Our Greatest Need As Christians (Part One)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. Apostle John says, 6 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:6-9). This passage describes the greatest need the Christian has. Let’s examine this passage. The phrase, “If we say” show very clearly that John is speaking about both the apostles and their Christian audience. We know this is true because of the context. In verse five, John says, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). In light of the “we” and the “you” of this verse we see that the phrase “If we say” is in reference to both the apostles and Christians. So, whether an apostle or a believer makes the statement of verse 6, the simple truth is that statement is a lie. To say we have fellowship with God is a false claim, if at the same time we’re walking in the darkness. Are we genuinely living out the truth of the gospel in our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods? Or do we still walk in darkness? John says those who walk in darkness do so because they “do not practice the truth.” Walking in darkness points to those who’re not practicing the truth. Practicing the truth literally means, “to act or behave consistently with the truth.” In other words, the idea would then be that to claim fellowship with God while walking in darkness is behaving contrary to the truth about God, particularly the truth about God’s holiness as seen in 1 John 1:5. Walking in darkness is to not behave consistently with the reality of the nature and character of God. Our great need is “to act or behave consistently with the truth.” Be encouraged!