Each week throughout 2021, I will share a Bible study blog post taking us through the letter of 1 John. Only five chapters long, this brief book is worthy of our consideration. Whether you drop in for one post or many, I pray that you enjoy them. Access all posts here.

9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The Third Claim

"Whoever says he is in the light..." (9)

Here, we have the final claim of this section. This man says he is in the light, where God is, but hates his brother (in Christ). The reality, John says, is that he is still in darkness.

John holds out a second man, one who loves his brother (in Christ). This man is in the light.

So, here, we have a tale of two men. Both illustrate the results of the paths they've chosen. One chose a life of hate. Though he thinks he's chosen the path of love, John tells us he hasn't. The other chose a life of love. What comes of both their lives?

For John, life is either one or the other. There is no third option. Life is spent in the light, or it isn't. Life is spent loving others, or it isn't. We live in a world where fluidity is vogue, and certainty is frowned upon. John stands out as an oddity in our modern society. He is sure. Life is black and white. There is no gray on this subject. It's either light or darkness to John; there is no twilight. It's either love or hate, light or darkness, blindness or sight.

The Man Who Hates His Brother

"Hates his brother..." (9, 11)

Notice, first, the man who says he is in the light, but actually hates his brother. What does John say about him?

First, he is still in darkness and walks in the darkness. The whole point of the gospel is to take us from death to life, and from darkness to light. But this man is still in the darkness. He's walking in it. Again, he makes a big claim to be in the light, but he is misinformed. He thinks he's enlightened, but he's actually in the dark.

Second, he does not know where he is going. He is lost. Guided by emotions and the doctrines of demons, he projects great certainty and conviction. Sometimes, though, his inner man knows he like a wandering star, uncertain where he's going. Always, though, he has no idea where his beliefs and actions are taking him.

Third, he is blind, for the darkness has blinded his eyes. John envisions a man who is totally lost, incapable of sight. He is so blinded in fact, that he never knows where he is going. The picture is of someone groping, never arriving at the knowledge of the truth, always searching, and utterly lost. The darkness only gives way to more darkness. Light is never known, never produced, and never hoped for.

The Man Who Loves His Brother

"Whoever loves his brother..." (10)

Notice, second, the man who loves his brother. What does John say about this contrasting man?

First, he abides in the light. His whole life is illuminated because he is living in the place where light pours down. Since this man is walking with God, and since God is light, this mans' life is full of light. He is not blind. He can see. His life is not clouded with the darkness of personal sin or hatred towards others.

Second, in him there is no cause for stumbling.

His life does not blind himself, so he does not stumble himself. There is something about walking with God, and resultantly loving your brother, which gives a person perspective, wisdom, and vision. They see themselves and the world they're in with clarity. They aren't easily duped. They don't go long without seeing their shortcomings and imperfections. They don't self-deceive.

His life does not stumble others. His life is clean because he's walking in God's light. He treats others with respect and kindness, outworkings of love, and their journey towards God is aided by his life. He does not allow his flesh to win the day and damage the future of others.

And his love for others helps him see himself accurately. When he extends himself to others, he can feel his own limitations. He can see where he needs to grow. Like the leper, he says to Jesus, "Lord, you can make me clean." But he only says it because, in the light, he's found his uncleanness.

Your Perpetuating Condition

"No cause for stumbling..." / "...does not know where he is going..."

For both men, the condition they are in leads to more of that condition. So for the man in darkness, all he can find is more darkness. And the man in the light, loving his brother, can find more light.

This is how it works. The path of self-love, isolation, and rejection of God's people -- hatred -- is a treacherous one. But the path of love -- sacrificial-lay-down-your-life-love -- is so good. It leads to light and more light. The fruit of this life is good.

It's not hard to imagine these two men, these two paths. A young person might decide, in their early years, life is all about them. In your imagination, track them over the years. Life is a constant stream of hurt. They cause pain. Finally, near the end, they are alone, forgotten.

But a young person might also choose the life of love. Their love begets more love. Lives are bettered. Pain is endured. More sight and light flow in. They grow because they see themselves aright. Near their end, there is a long line of fruitfulness. Like Joseph, whose branches ran over the wall, others enjoy their fruit (Genesis 49:22). They bear much fruit (John 15:1-11). People are glad for their lives.

Choose a life of love and obedience. Let God's light in, and then respond to Him.

Conclusion / Application

If this passage is true, and it is, there are some implications and applications to daily living which might help us. Here are some of them.

1 Let John’s Test Have Access to Your Life

The apostle has given us this test to see if we're walking in the light or not. Obedience, particularly towards love, is the evidence he looks for. Give his test honest access to your life.

2 Study the Implications of the Cross of Christ

I don't like to give you too much homework, but thinking longer and harder about the implications of the cross is good for modern Christians. We are often too quick to move on from the cross. Here are some articles, along with a book recommendation, for your edification on this subject.

Some articles I've written: <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.nateholdridge.com/blog/tag/Cross>
The Cross Of Christ, by John Stott -- <https: data-preserve-html-node="true"//www.amazon.com/dp/B00ARLEUHG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1>

3 Study the Attributes of God

Similar to the previous application, since so much of John's schema has to do with knowing God, we should consider His identity. Knowing more of what He is like might motivate you to know Him the way John did.

4 Put the Spine Back Into the Word “Love”

It is not a flimsy or sentimental word. It is not a word reserved for a limp and lifeless acceptance of everything under the sun. It is, instead, a powerful word, one filled with sacrifice, pain, hardship, endurance, and victory.

5 Get Back Into Christian Service

Some of you need this exhortation. You loved the church, served it, and go hurt. I feel you. I've been there. We can show each other our bruises after the game, but first, get back in there.

6 Find an Encourager

Not a general encourager, those are a dime-a-dozen, but one who will exhort you to pursue loving the body of Christ. We are known for our love, so get people in your life who will encourage you to let it rip.

7 Write Your Obituary

I recently did an exercise where I wrote my dream obituary. Not a how-did-he-die kind, but a what-did-he-leave-behind-and-how-did-he-live kind. It was edifying and clarifying, helping me think about what really matters. Spoiler alert: I want to be the man in the light, not the man in the darkness.