In Light Of (Part 1) – Step Into The Light | Pastor Johnny

John 8:12 NKJV

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.”

Light:

emitted by a lamp, a heavenly light such as surrounds angels when they appear on earth, anything emitting light, a star, fire because it is light and sheds light, brightness

metaphorically: of truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with it, that which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publicly, the power of understanding esp. moral and spiritual truth

World:

the universe, the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family, world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly

Follows:

accompany to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him, to join one as a disciple, become or be his disciple, side with his party, accompany

Walk:

 to make one's way, to regulate one's life, to conduct one’s self

Darkness:

the darkness due to want of light, used of ignorance of divine things, and its associated wickedness, and the resultant misery in hell

Shall Have:

hold, have hold of, in the sense of wearing, to have (hold) possession of the mind, to hold fast keep, own, possess

Light:

emitted by a lamp, a heavenly light such as surrounds angels when they appear on earth, anything emitting light, a star, fire because it is light and sheds light, brightness

Life:

the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate, of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature, life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last forever

Saul Saw The Light

Acts 8:1 NLT

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

Saul’s Conversion

Acts 9:1-19 NLT

9 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer[b] in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

Three Takeaways From Paul’s Story:

Takeaway 1: The Light Exposes the Darkness

“As he was approaching Damascus… a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.” – Acts 9:3

Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness.” Saul thought he was in the right—zealous for God, defending tradition—but in reality, he was deep in spiritual darkness, persecuting the very God he claimed to serve. The heavenly light revealed that he was blind, not just physically, but morally and spiritually.

Truth: The light of Christ reveals what we cannot see on our own. It exposes sin, deception, and pride—not to shame us, but to save us.

Takeaway 2: The Light Redirects the Walk

“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” – Acts 9:6

In John 8:12, Jesus connects following Him with walking in the light. The word “walk” means to live, conduct oneself. Saul’s life direction changed completely. From hunting Christians to becoming one, from living in ignorance to preaching the Gospel.

Truth: When we truly encounter the Light, it changes the path we walk. Our priorities shift. Our passions realign. Our conduct reflects Christ.

Takeaway 3: The Light Restores Life

“Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight.”

– Acts 9:18

Jesus promises “the light of life.” That “life” isn’t just breathing—it’s  vitality, fullness, purpose. Saul’s sight was restored, but more than that, his soul was reborn. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately baptized. From death to life. From blindness to vision. From Saul to Paul.

Truth: The Light of Jesus doesn't just reveal and redirect—it restores. He gives us real, eternal, Spirit-filled life, now and forever.

 Reflection Question:

Are you living in that restored life, or simply surviving? Jesus didn’t save you to exist—He saved you to live abundantly in Him.

Conclusion:

In light of John 8:12, and in light of Saul’s radical transformation:

• Let the Light expose the darkness. Don't fear the truth—Jesus is gentle even in His rebuke.

• Let the Light redirect your walk. Every step with Him is a step out of confusion and into clarity.

• Let the Light restore your life. There is no past too broken, no soul too lost, for the Light of the World to redeem.

Today, will you walk in the light?