From Darkness to Light: The Journey of Sanctification

 

Summary

In the epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of the Christian life, urging believers to live as "children of light." This transformation is not merely a superficial change but a profound shift from darkness to light, symbolizing a complete renewal of one's being. The Apostle Paul presents a series of arguments to illustrate the New Testament method of sanctification, which is not an instantaneous experience but a gradual outworking of truth in one's life. Sanctification, therefore, is not something to be received passively but actively applied through understanding and living out the truth of the Gospel.

Paul contrasts the life of a Christian with that of a non-Christian, highlighting the absolute difference between the two. This distinction is as clear as the difference between light and darkness. A Christian is not merely someone who has been enlightened but someone who has become light in the Lord. This transformation is not just about being in the light but having the light within, affecting the very core of one's being. The Apostle underscores that this change is not achieved through human effort or moral improvement but through the work of God in Christ, who shines into our hearts, bringing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

The sermon challenges the notion that sanctification is a simple act of looking to the Lord without struggle or effort. Instead, it is a process that involves understanding and applying the truth of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul insists that the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian should be evident, as clear as the difference between light and darkness. This clarity is essential for living a life that reflects the light of Christ to the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The New Testament method of sanctification involves a gradual outworking of truth, not an instantaneous experience. Sanctification is about applying the truth of the Gospel in our lives, leading to a profound transformation from darkness to light. [02:40]

- The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is absolute, akin to the difference between light and darkness. This transformation is not just about being in the light but having the light within, affecting the very core of one's being. [14:10]

- A Christian is not merely someone who has been enlightened but someone who has become light in the Lord. This transformation is achieved through the work of God in Christ, who shines into our hearts, bringing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. [31:01]

- Evangelism is not just about presenting the truth but also about praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten the hearts and minds of unbelievers. The natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God without the Spirit's work. [35:22]

- The transformation from darkness to light is a profound change that affects the vitals of one's being. It is not merely a moral improvement but a complete renewal of one's nature, made possible through union with Christ. [43:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:7-8
- [00:54] - New Testament Method of Sanctification
- [02:40] - Sanctification as an Outworking of Truth
- [06:20] - Walking in Love and Light
- [08:50] - Children of Light vs. Children of Darkness
- [11:34] - Light as a Major Theme in the New Testament
- [14:10] - Absolute Difference Between Christian and Non-Christian
- [18:33] - Darkness and Light: A Clear Distinction
- [24:38] - Being Darkness vs. Being Light
- [32:04] - Importance of the Radical Change
- [36:04] - Evangelism and the Role of the Holy Spirit
- [38:04] - Transformation in the Lord
- [42:22] - Union with Christ: Becoming Light
- [45:53] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:7-8
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
- John 3:19

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord"? How does this illustrate the transformation of a believer? [00:27]

2. According to the sermon, what is the New Testament method of sanctification, and how does it differ from other teachings on sanctification? [02:40]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between being "in the light" and "having the light within"? [24:38]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of evangelism, according to the sermon? [35:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "children of light" challenge the notion of sanctification as a passive experience? What implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [02:40]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the transformation from darkness to light is more than just a moral improvement? How does this affect one's identity in Christ? [43:52]

3. How does the sermon explain the absolute difference between a Christian and a non-Christian? What does this mean for how Christians should live and interact with the world? [14:10]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of the Holy Spirit's work in understanding and accepting the Gospel? How does this influence the approach to evangelism? [35:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Can you identify a moment or process where you experienced a transformation from darkness to light? How did this change your perspective or actions? [19:48]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having the light within. What are some practical ways you can cultivate this inner light in your daily routine? [24:38]

3. Consider the absolute difference between light and darkness as described in the sermon. How can you ensure that your life clearly reflects the light of Christ to those around you? [14:10]

4. The sermon challenges the idea of sanctification as a passive experience. What steps can you take to actively apply the truth of the Gospel in your life this week? [02:40]

5. How can you incorporate prayer for the Holy Spirit's enlightenment into your evangelism efforts? Identify one person you can pray for this week, asking for the Spirit to open their heart to the Gospel. [35:22]

6. Think about a specific area in your life where you feel you are still in darkness. What steps can you take to invite the light of Christ into that area? [19:48]

7. How can you support others in your community to move from darkness to light? What role can you play in their journey of transformation? [43:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Gradual Transformation Through Gospel Truth
The New Testament method of sanctification is a gradual process, not an instantaneous event. It involves the continuous application of Gospel truth in our lives, leading to a profound transformation from darkness to light. This transformation is not passive; it requires active engagement with the truth of the Gospel. As believers, we are called to live out this truth daily, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and character. The journey of sanctification is a lifelong commitment to becoming more like Christ, reflecting His light in a world often shrouded in darkness. [02:40]

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific truth from the Gospel can you apply to your life today to further your journey of sanctification?


