MARY THE QUEEN CATHOLIC CHURCH EKPOMA
ANNUAL CRUSADE (9TH EDITION)
DECEMBER 11, 2024
TOPIC: WALKING IN THE LIGHT
SPEAKER: FR. DANIEL EVBOTOKHAI
READING: (1 John 1:7)
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (NIV)
Introduction
As we assemble today, the Holy Spirit leads us to focus on a fundamental truth of our Christian walk: walking in the light. This divine principle, established in the Scriptures, demands that we renounce sin and submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ. As the apostle John declares in 1 John 1:7, walking in the light is essential to living a righteous life that honors God’s holy character. As we walk in the light, we experience the true fellowship of the saints, marked by the love, support, and mutual encouragement that flows from our union with Christ. Furthermore, the precious blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, cleanses us from all sin, empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to God. This sacred truth underscores the transformative power of God’s grace and the imperative of living a life that reflects the holy character of our Lord.
The Concept of Walking in the Light
The sacred Scriptures reveal to us that “walk” originates from the Greek word “peripateo,” signifying a deliberate and habitual way of living. This manner of living is characterized by progress, growth, and maturity in the things of God. Furthermore, “light” is a divine metaphor that represents life, happiness, righteousness, and understanding, all of which emanate from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17).
As Catholic and apostolic believers, we understand that walking in the light is a biblical concept that embodies a life lived in righteousness and obedience to God. It necessitates an unwavering commitment to following Jesus Christ, living a life of truth and honesty, practicing righteousness, demonstrating love towards others, and proclaiming the gospel to a lost and dying world.
As we walk in the light, we align our lives with God’s divine will, experience the abundance of His blessings, and bring glory to His majestic name. The lives of saintly figures such as Augustine and Francis of Assisi serve as exemplary models of what it means to walk in the light. They epitomized a life of love, humility, and selfless service to others, recognizing that walking in the light is a perpetual journey of spiritual growth and surrender to God’s will.
Other Biblical Walks
In addition to walking in the light, the Bible encourages us to:
1. Walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)
2. Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)
3. Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2)
4. Walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17)
5. Walk in humility (Micah 6:8)
CHARACTERISTICS OF WALKING IN THE LIGHT
Walking in the light is characterized by:
1. Truth
St. Paul exhorts us to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11), which includes truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. Truth empowers us to resist doubt, false doctrine, and Satan’s deceptions.
2. Authenticity and Sincerity
Matthew 23:27-28 warns against hypocrisy and insincerity. When we walk in the light, we are authentic and sincere in our words and actions.
3. Life of discipline (Self-discipline)
Walking in light means having dominion over our flesh. Disciplining your body. For lack of discipline, some who came to limelight ended in bad light (Saul, Samson etc.), without discipline the light bearer will turn out to be a destroyer. Joseph, despite being a young handsome man, had discipline over his body, he came to limelight and shone forth as a perfect example. The light must shine and penetrate your hidden darkness (lust, anger, pride, arrogance, lies, gossip, etc).
4. Right Attitude
Walking in light means having the right attitude. Light is action! When light is switched on, darkness disappears. We must work on our temperament and have dominion over our emotions.
5. Living Out Our Consecration
To walk in light is to live out our consecration. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession…”
Conclusion
As we strive to walk in the light, let us remember that it is a journey of growth, maturity, and progress. May we be guided by the light of Christ, and may our lives be characterized by truth, authenticity, dominion over our flesh, right attitude, and living out our consecration.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that Your light shines brightly in our lives, dispelling every form of darkness and revealing Your truth to us. May Your Word be our guiding light, illuminating our path and directing our steps.
Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Prayer for Deliverance from Darkness
O God, we pray for deliverance from every form of spiritual darkness. Help us to walk as children of light, free from the dominion of darkness and living in the kingdom of Your Son.
Colossians 1:13 – “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”
Ephesians 5:8-10 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Prayer for Boldness to Shine
Heavenly Father, grant us the courage to shine Your light in every dark place. May our lives be a reflection of Your glory, and may we glorify Your name in all that we do.
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Prayer for the Light of Salvation
Dear Father, we pray that Your light brings salvation to all who seek You. May Your light break every chain of sin and bondage, and may Your glory be revealed in our lives.
Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Prayer for Unity in the Light
Heavenly Father, we pray that Your light brings unity and fellowship among all believers. May we glorify You as one body, living in the light and loving one another.
1 John 2:10 – “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
