Shining Light: Living as Children of Light
Summary
In his sermon titled "Why Did Christ Come at Christmas? Part 4," Pastor Sam Greer explores the theme of light and darkness as presented in Ephesians 5:7-14. He begins by urging the congregation to examine themselves and seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment to walk as children of light. He invites those who have not yet believed in Christ to acknowledge their sinfulness and seek forgiveness, promising that the Lord will transform their lives.
Pastor Greer uses a fictional story about candles that refuse to light up a dark house to illustrate how Christians often make excuses for not shining their light consistently. He then shares a personal story about a professor whose lack of visible faith delayed a coworker's journey to Christ, emphasizing the importance of living a balanced life that combines good works with speaking truth.
The sermon continues with a discussion on the importance of not participating in sinful activities and instead exposing them. Pastor Greer addresses the worship of Mary, clarifying that while she is honored as Jesus' mother, she is not to be worshiped. He speaks about living in the tension of the "already and the not yet," where believers are delivered from the penalty of sin but still experience its power and presence.
Pastor Greer also advises against becoming partners with those who reject Jesus' teachings, explaining that the Greek word for partner, "Sumas," implies a close relationship. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and partner with fellow believers.
The sermon emphasizes that believers are expected to let their light shine in the world, despite the darkness. Pastor Greer reflects on the difficult circumstances of Jesus' birth, reminding the congregation that Jesus is the light of the world and believers are called to light up their world and circle of influence.
Pastor Greer explains that before coming to Christ, individuals were not just in darkness but were darkness itself. Through Christ, they have been transformed from darkness to light. He stresses the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to discern what pleases the Lord, rather than being influenced by worldly spirits.
Finally, Pastor Greer discusses the transformative power of light, urging the audience to choose light over darkness and to live as children of light for the sake of the Gospel. He concludes by emphasizing that being good, right, and true as believers means doing good works, living righteously, and speaking the truth, with the secret to walking as children of light being to be filled with the Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Pastor Sam Greer highlights the necessity of self-examination and the pursuit of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for believers to authentically walk as children of light. This spiritual walk is not just about avoiding sin but actively exposing and rejecting evil, much like a small light disrupts the darkness in a movie theater. Believers are called to be that disruptive light in the world, challenging the darkness with their presence and actions. [27:57]
- The sermon underscores the impact of a believer's visible faith on others. Pastor Greer's story about the professor whose silent faith delayed a coworker's conversion serves as a powerful reminder that our actions and words—or lack thereof—can significantly influence others' paths to or away from Christ. It is a call to live out one's faith openly and consistently, combining good works with the proclamation of truth. [26:49]
- Pastor Greer's discussion on the worship of Mary and the concept of living in the "already and the not yet" provides a nuanced understanding of Christian life. While believers are saved from sin's penalty, they still grapple with its power. This tension requires a vigilant and active stance against sin, using the light of Christ to expose and transform darkness. [29:56]
- The sermon's exploration of partnership in the context of faith challenges believers to consider their alliances carefully. Pastor Greer's interpretation of "Sumas" as sharing a possession or relationship with others calls for a discerning approach to relationships, especially with those who reject core Christian teachings. Believers are encouraged to find fellowship with those who share their commitment to Christ's redemptive work. [11:25]
- The transformative power of light is a central theme in Pastor Greer's message. He emphasizes that believers, once darkness themselves, have been made light in the Lord. This transformation is not a passive state but a call to action—to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, actively choosing light over darkness and living out the Gospel in every aspect of life. [32:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 5:7-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 5:7-14 say about the transformation from darkness to light? How does this passage describe the behavior expected of believers? ([04:25])
2. In the sermon, Pastor Greer uses a fictional story about candles to illustrate a point. What excuses did the candles give for not lighting up the house? ([01:07])
3. According to Pastor Greer, what is the significance of the Greek word "Sumas" in the context of Ephesians 5:7? ([09:58])
4. How does Pastor Greer describe the circumstances of Jesus' birth, and what point is he making about light in darkness? ([06:23])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Pastor Greer emphasizes the importance of living a balanced life that combines good works with speaking truth. Why is it crucial for believers to openly live out their faith? ([25:29])
2. What does it mean to "walk as children of light" according to Ephesians 5:8-9, and how does this relate to the concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit? ([22:06])
3. Pastor Greer discusses the tension of living in the "already and the not yet." How does this concept affect a believer's daily life and their approach to sin? ([29:13])
