LIVING IN THE LIGHT

1 John 1:5-6 (NKJV)

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:8-9

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Holy Spirit wants to help us grow in Godly character so that we can sustain and steward the anointing of God in these last days.

What is the most important key to successful ministry?

“The most important key is absolute integrity of heart before God.” – Pastor Jack Hayford

“The grace that is allowed to flow through you is directly proportional to your willingness to walk with integrity of heart.” – Pastor Jack Hayford

Psalm 25:21

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

Psalm 26:11

But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.

Psalm 78:72

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.

Proverbs 20:7

The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

Genesis 20:5

Did he not say to me, “She is my sister?” And she, even she herself said, “He is my brother.” In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.

The Hebrew word means “purity, innocence, completeness, wholeness”.

Integrity – a life of honesty, truthfulness; a life that keeps promises; a life that is dependable, reliable, genuine, and real

How do we grow in integrity?

1. Live in the Light

1 John 1:7a

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light…

“Integrity is absolute honesty with God and with yourself.” – Pastor Jack Hayford

Genesis 3:8

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

I WANT YOU TO ANSWER ME IN FRONT OF JESUS.

Exodus 28:30a

And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord.

Colossians 3:15a

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

Psalm 25:21a

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.

2. Live Accountable

1 John 1:7a

If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.

Fellowship – koinonia, community, in unity together

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

“We confess our sins to God, and we get forgiven. We confess our sins to one another, and we get free.” – Doug Weiss

James 5:16a

Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

3. Live Forgiven

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Zechariah 13:1

In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

“There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains.” – William Cowper

“It reaches to the highest mountain, and it flows to the lowest valley, the blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.” – Andre Crouch

When we step into the light, confessing our sin, taking responsibility for our sin, and repenting of our sin, we can be forgiven and free.

We are called to be people of integrity: honest with God, honest with ourselves, and honest with one another.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is choosing to live a life of integrity important?

2. Who are some of the examples of integrity that you have witnessed in your life?

3. Where do you struggle the most when it comes to integrity?

4. What is one practical step you can take to help you grow in integrity?

5. Who will you ask to help you grow in integrity?