Who Is God – Part 4

First John, chapter number two. We’re going to continue our study on the book of First John. Here again an eight part series on who is God. There are three names or three descriptions of God that are given here in First John. God is light, God is love and God is life. And we see that here. It’s great when the Bible alliterates itself. Amen.

Scripture Reference

1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 2:18-29 (KJV)

Introduction

In this message, Dr. Terry LeQuieu continues his series “Who Is God” (Part 4), focusing on the description of God as Light from the book of First John. This sermon examines how God’s light exposes the world, advises the believer, and enables us to abide in Christ. The passage highlights three temptations of the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life— and shows how the Word and Spirit guide, protect, and mature the child of God. We will see practical application for young adults and all believers: how to recognize counterfeit Christianity, how to discern truth by God’s Spirit, and how to live with assurance, consistency, and confidence in Christ.

Go to one John with me, if you would. First John, chapter two. When you get there, go ahead and stand with me. First John, chapter number two. We’re going to continue our study on the book of First John. Here again an eight part series on who is God. There are three names or three descriptions of God that are given here in First John. God is light, God is love and God is life. And we see that here. It’s great when the Bible alliterates itself. Amen. Anyway, here we’re going to wrap up God is light tonight and we’ve looked at some different aspects of God being that light. And we’re going to look at the final three as we wrap up chapter number two tonight.

Outline

Accuracy of the Light (1 John 2:15-17)
1. The Light Reveals the World
  The command “Love not the world” shows the Bible identifies what is worldly: anything contrary to God’s Word. Reading and meditating on Scripture sharpens our spiritual vision so the world’s ways become plainly visible.
2. The Light Reveals Who We Are
  If a person is driven by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life, the love of the Father is not in him. The spiritual condition of the heart is exposed by God’s light—if the world controls you, you aren’t walking rightly with God.
3. The Light Reveals What the World Does
  The world tempts the flesh, distracts the eyes, and promotes pride. When we live for sensations, possessions, or personal acclaim, we are conforming to the world and losing spiritual perspective (see Paul: “For to me to live is Christ” — Gal. 2:20).
4. The Light Reveals Where the World Is Going
  “The world passeth away, and the lust thereof.” Temporal wealth, status, and entertainment vanish; only what is done for Christ abides forever. True investment is eternal—souls, discipleship, faithful service.
Advice of the Light (1 John 2:18-23)
1. Warning about Antichrists
  The Bible warns that false teachers and counterfeits will come. Familiarity with Scripture trains us to discern the counterfeit because we know the genuine article—just like a teller detecting counterfeit money.
2. Departure as Evidence
  Those who depart from the fellowship often demonstrate they were never truly of us. Lack of chastening or continuing fruit indicates the person never possessed saving faith (see Hebrews 12:7-8).
3. Denying the Faith
  Antichrists deny the Father and the Son. Many religions honor Jesus in part but deny His deity and the saving work of the Son—this is the dividing line for authentic Christianity.
4. Defining the Authentic Christian
  Believers have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One, a work of the Holy Spirit that teaches, convicts, and reveals truth. This unction gives an alerted, accepting, aware, and acknowledging faith.
  1. Alerted Faith – The Spirit gives discernment as we walk with God; we are spiritually vigilant.
  2. Accepting Faith – We accept God’s promises as true even when we can’t fully reason them out; God cannot lie (Titus 1:2).
  3. Aware Faith – Be watchful for teachings that deny Christ’s person and work.
  4. Acknowledging Faith – Confessing the Son is essential: “He that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”
Abiding in His Light (1 John 2:24-29)
1. Abide in the Teaching
  Let the original truth “which ye have heard from the beginning” continue in you. Abiding is rooted in hearing and keeping Scripture—the same abiding Christ taught in John 15.
2. Assurance of the Promise
  The promise of eternal life is given to those who are truly in Christ. This assurance brings peace and confidence before His appearing. We rest in the finished work of Christ.
3. Protection by the Light
  God’s Word protects us from false teachers who would seduce the faithful. We are given victory in Christ (1 Cor. 15:57) if we claim it in obedience and faith.
4. Consecration and Confidence
  The anointing (Holy Spirit) abides in believers and teaches us. We need not be completely dependent on men for truth; the Spirit confirms and teaches. Abiding produces confidence at Christ’s coming and consistent righteousness—those who do righteousness are born of Him.

Summary

God as Light exposes, instructs, and preserves. The passage from First John warns believers not to love the world—whose attractions are temporary and deceptive—and it gives practical help for spiritual growth. The Word and the Spirit together reveal the world’s danger, identify false teachers, and confirm authentic believers. Those who live under the light abide in Christ, enjoy assurance of eternal life, and demonstrate consistent righteousness. The antidote to worldly attraction is not merely moral effort but immersion in God’s Word and reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

When we are immature in our spirituality, then we are driven by the lust of the flesh. Well, I want to do this. Well, I want to do that. Why does the preacher have to preach against that? Why does the preacher say we can’t go over there? Why does the preacher say we can’t do this? Why is there always a bunch of rules? Are you listening? That’s immaturity on our parts. That’s us being little children in the faith.

Application for the Week

Practical steps to apply this sermon as a young adult (and for every believer):

Daily Bible Intake
Commit to a specific time each day (even 10–20 minutes) to read Scripture—start with 1 John and a chapter of the Gospels. Let the Word recalibrate your mind and desires. Keep a small notebook and write one truth and one application each day.
Ask the Spirit to Teach
Before reading, pray for the Holy Spirit’s unction to open your understanding (John 14:26; 1 John 2:20,27). Ask Him to show one practical thing to change this week, and obey it immediately.
Identify Your Temptation Category
Which of the three is your greatest struggle—lust of the flesh (self-indulgence), lust of the eyes (materialism/distraction), or pride of life (self-glory)? Journal one concrete habit to remove and one godly habit to add. Example: If it’s lust of the eyes, limit social media and give that time to Scripture or serving.
Discern and Distance from Counterfeits
Compare teachings you hear to Scripture. If someone presents an alternate gospel, gently but firmly measure it by the Bible (Galatians 1). If a church or teacher denies Christ’s deity or the gospel, distance yourself and warn others lovingly.
Invest Eternally
Give time, talent, or treasure toward discipling others: volunteer in a youth group, invite one unbelieving friend to church, or support missions. Ask, “Who will benefit eternally from my sacrifice?” and do that work.
Practice Confession and Repentance
If you detect pride, materialism, or sensual compromise, confess it this week to God—and to a trusted believer if needed. Follow steps of repentance: quit the sin, replace it with Scripture, and seek accountability.
Live with Assurance and Expectation
Memorize 1 John 2:25 and John 10:28–29 to anchor your assurance. Let that assurance produce boldness in witnessing and holiness in living—walk with confidence, ready for Christ’s appearing.

Take one of these action steps today. Start small, be consistent, and allow the light of Christ to shape your heart this week.

Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu — Sermon Title: “Who Is God – Part 4”