What does "darkness is passing" mean for our spiritual growth and maturity? The Phrase in Context “Yet I am also writing you a new commandment; its truth is seen in Him and also in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.” (1 John 2:8) What “Darkness” Stands For • Sin in general (John 3:19) • Spiritual ignorance and error (2 Corinthians 4:4) • Hatred toward others (1 John 2:9–11) • The domain of Satan (Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:13) “Is Passing” — A Present, Ongoing Reality • Greek tense points to a process already underway, not a distant hope. • Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection launched the irreversible triumph of light (John 1:5). • Believers live in the overlap: darkness still visible, yet steadily retreating (Romans 13:12). What This Means for Our Growth 1. Progressive Victory over Sin – We no longer practice sin as a settled lifestyle (1 John 3:6). – Regular confession keeps us walking in ever-brighter light (1 John 1:9). 2. Increasing Clarity of Truth – The Spirit guides into “all truth” (John 16:13). – Error loses its grip as Scripture saturates mind and heart (Psalm 119:105). 3. Deepening Love for Others – Love is the evidence that light is winning (1 John 2:10). – Hatred signals lingering shadows; love signals sunrise. 4. Growing Assurance and Confidence – Light exposes doubts and replaces them with settled hope (1 John 3:19–21). – Boldness in prayer and witness comes as darkness fades (1 John 5:14). 5. Heightened Moral Discernment – We discern good from evil more readily (Hebrews 5:14). – Decisions increasingly align with God’s character (Ephesians 5:8–10). Practical Steps to Partner with the Passing of Darkness • Abide in Christ daily (John 15:4). • Saturate life with Scripture (Joshua 1:8). • Maintain close fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Walk in prompt obedience to known truth (James 1:22). • Cultivate habitual love and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). • Stay alert in prayer (Colossians 4:2). Final Encouragement The sun of righteousness has already risen (Malachi 4:2). Each act of obedience, each moment of confessed sin, each choice to love hastens the retreat of darkness in and around us. Keep stepping into the light; it’s already shining. |
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