Walking as Children of Light in a Dark World

 

Summary

In Ephesians 5:7-14, Paul exhorts the Christians in Ephesus to walk as children of light, contrasting their former state of darkness with their new identity in Christ. This transformation is not merely about being in the light but becoming light itself in the Lord. As Christians, we are called to live in the world, not isolated from it, but distinct in our conduct and values. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that we must not partake in the unfruitful works of darkness, which include behaviors and practices that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. Instead, we are to reprove these works, not through condemnation but by shining the light of the Gospel upon them.

The challenge lies in maintaining our Christian integrity while engaging with a world that is increasingly godless and pagan. Paul provides guidance on how to navigate this tension. We are not to withdraw from the world or live in monastic isolation, but rather, we are to be the light and salt of the earth, influencing those around us through our conduct and testimony. This involves a delicate balance of not participating in sinful practices while also not showing interest or enjoyment in them. Our lives should reflect a clear distinction from the world, not only in actions but also in our thoughts and desires.

Reproving the works of darkness involves more than just denouncing sin. It requires us to lovingly and sympathetically engage with others, sharing the Gospel and the hope it brings. This approach mirrors the example of Jesus, who was a friend to sinners yet maintained His holiness. By living out the joy and peace of the Christian life, we can attract others to the light of Christ, offering them a glimpse of a better, more fulfilling life.

Key Takeaways:

- Transformation in Christ: As Christians, we are not just in the light; we become light in the Lord. This transformation calls us to live distinctly from the world, reflecting the goodness, righteousness, and truth of Christ in all aspects of our lives. [02:11]

- Engagement with the World: We are called to live in the world without being of it. This means maintaining our Christian values and integrity while engaging with those around us, serving as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [07:17]

- Avoiding Fellowship with Darkness: It's not enough to avoid sinful actions; we must also guard our hearts and minds against any interest or enjoyment in them. Our lives should clearly reflect our separation from the unfruitful works of darkness. [13:18]

- Reproving with Love: Reproving the works of darkness involves more than condemnation. It requires us to lovingly share the Gospel, helping others see the truth and hope found in Christ. This approach mirrors Jesus' interactions with sinners, offering grace and truth. [28:52]

- Living as Light: Our lives should radiate the light of Christ, drawing others to Him through our joy, peace, and holiness. By living out the Gospel, we can offer a compelling witness to the world, inviting others to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [42:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Ephesians 5:7-14
- [01:17] - Walking in Light
- [02:11] - Transformation from Darkness to Light
- [03:23] - Living in the World, Not of It
- [05:12] - The Example of the Gadarene Man
- [07:17] - Engaging with a Godless World
- [08:21] - Avoiding Participation in Darkness
- [12:44] - No Fellowship with Darkness
- [17:07] - The Subtlety of Fellowship
- [20:41] - Balancing Engagement and Separation
- [25:03] - Jesus' Example with Sinners
- [28:19] - Reproving the Works of Darkness
- [36:21] - Convincing with the Gospel
- [42:59] - Living as Light in the World

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 5:7-14

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "walk as children of light"? How does this relate to the transformation from darkness to light? [02:11]
2. According to the sermon, what are the "unfruitful works of darkness" that Paul warns against? [09:46]
3. How does the sermon describe the balance between engaging with the world and maintaining Christian integrity? [07:17]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates Jesus' approach to sinners while maintaining holiness? [25:03]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of becoming "light in the Lord" challenge the way Christians should live in a secular world? [02:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest Christians can reprove the works of darkness without being condemning? [28:52]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of having "no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness"? What practical steps are suggested? [13:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the role of joy and peace in attracting others to the Christian faith? [40:24]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily interactions. Are there areas where you might be unintentionally partaking in the "unfruitful works of darkness"? How can you change this? [10:37]
2. Consider your current social circles. How can you maintain your Christian values while engaging with non-believers? [23:21]
3. Think of a situation where you might need to reprove a work of darkness. How can you do this lovingly and effectively, following Jesus' example? [28:52]
4. Identify a specific behavior or thought pattern that aligns with darkness rather than light. What steps can you take to transform this area of your life? [13:18]
5. How can you incorporate more joy and peace into your life to serve as a witness to others? What specific actions can you take this week? [40:24]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the tension between engaging with the world and maintaining your Christian integrity. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now? [07:17]
7. Choose one person in your life who is not a believer. How can you engage them in a conversation about faith, using the principles discussed in the sermon? [25:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Becoming Light in the Lord
As Christians, the transformation in Christ is profound; it is not just about being in the light but becoming light itself in the Lord. This transformation calls us to live distinctly from the world, reflecting the goodness, righteousness, and truth of Christ in all aspects of our lives. Our identity in Christ should be evident in our actions, thoughts, and desires, setting us apart from the darkness we once knew. This new identity is not a passive state but an active calling to embody the light of Christ in every situation we encounter. [02:11]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)." - Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you actively embody the light of Christ in your daily interactions this week?


