Children of Light and Darkness Study Notes

Bible Study: Children of Light and Darkness

Preparation for Study and Review

  • New Topic: Understanding the Children of Light and Darkness
  • Posture Check: Preparing for Worship
    • A self-reflection exercise was conducted to assess group mindset.
    • Participants answered: “What’s one thing you would change about yourself if Bible study were in person with Jesus?”
    • Key themes emerged from responses:
      • Greater attentiveness
      • More formal appearance and demeanor
      • Increased vulnerability and participation
      • More reverent physical posture
    • Connection to Scripture:
      • This exercise relates to the reverent posture of Daniel in prayer (Daniel 6:10).
      • It was emphasized that reverence should extend to virtual settings, as God sees all and deserves the best effort in attire, focus, and even facial expressions.
    • Goal:
      • Consciously adopt the posture of a "wheat-like believer" who is fully present for God.

Review of the “Three Spiritual Pots”

  • A competitive quiz served as a quick review of the previous lesson.
    • Monique identified the three types of spiritual pots:
      • Pot of Rebellion
      • Pot of Desolation
      • Pot of Salvation
    • Definition of “Pots”:
      • These pots represent three types of churches described in the Bible.
    • Requirement for Salvation Church:
      • A believer (the “meat”) must be “cooked” by the “fire” of God’s word.
      • This involves correctly learning the word to discern truth, repent, and change.

Introduction: The Paradox of the Second Coming

  • Scripture Reference:
    • Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.
  • Core Paradox:
    • The “day of the Lord” comes unexpectedly like a “thief in the night.”
    • For believers (“sons of the light”), this day should not be a surprise.
  • Resolution of Paradox:
    • Understanding the biblical distinction between being a child of light and a child of darkness.

Defining Spiritual Light and Darkness

  • Common Perceptions:
    • Light: Jesus, heaven, angels
    • Darkness: Satan, evil
  • Scriptural Definitions:
    • Spiritual Light:
      • Defined as the Word of God.
      • Psalm 119:130 states, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."
      • “Unfolding” occurs when prophecies are fulfilled by a “reality,” which brings true meaning.
      • Light is the “knowledge of the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:6) derived from understanding the unraveled Word.
    • Spiritual Darkness:
      • Defined as ignorance resulting from not having the Word.
      • It occurs when the Word is “sealed” and prophecies are unfulfilled (Isaiah 8:16).
      • During eras of darkness, true meaning of scripture cannot be fully known, leading to “distress and darkness and fearful gloom” (Isaiah 8:22).

The Two Biblical Eras of Light

  • Timeline of Eras:
    • Two major eras of darkness followed by two eras of light.
    • First Era of Light (The First Coming):
      • The Old Testament prophecies were “sealed” (darkness).
      • Jesus arrived as the fulfillment (e.g., the sacrificial lamb), unraveling the Word and ushering in an era of light (Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:12-16).
    • Second Era of Light (The Second Coming):
      • After Jesus’s ascension, New Testament prophecies became a “sealed” word, marking a 2,000-year era of darkness.
      • This period is susceptible to man-made teachings (“weeds,” Matthew 13).
      • A new era of light begins at the Second Coming when the New Testament prophecies are fulfilled and the Word is unraveled again.

Characteristics of the Children of Light

  • Definition Beyond Good Deeds:
    • The distinction of being a “child of light” requires more than just good deeds.
  • Primary Requirement:
    • Possessing the Word of Life:
      • Having the Word and accepting the unraveled word of prophecy and fulfillment relevant to the current era.
  • Lifestyle:
    • Living Differently from the World:
      • Believers are commanded to live differently from the world (Ephesians 4:17-18).
      • The world prioritizes money, materialism, fame, and selfishness.
      • Money is necessary; however, the love of money is the root of all evil.
  • Heart Condition:
    • An Open and Humble Heart:
      • The Gentiles in Ephesians 4 were in darkness due to a “hardening of their hearts.”
      • A child of light must maintain a humble and open heart, ready to receive understanding from God.

Group Activities and Personal Updates

  • Quiet Time Talk (3 points):
    • Submission via text or photo of written notes required.

Theological Clarification: Belief vs. Understanding

  • Key Question:
    • Can someone believe in Jesus and still be in darkness?
    • Conclusion:
      • Yes, a person can believe but remain in darkness if they do not fully understand what they believe.
      • Example: The Pharisees knew the prophecies but did not understand their fulfillment in Jesus, leading to their rejection of Him.
      • Understanding the true spiritual meaning of biblical parables (e.g., “hidden manna,” “fire”) indicates being in the era of light.

“Kingdom Race” Competition

  • Ongoing Fellowship Competition:
    • Running through July and August to encourage members towards maturity as believers.
    • Current Standings:
      • 1st Place: Team 3 (202 points)
      • 2nd Place: Team 2, “Heaven, We’re Together” (105 points)
      • 3rd Place: Team 1, “The Chosen One” (95 points)
      • 4th Place: Team 4, “Iron Sharpens Iron” (94 points)

Group Performance and Earning Points

  • The group is currently in last place due to late submission of the “quiet time talk.”
  • They are only 11 points from second place.
  • Ways to Earn Points:
    • Fellowship Leader Time: Yields the most points.
    • Prayer with a Partner:
      • Praying with a fellowship member for 2-3 minutes and reporting it in a group chat also earns points.

Personal Updates and Recommendations

  • The speaker has secured a new job and will be available to meet with group members for the next two weeks.
  • Food Recommendations:
    • “Taco Naco” and “Paco Nazo” for tacos.
    • A black sesame dessert place in Rowland Heights.

Next Arrangements and Action Items

  • Personal Reflection & Application:
    • Reflect on and improve personal posture (physical, mental, emotional) for future Bible studies.
    • Evaluate time spent in the Word weekly; view it as a necessity.
    • Before bed, reflect on quiet time, prayer, and review to assess if faith is active or knowledge-based.
    • Check your lifestyle to ensure it aligns with God’s priorities, not worldly patterns.
    • Regularly check the heart’s condition to remain humble and open to learning.
    • Weekend Assignment: Wait for communication from the speaker.
  • Study & Review:
    • Members missed the “Three Spiritual Pots” lesson should contact their fellowship leader to catch up.
    • Keep a written definition of “child of the light” for comparison with ongoing scriptural explanations.
    • The group will study John 1:1-5 in the next session.
    • Review Matthew 13 for understanding the enemy’s role in sowing bad seeds during darkness.

Fellowship Activities & Communication

  • Prepare follow-up questions on the “Pots” topic for fellowship leaders.
  • Fellowship leaders should clarify the difference between the “closed word” (prophecy) and the “unraveled word” (fulfillment).
  • Submit the “quiet time talk” on time through text or photo.
  • Pray with a brother or sister from the fellowship and report to group chat.
  • Encourage one another by sharing quiet time prompts.
  • Contact May, Amos, Andrew, or the speaker for catch-up or questions.
  • Stay in contact with the speaker for potential hangouts over the next two weeks.