This message explores themes of Jesus as “the true light that gives light to everyone”, with further light/darkness in John’s gospel.
(John 1:9-13)
Sermon Outline
“The True light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
Jesus, the True Light (John 1:9)
- Jesus is the true light. Jesus’ light is available to everyone.
- Jesus is the light of the world. Darkness can neither comprehend the light nor overcome it.
- Jesus as the true light means there is false light. Satan disguises himself as the angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- Jesus can help you discern truth by reading His Word. (Psalm 119:9, 11, 105)
Jesus, the creator and life bringer of the world (John 1:10)
- Jesus is the Source and Sustainer of everything. He created it all. (John 1:2-3, Colossians 1:15-18)
- Jesus’ light brings life to us. The darkness of sin brings death. (John 10:10)
- The world did not recognize Jesus because of being dead to sin, bondage to self, and following the ways of the evil one. (Ephesians 2:1-4)
Jesus, whose name is mighty to save, is able to make us children of God (John 1:11-13)
- Jesus’ name can save. There is no other name given among men. (Acts 4:12)
- Jesus came to save and to adopt us into God’s family (Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:5-7; 1 John 3:1).
Jesus, our God, will be our True Light forever (Revelation 21:23-24)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is your experience walking in total darkness without light? What happened?
- This week, we continue our sermon series “The Word,” the first part of an extended journey through the Gospel of John. This week, we focus on John 1:9-13. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you.
- Verse 9 begins by stating that Jesus is the True Light. Why do you think John used the word “True” before “Light”? Why did he not just say that Jesus is the Light?
- Jesus being the True Light implies there is a false light. (2 Corinthians 11:14). How can we discern True Light from false light? (Psalm 119:9,11, 105; 2 Corinthians 5:7)
- Notice the present tense used to describe Jesus as the True Light. What comfort does that give you to know that Jesus is still the True Light today?
- Read John 1:10. Verse 10 notes that the world was made through Jesus. He is our Creator. Read some other Scriptures that mention the fact that Jesus is our Creator and Maker. (John 1:2-23, Colossians 1:15-18)
- Why do you think the world did not recognize Jesus? (Hnt: darkness/sin/principalities and powers working against us, our flesh, which naturally loves darkness more than the light.)
- Read John 1:11-13. How can we become children of God? Read other passages that note that we are adopted into God’s family through Jesus: Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:5; Galatians 4:5-7, 1 John 3:1.
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
- Is Jesus your light and salvation? Are you a child of God, through faith in Jesus? If not, why not ask Jesus to be your light and salvation today? Then you will be given the right to be called a child of God.
Growing in Faith
- Continue the journey of memorizing the first portion of John’s Gospel (John 1:1-18) just a few verses at a time.
Centered in Faith
- Are you living in the Light as a mature child of God? What are you doing to ensure you do not become complacent and are spending time with the darkness of sin? Make sure you remain accountable by attending worship services regularly, participating in a small group, and constantly practicing spiritual disciplines, especially studying and reading the word of God, which will remind you that Jesus is your True Light and your Life. He is your salvation!