Day 2: Engaging with the World without Compromise
We are called to live in the world without being of it, maintaining our Christian values and integrity while engaging with those around us. This means serving as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, influencing others through our conduct and testimony. The challenge lies in navigating the tension between engaging with a godless world and maintaining our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. We must find ways to connect with others without compromising our beliefs, showing them the love and truth of the Gospel through our lives. [07:17]

"I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." - John 17:15-16 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage with someone in your life who does not share your faith, while still maintaining your Christian integrity?


Day 3: Guarding Against the Allure of Darkness
Avoiding fellowship with darkness involves more than just refraining from sinful actions; it requires guarding our hearts and minds against any interest or enjoyment in them. Our lives should clearly reflect our separation from the unfruitful works of darkness, not only in what we do but also in what we desire. This means being vigilant about the influences we allow into our lives and ensuring that our thoughts and actions align with our identity in Christ. [13:18]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." - 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (ESV)

Reflection: What influences in your life might be drawing you towards darkness, and how can you actively guard against them today?


Day 4: Reproving Darkness with Love and Grace
Reproving the works of darkness involves more than condemnation; it requires lovingly sharing the Gospel, helping others see the truth and hope found in Christ. This approach mirrors Jesus' interactions with sinners, offering grace and truth. By engaging with others in a spirit of love and understanding, we can help them see the light of Christ and the better life He offers. Our goal should be to guide others towards the truth, not through judgment, but through the transformative power of the Gospel. [28:52]

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." - Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life might need to hear the truth of the Gospel in a loving and gentle way, and how can you approach them this week?


Day 5: Radiating the Light of Christ
Our lives should radiate the light of Christ, drawing others to Him through our joy, peace, and holiness. By living out the Gospel, we can offer a compelling witness to the world, inviting others to experience the fullness of life in Christ. This involves not only speaking about our faith but also demonstrating it through our actions and attitudes. As we embody the light of Christ, we become beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs both. [42:59]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." - Matthew 5:14-15 (ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that your life is a beacon of Christ's light to those around you?

Quotes

We are not merely before we become Christians in the dark; the darkness is in us also. We are darkness, and likewise, as Christians, we are not only in the light, but we have become light itself in the Lord. [00:02:07]

Christians, after all, are not people who live in some kind of glass houses. We don't live an isolated, segregated life. We have to live this Christian life in the world; that is the New Testament teaching about this matter. [00:03:10]

We are no longer to take part with them in those things. We are no longer to join with them as they indulge in those things. That's the meaning of the word. In our conduct and practice and behavior, there are certain things that we are to avoid completely and entirely. [00:08:49]

We are not even to show the slightest interest in these things. It isn't enough that we don't do them; we mustn't even display an interest in them. To be still more practical, we must not even talk about them in the wrong way. [00:14:02]

We are to have no fellowship with the things that they enjoy. You can have fellowship with them without enjoying the things they're doing. You can maintain your hold upon them, your contact with them for their good and for their benefit, but have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. [00:27:16]

Our attitude is not only to be negative; it is to be positive. He says, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. That's the third thing; therefore, we are to reprove these things which they do. [00:28:19]

To reprove does not simply mean to reprimand. It doesn't simply mean to condemn. It doesn't simply mean to be negative in the sense of denouncing. Now, it's very easy to do that, isn't it? And we have often interpreted reproving as meaning that. [00:29:50]

To reprove means to convince by means of evidence, to convict by means of giving enlightenment and understanding. In what way? In this way: it means that we are to throw light upon these things in such a way and in such a manner that we really shall convince the person. [00:36:16]

We are to talk the gospel to these people, not to preach at them, but to talk the gospel. They will know that we are different. They will know that perhaps we once partook in those things, but that we no longer do so. [00:39:34]

We are to give them glimpses of a better life, a purer and a cleaner life, yes, and a life which is much more enjoyable. You see, the tragedy is that they think that our life is a miserable one and an unhappy one, and you know you can't blame them for thinking that. [00:39:57]

Holiness ought to be attractive. It ought to be loving. It ought to be enticing. It ought to be charming. It ought to draw people. That's what he means by reproving. We are to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness by being light. [00:42:52]

Radiate upon them the light of the Gospel. Remember that you are the light of the world, and in your light, they will see themselves in what they're doing as they've never seen it before, and they will long to be cleansed, to be washed, to be purified. [00:43:57]

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Transcript
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