Walking in the Light of Christ

May 17th, 2026 - John 8:12, Philippians 3:9-12

Sermon - Pastor Scott Thompson

The Light of Christ and the Pursuit of Knowing Him

In John 8:12, Jesus makes a bold and unmistakable declaration about who He is:

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12, ESV)

Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Booths, a time when large lamps illuminated Jerusalem as a reminder of God's presence leading Israel through the wilderness by fire. Against this backdrop, Christ declared Himself to be the true Light. He was not simply offering guidance or wisdom. He was revealing that He alone is the source of spiritual life, truth, and salvation.

The world apart from Christ is marked by darkness. Scripture describes humanity as spiritually blind, dead in sin, and separated from God. Yet Jesus gives a promise to those who follow Him: they “will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This is not a temporary light or a vague sense of hope. It is the life-giving truth found only in Christ, who opens blind eyes and leads His people out of darkness into fellowship with God.

This truth connects beautifully with Philippians 3:9-12, where Paul speaks of what it means to truly know Christ:

“And be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ...” (Philippians 3:9, ESV)

Paul had once trusted in his own religious achievements and righteousness, yet after encountering Christ, he counted those things as loss. Why? Because no amount of morality, effort, or religious performance can remove spiritual darkness. Only the righteousness of Christ, received by faith, can reconcile sinners to a holy God.

John 8:12 tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world. Philippians 3 explains what happens when that Light shines into a sinner’s life. We stop trusting in ourselves and begin trusting fully in Christ. Paul says he desired to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). This is not mere intellectual knowledge. It is a transformed relationship where a believer is united to Christ, changed by His grace, and shaped into His likeness.

Yet Paul also reminds us that the Christian life is one of continual growth. In Philippians 3:12, he writes:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.” (ESV)

Even Paul understood that following Christ is a daily pursuit. Those who walk in the Light are not sinless, but they are no longer content to remain in darkness. They press on, pursuing holiness and growing in the knowledge of Christ because He has first laid hold of them.

The promise of John 8:12 is not simply that Jesus gives light, but that He is the Light. Following Him means turning from the darkness of self-righteousness, sin, and worldly wisdom and resting entirely in Him. Like Paul, believers are called to count everything else as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.

The question each of us must ask is this: Are we following the Light, or are we still trusting in ourselves? Eternal life is not found in religion, good works, or personal effort. It is found in Christ alone, the Light of the world, who gives life to all who believe in Him.

We always encourage everyone to check everything through the lens of the Scriptures. Be like the noble Bereans of Paul's day. Please visit us here for much more, and remember, Christ is enough.

Let us walk together in the light, following Christ our Lord.  Too often people will proclaim their love for the cross...yet refuse to carry it daily.  Knowing Jesus, we can pick up our cross. 

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family