Oby

Q2. (1 John 1:5-7) What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues wilfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? How does this involve self-deception? What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? How do we get back into the light if we sin? When a Christian wilfully continues to walk in darkness i.e. sin, disobedience, he separates himself from God. When we are out of fellowship with God there can be no true Christian fellowship with the brethren. It involves self-deception as in such cases we are honouring God with our lips but our hearts are far from Him. We are living a lie towards God and man as we persist in acting out a form of godliness while remaining in sin. When we walk in the light all is laid bare, there is nothing to hide, there is no duality in our lives. We walk according to the will and plans of God. We are led by the Holy Spirit. Our heart and motives are right towards God. When we sin we are forgiven and cleansed if genuinely repentant, we confess our sins.

Our fellowship with fellow Christians is often affected by i) How well we know and have understood and experienced the love of God. ii) The degree to which we desire to live in the light and are willing to expose our life and lifestyle to criticism/judgement or receiving the truth in love. iii) The fast paced lifestyle we now live, with little time for establishing relationships with any depth. iv) A lack of trust or willingness to be vulnerable to others within the group. To fellowship at a deeper level in Christ requires first coming to a revelation and acceptance of the love of Christ. We must first be settled in God's love for us to have balanced relationships with others. We can build deeper relationships by i) Deliberately creating time to ask questions and relate at a slower pace and deeper level and giving this priority. This is beyond just coming together to pray or for other Christian activities. ii) Obeying God's word to genuinely love and honour the brethren above ourselves even though it may involve inconveniencing ourselves, leaving ourselves open and vulnerable. This we do by allowing the love of Jesus to be expressed through us by His Holy Spirit dwelling in us. iii) Prayer - for strengthened bonds of love, intercessions for individuals with needs, for right responses of love