The unfolding of your words give light. It gives understanding to the simple. One way we represent a light is by rightly dividing the word of truth or being able to explain the Bible and answer questions for others.
[00:02:46] One of the principal reasons people don't go to church or actively put testipate in the word of the Lord is because they do not understand the importance of having a right and relationship with God.
[00:03:00] As you study the Word, the Holy Spirit will give you insight that you can use to help others understand who God is and what He has promised us. Number two, live according to biblical principles.
[00:03:17] Walking in the light involves us, living in the life we are sharing with others. This means understanding and applying God's Word in daily decisions, behaviors and attitude. As first John 1 verse seven says,
[00:03:35] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus is sun purifies us from all sins. Believeers are called to a liner lies with the teaching of Jesus
[00:03:54] and the apostolic doctrine ensuring their actions are consistent with biblical principles. You can't be the light if you yell at people who disagree with you or are disrespectful when people make you angry. Do you think forgiveness is a part of walking in a light?
[00:04:16] Number three, maintain transparent relationships. To walk in a light implies honesty and transparency in relationships. It means avoiding deceit, living openly and being willing to admit fault and seek forgiveness. Ephesians 5 verses 8 through 9, Encouraged by saying,
[00:04:40] For you were one starkness but now you are the light in the Lord. Live as children of the light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth. This openness fosters genuine community and accountability within the body of Christ.
[00:05:01] James 516 in the English Standard Version reads, Therefore confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
[00:05:18] Why do you think this is important? When people know they can trust you and you have their best interest at heart, you will have the opportunity to help them through tough times and sharing good times. Number four, reject and avoid sin. Walking in the light requires a deliberate
[00:05:43] train away from darkness, which includes sinful behaviors, corrupt practices and morally compromising situations. Believers are called to actively resist temptation and put aside these that are done in spiritual darkness. As Romans 13 verses 12 to 13 instructs, the night is nearly over,
[00:06:06] the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of the darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently as in the daytime. You are not to take this as it is
[00:06:21] better to do bad things at night or in the dark. Instead, it is referencing doing better as you know better. When Moses brought the law to the people from Mount Sinai, it would forgive them in understanding of God's expectations. In other words, right from wrong, sinful from Godly.
[00:06:42] All is saying as we grow spiritually, the darkness that causes us to sin is going away. But we must woofully keep it away by living a life that is pleasing to God. Number five, spiritual discipline. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study and worship
[00:07:04] are practices that keep a believer connected to the light of Christ. These disciplines help deepen our relationship with God and enhance spiritual understanding and sensitivity, aligning our hearts in minds more closely with God's will. Do you believe you will call to earth
[00:07:23] or a purpose? No matter how you got here, you will call. How do you think you find out what that purpose is? When you have a relationship of open communication with God, he can bring
[00:07:37] you answers in any way he desires, whether it's a song, a sermon, or a whisper in your ear from the Holy Spirit. Brothers and sisters walking in a light has a believer, means more than just avoiding sin.
[00:07:55] It encompasses a holistic approach to living a life that glorifies God and all aspects. It involves a continuous effort to live out our faith in a way that is transparent, holy,
[00:08:09] loving and reflective of the true of the gospel. I thank you once again for joining me on today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to our discussion on Sunday. Until then, God bless.
[00:08:26] I've run the far wake from God. This program is cared for by listeners who care. Your prayers and financial investment in this ministry helps to keep the good news on the air. We look forward
[00:08:45] to hearing from you and invite you to write us at Harvest International, post office box 66090 O'Cala Florida 34488. Again, that's Harvest International post office box 66090 O'Cala Florida 34488.