Coming Out of Darkness
“What’s amazing about the book of John is that it’s shallow enough for children to play but deep enough for elephants to swim.”
-Dr. Gary Burge
Two things are going to happen this year:
1. You’re going to believe deeper in Jesus than you ever have.
2. This is the year we’re going to ROB HELL!
Further Study
* Life Application Study Bible
* NIV Application Commentary for JOHN - Dr Gary Burge
John 1:1-13 NIV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
John 1:4 NIV
In him was LIFE...
John 1:4 NIV
In him was life, and that life was the LIGHT of all mankind.
Isaiah 9:2 NIV
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
John 1:4-9 NIV
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
Genesis 6:5 NIV
The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
What is DARKNESS?
* The resentment you won’t release
* The fear causing you to shrink back
* The addiction you keep managing
* The unbelief & idolatry you keep hidden
* The anger that keeps popping up
* The affair you’re afraid will be discovered
* Any area of your life you don’t want God to touch
What is LIGHT?
* Life
* God’s Presence
* Truth that’s Convicting
* Forgiveness
* Healing & Joy
How To Come Out of the Darkness
1. Invite Accountability
How To Come Out of the Darkness
1. Invite Accountability
2. Avoid the Appearance of Evil
“Temptation usually comes in through a door that has been deliberately left open.”
-Arnold Glasow
How To Come Out of the Darkness
1. Invite Accountability
2. Avoid the Appearance of Evil
3. Embrace Vulnerability & Confession
Proverbs 28:13 NIV
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Ephesians 5:8–14 NLT
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Maybe you made a decision to follow Jesus today, or maybe you’re curious what life with Him is all about. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to share with us so we can help you discover your next step.
