Series: Committed 
Message: Authenticity 
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 63:5-8.

Read: John 8:12-30 (Message). Note 1-3 insights/questions that arise from the paraphrase. 

Reflect: Edward W. Klink, III, in the Zondevan Exegetical Commentary Series—John, drew this theological application from the text. 
The entire conflict dialogue brings with the formal declaration of Jesus, “I am the Light of the world” (v.  12). The metaphor of light is so central to this Gospel that is occurrence here is significant. The imagery has already been filled with the significance of creation itself (1:1-5), so its use in this pericope imposes a similar force upon the reader. The metaphor of light and darkness speaks to one of the most basic senses of a person-sight. All our day-to-day movement are guided by light, a resource god provides to the whole world by means of the sun. But in his Son he has provided a more robust light. In view of his light, the day is not conceived by means of twenty-four hours but by the “day” Abraham had in view when he first the promise of God (v. 56).
Christ has commanded that we follow him, and he has promised that if we do, he will guide us away from darkness and into true life. God revealed this promise long ago through the psalmist” “Your word is a lamp unto my fee, a light on my path” (Ps. 119:105). The “word” Jesus beckoned us to “keep” and “remain in” was his own (vv. 31, 37, 43, 51). It is in this way that Jesus is “light of life” (v. 12). It is also in this way that the promise of Jesus becomes and exhortation to respond to the grace of God. it is only when I am charged as guilty that I can receive the verdict of grace from God. That is the irony of the Gospel. It is only when I admit to being what I am not supposed to be that I can be declared what I do not deserve to be. And this new reality—new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)—becomes the path upon which I am intended to walk (p. 427).

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. What is God asking you to let go of?
2. How do we take the person that everyone knows and match it with the person no one sees? 
3. What needs to shift for you to have a more authentic walk in life?

Respond: Pray for honesty.

Research: Read chapters 1-6 of the book Steps to Christ by Ellen White.