In our sermon Sunday, the Apostle John (like other scripture writers) uses a lot of images and metaphors. Its really important that the scripture writers refer and teach theological truth in a variety of ways; truth about God can hardly be "captured" so the best way to get some handle on theological truth is getting at it from a variety of angles.
I made reference to 4 words or phrases on Sunday. Here are scripture passages for you to examine to understand how they are used.
1. "fellowship" as a reference to our salvation
1 Cor. 1:9
1 John 1:3, 6
2 Cor. 13:14
2. "walk" as a reference to "living life."
Gal 5:16
Eph 2:1-2
1 John 2:6
3. "darkness" as a reference for evil, sin and impurity
Psalm 82:5
Prov. 2:13 (get a running start by starting in vs. 6)
John 3:19
4. "practicing truth" as a reference to living in accordance with Jesus and his way
"practicing truth" is very specific to John so we don't have other references like this. This has a similar connotation to "walking"... it has to do with how we live our lives. "Tom practices medicine." 1 Kings 11:11 says, "Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, 'Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant....'" Consequently then, "practicing the truth" is similar to "walking in the light." It's a metaphor describing how one is living life.
What do you think about these metaphors? Am I missing something that's important to bring up? Also, what are ways you examine your heart to see if you're walking in the light?
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
2 comments:
Metaphors are a bit like parables since they produce pictures in our minds and allow us to read much more into the material to gain greater insight. Fellowship certainly speaks of salvation but it also describes the oneness of heart that our saving relationship should bring. But isn't that the same thing?
You are almost implying, Brian, that metaphors are a tool to examine my heart. They are! Tugging at my heart, the word “fellowship” challenges me with the implication, “do I have such oneness with Christ that I daily fellowship with Him?” “Do I have lots and lots in common with Him so we can't wait to get together to discuss it?” If not, my heart condemns me for failing to alter my life's priorities to make it so.
Do I actually “walk,” step by step with Him? This metaphor invades my complacent life as I take each physical step, reminding me to join in His journey.
Lastly, “light and dark” do not mix. Predictably, this metaphor begs me to ask the hardest questions of myself: “Am I trying to do what God has never intended for me: to mix dark deeds into a life lived in the Light of Christ?”
James, thank you for your take on the metaphors. I especially appreciate the bit about being in fellowship with Christ. If I miss time with Him for very long, I'm bound to be headed toward grayer and darker areas and even start to avoid Him because we have less in common. But the more I spend time with Him, the more I'm thinking His thoughts about life and, as you put it, "can't wait to get together to discuss it."
Post a Comment