Day 2: The Absolute Distinction of Light and Darkness
The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is as stark as the difference between light and darkness. This transformation is not merely about being in the light but having the light within, affecting the very core of one's being. A Christian is someone who has become light in the Lord, a profound change that is evident in their life and actions. This distinction is essential for living a life that reflects the light of Christ to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. [14:10]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the light of Christ in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: Becoming Light in the Lord
A Christian is not merely someone who has been enlightened but someone who has become light in the Lord. This transformation is achieved through the work of God in Christ, who shines into our hearts, bringing the light of the knowledge of the glory of God. It is a profound change that affects the very essence of who we are, enabling us to live as children of light. This transformation is not about human effort or moral improvement but about the divine work of God in our lives. [31:01]

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you allow the light of Christ to shine more brightly in your life today?


Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
Evangelism is not just about presenting the truth but also about praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten the hearts and minds of unbelievers. The natural mind cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God without the Spirit's work. As believers, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit in our efforts to share the Gospel, trusting that He will open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind. This reliance on the Spirit is essential for effective evangelism, as it is only through His work that true transformation can occur. [35:22]

"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." (John 16:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you pray for today, asking the Holy Spirit to open their heart to the Gospel?


Day 5: Union with Christ: A Complete Renewal
The transformation from darkness to light is a profound change that affects the vitals of one's being. It is not merely a moral improvement but a complete renewal of one's nature, made possible through union with Christ. This union is the foundation of our new identity as children of light, enabling us to live in a way that reflects the glory of God. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we experience the fullness of this transformation, becoming more like Him in every aspect of our lives. [43:52]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What old habits or patterns do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ?

Quotes


Sanctification in other words is clearly not something which you receive as an experience you can't take sanctification by one act it is something which results from an outworking K of the truth so he presents it in the form of an argument he States the doctrine then he says now in the light of that surely he says you were sometimes Darkness but now are ye light in the Lord therefore walk as children of the light or as those who belong to the light. [00:02:47]

The difference between being Christian and non-Christian is the difference between being in the light and being in the dark now let us consider very hurriedly some of the terms which remind us of this take our Lord's own tone he said I am the light of the world or again he says I am come a light in the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. [00:09:18]

The difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is perfectly clear the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian is indeed we can say an absolute one now here is something again that is emphasized repeatedly in the New Testament that there should be no different difficulty in telling the difference between the Christian and the nonr Christian all the terminology of the New Testament with regard to what a Christian is emphasizes this very thing. [00:14:01]

Ye were ye are ye were sometimes Darkness but now are ye or you are well what can I add to that that's just it you see you were you are you are not what you were and when you were you are you were not what you are now these are absolute terms and this is the way I say the New Testament puts this matter right through from the very beginning to the very end once upon a time you were there but you're no longer there you are. [00:16:02]

The Apostle is not concentrating on the way in which we have passed from Darkness to light or the exact time at which we did so many people are troubled by that they say you know I can't put my finger on a particular moment or on a particular text or a particular occasion and they're very troubled by that well now I say that that's not the point the question that the Apostle asks us is this not when or how exactly did you pass from what you were to what you are. [00:19:30]

The Apostle is very fond of working out this idea I read to you a portion of the first chapter of his epistle to the Romans last Sunday morning and we came across this striking statement why is the world as it is well this is it says Paul their foolish heart was darkened it wasn't simply that they were in the dark but their foolish heart was darkened their very Hearts became dark in and of themselves. [00:26:05]

The Christian is not merely a man who has the eyes of his understanding enlightened he has that but he has more his eye has been made single and therefore the logic follows if thine eye be single thy whole body also shall be full of light the Christian is a man who has been f filled with light now then why is this so important well it's important for these reasons it emphasizes again the radical difference between the non-Christian and the Christian. [00:31:39]

There is a false School of evangelism that believes and teach you something like this it says all you've got to do is to hold the truth before people they say men has got it in him to understand and to believe and to accept the truth so all we need do is to hold the truth before it present it logically clearly bring out your arguments put it as strongly as you can add your eloquence and so on but the great thing is to present the truth to him he's got the capacity and the power to believe it and to take it and that's all that evangelism really means and does giving people the truth in this way. [00:32:04]

The unbeliever is Darkness his difficulty is not merely that he needs to be shown light no no in addition to showing him the light you've got to lighten him he needs to be born again the Holy Spirit must do an operation in him the Apostle has said it all of course in the first epistle to the Corinthians chapter 2 where he says the natural men or the natural mind receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him. [00:34:35]

God who commanded the light to shine out of Darkness has shined in our hearts what for to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ you will find it running as a constant theme in the Epistles of this Apostle Paul but you've got it also in the writings of the Apostle Peter he says in his first epistle in the 2 chapter in the 9th verse ye he says that a chosen generation a royal priesthood and holy nation A peculiar people what for that he may show forth the Praises the excellencies of him who has called you out of Darkness Into His Marvelous Light. [00:11:24]

The Apostle is not concentrating on the way in which we have passed from Darkness to light or the exact time at which we did so many people are troubled by that they say you know I can't put my finger on a particular moment or on a particular text or a particular occasion and they're very troubled by that well now I say that that's not the point the question that the Apostle asks us is this not when or how exactly did you pass from what you were to what you are. [00:19:30]

The Apostle is very fond of working out this idea I read to you a portion of the first chapter of his epistle to the Romans last Sunday morning and we came across this striking statement why is the world as it is well this is it says Paul their foolish heart was darkened it wasn't simply that they were in the dark but their foolish heart was darkened their very Hearts became dark in and of themselves. [00:26:05]

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Transcript
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