4. How does the story of the professor whose silent faith delayed a coworker's conversion illustrate the impact of visible faith on others? ([24:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Greer urges believers to examine themselves and seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment. What specific steps can you take this week to invite the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and decisions? ([34:00])
2. Reflect on the fictional story of the candles. Are there areas in your life where you make excuses for not letting your light shine? How can you overcome these excuses? ([01:07])
3. Pastor Greer advises against becoming partners with those who reject Jesus' teachings. Are there relationships in your life that may be hindering your walk as a child of light? How can you address these relationships in a Christ-like manner? ([09:58])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of exposing and rejecting sinful activities. Is there a specific sin or habit in your life that you need to confront and expose to the light of Christ? ([26:49])
5. Pastor Greer speaks about the transformative power of light. How can you actively choose light over darkness in your daily interactions and decisions? ([31:17])
6. Think about the story of Jesus' birth and the difficult circumstances surrounding it. How can you find and reflect the light of Christ in challenging situations you are currently facing? ([06:23])
7. Pastor Greer mentions the need to discern what pleases the Lord. What practical steps can you take to better understand and align your actions with God's will? ([23:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Disruptive Light Within
Self-examination and the Holy Spirit's empowerment are essential for believers to shine as children of light in a dark world. This light is not merely a passive glow but an active force that disrupts and exposes the darkness, much like a single candle can illuminate a dark room. Believers are called to be that candle, challenging the darkness with their presence and actions. [27:57]
Ephesians 5:13-14 - "But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: 'Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'"
Reflection: How can you be a disruptive force for good in your community today, actively exposing and challenging darkness?
Day 2: Visible Faith Influences Paths
The visibility of one's faith can significantly impact the spiritual journey of those around us. A believer's life should be a testament to their faith, combining good works with the proclamation of truth. This visible faith can guide others towards Christ and serve as a beacon of hope and transformation. [26:49]
James 2:18 - "But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent instance where your actions or words could have guided someone closer to or further from Christ?
Day 3: Navigating the Tension of Salvation
Believers live in the tension of being saved from the penalty of sin while still contending with its power. This requires a vigilant stance against sin, using the light of Christ to expose and transform darkness. It is a call to live out the transformative power of salvation daily. [29:56]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively stand against sin in your life, using the light of Christ to expose and overcome it?
Day 4: Discerning Partnerships in Faith
The relationships believers form should reflect their commitment to Christ's redemptive work. The concept of partnership in faith calls for discernment, encouraging fellowship with those who share a dedication to living out the Gospel. This discernment is crucial for spiritual growth and community. [11:25]
2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
Reflection: Are there relationships in your life that challenge or strengthen your commitment to Christ? How can you foster partnerships that encourage spiritual growth?
Day 5: Choosing Light Over Darkness
Once darkness themselves, believers have been transformed into light through Christ. This transformation is a call to action, to live as children of light, actively choosing light over darkness in every aspect of life. It is a commitment to embody the Gospel through our actions and choices. [32:38]
Colossians 1:12-13 - "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can choose light over darkness today, and how can you demonstrate this choice through your actions?
Quotes
"You're the reason I didn't come to Christ sooner because I looked at your life and I said well if I can have that kind of peace and joy and not follow Jesus, then I want to sign up for that." [26:10] (Download)
"Christ the light of the world came so we could light up our world. We do that by exhibiting what is good, secondly we expose what is evil." [26:49] (Download)
"A little light goes a long, long way doesn't it? And this is what Paul's getting at 11, 12, 13, 14 - look how the light exposes the darkness." [27:57] (Download)
"Do not be shoulder-to-shoulder with people who reject the Jesus of the Bible, who upholds and fights for the infallibility of the word of God." [10:39] (Download)
"In Christ, you're a new creation and as a new creation, you're a part of a new community of other believers who have been saved by the blood of Christ." [11:25] (Download)
"Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to walk as children of light." [34:35] (Download)
"Good here is in reference to Love In Action. Remember back in Ephesians 2, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, that God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [20:45] (Download)
"You were Darkness but now you're light in the Lord. Light speaks intellectually of Truth, morally of Holiness. Intellectually we know the truth now, morally we're living holy because we're light in the Lord." [16:21] (Download)
"Transformation not only is is light exposing Darkness; light is transforming Darkness. Like you were Darkness, but you were transformed by the light, and so you need to walk as children of light." [31:17] (Download)
"Christ says you're the salt of the earth, believer, you're the light of the world, so somebody needs to pass the salt and turn on the light. Live and walk as children of light for the sake of the Gospel." [33:22] (Download)
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