Walking in the Light

Explanation: Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of the transformation that has taken place in their lives along with the desired consequences. Their past was darkness and sin, but their present and future was to be in the light. The term therefore is a declaration - because of the mercy of God and His redemption, the outcome is to be different: but now you are the light

Illustrate: a recovering alcoholic doesn’t continue to hang out in bars. If he does, he won’t remain a recovering alcoholic - he will be one again!

B.N.: Christians have absolutely no business dating non-Christians. This isn’t just some good advice- it is a biblical command ()

Argument: When God invades a person’s life with His goodness and grace; when he reaches down and pulls a person out of the pit of sin and despair, He fundamentally changes that person’s nature. Genuine salvation is not just cleaning up the outside and softening the edges, it is an inner change at the core level ()

Application: To grow in grace believers need to surround themselves with others who are like-minded. The question should not be, “how close to the edge can I get before I get in trouble?” Instead, a better question is, “How can I live a holy life that is pleasing to the God who redeemed me?”

The one who walks in the light will actually expose the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11-12)

Explanation: A step towards Christian maturity is when a person understands he or she has a responsibility that goes beyond personal interests. The Apostle states that not only are believers to come out from the dark, but they are to shine light on the acts of darkness to expose them.

Illustrate: Rat shooting at the Pig Farm

Argument: There is a higher purpose in the Apostle’s admonition for believers to be about the business on shining light into the darkness. The understanding is that believers have the responsibility, however awkward or unpleasant , to confront the culture of darkness with the light in order that change may take place. This is important because the reality is that those who are in darkness prefer to stay there (). Darkness does not expose itself!

The one who walks in the light will share the light with others

Application: Consider a Christian student who is trying to live out this precept. It is test time and he is doing his own work when he becomes aware of a fellow student cheating on the exam. Does he raise his hand and shout out, “Mrs. Jones, Tyler Wilson is cheating! (not good for a continued Christian witness)

Believers do have the responsibility, however awkward or unpleasant , to confront the culture of darkness with the light

There are, however, ways for us to expose darkness. It involves a willingness to get involved in someone’s business, which is at odds with our culture (You take care of you; let me take care of me)

Confront a fellow worker about theft or workplace malpractice.

Talk with a fellow student about his or her ethics - or lack thereof

Go beyond silence when inappropriate jokes or language is used

Do not go hunting for things to expose. You do not have to wear the mantle of Righteous Ranger. Jesus did not go out of His way to encounter darkness, but when it came He dealt with it instead of ignoring it

The one who walks in the Light will have the desire to share the Light with others ()

Explanation: This is the compassionate conclusion to the exposing the darkness. Just to be satisfied with confronting a sinner with his or her sin and leaving them in the dark is not a good example of Christianity. The only real purpose of exposing a person’s sin is to present them with the remedy for their problem.

An initial reading of these verses could seem to indicate that the exposure to the light is all that is necessary to correct the problem. Taking Scripture as a whole, that interpretation is not possible. Shedding light on the darkness of sin is however, the starting point.

Argument: All humanity is born with a sin nature. We sin because we are sinners, and we choose to hide in the darkness of our personal sin. Jesus, the source of Light itself, came to the dark world to bring the Light of His presence and glory; He came to seek and to save those who are in the darkness. It is very important for us to remember that we once lived in darkness until the light of the Gospel shone on us. We are called, empowered, and privileged to be part of the rescue effort - we are privileged to carry the light to those who are still in darkness. ()

Application: Pray and ask God to embolden your witness. Embrace your role as a light-bearer, and pray for more and more opportunities to share the light of the Gospel.

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