From Darkness to Light
Key Text: Colossians 1:13-14
Paul wrote to the early church at Colassae (Southern Turkey) to strengthen the believers against false teachers with a religious spirit. His emphasis is the superiority of Christ over all natural wisdom and traditions.
The Nature of Light:
In the beginning Genesis 1:3 when God created the heavens and the earth, He spoke light into existence.
God is light,” says 1 John 1:5 Light is a common metaphor in the Bible. Proverbs 4:18 symbolises righteousness as the ‘morning sun.’
Philippians 2:15 likens God’s children as those who are ‘blameless and innocent’ to ‘lights in the world’.
Jesus used light as a picture of good works: ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16. Psalm 76:4 says of God, ‘You are radiant with light’
The fact that God is light by default sets up a natural contrast with darkness. If light is a metaphor for righteousness and goodness, then darkness signifies evil and sin.
1 John 1:6 says that ‘if we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.’
v.5 says, ‘God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.’ As children of God, we are called to walk in the light 1 John 1:7, allowing God’s truth to illuminate every aspect of our lives.
Note that we are not told that God is a light but that He is light. Light is part of His essence, as is love 1 John 4:8. The message is that God is completely, unreservedly, absolutely holy, with no mingling of sin, no taint of iniquity and no hint of injustice He is completely good.
The Reality of Darkness:
Darkness, on the other hand, represents sin, ignorance and spiritual blindness. Darkness is the absence of light but true spiritual darkness is the absence of God’s presence and there are forces, powers, principalities and an enemy that seek to deceive and separate us from God.
The Apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of darkness. As disciples, we must be aware of the enemy’s schemes and stand firm in the authority of Christ and the word of His power.
Paul in speaking about death 1 Thessalonians 4:13 says he does not want us to be ignorant (Uninformed/not knowing)
Overcoming Darkness through Holy Spirit:
Thankfully, God has not left us defenceless in this battle against darkness. When Jesus returned to our Father in heaven, He promised to send Holy Spirit, the Comforter and the Helper John 16:7. On the Day of Pentecost, Holy Spirit descended upon those early believers like tongues of fire, empowering, enabling them to become the bearers of God’s light to the world.
As disciples we believe in the transformative power of Holy Spirit. Who indwells us, guiding, convicting, and authorising/legitimising us to walk in the light.
When we allow Holy Spirit to work in us, the darkness within us is exposed, and the light of Christ shines through us 2 Corinthians 4:6. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness”, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The Spirit equips us to overcome sin, fear and any spiritual stronghold that would try to enslave us.
Being a Beacon of Light:
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be bold witnesses for Christ, spreading His light in a world engulfed by darkness.
Through our words, actions and the manifestation of those spiritual gifts the Spirit graces us with, we can point others to the love, hope and salvation found only in Jesus.
Holy Spirit : Brings illumination & revelation Psalm 119:105, Reveals truth about Jesus & sets men free John 8:31 -32 , Brings guidance & direction John 8:12
Let us as a daily rhythm ask for fresh anointing of Holy Spirit.
As we abide in God’s Word, we will be guided by His truth and His light will radiate through us.
Let us be agents of transformation in our families, communities and nations.