Walk in the Light

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EPHESIANS 5:6-14

Walking in light?•I remember an exercise when I was in Army basic training•We had to walk through a dense forest in pitch black night•I knew it was an exercise, but I remember being scared half nutty anyway

Walking in light?•I remember an exercise when I was in Army basic training•We had to walk through a dense forest in pitch black night•I knew it was an exercise, but I remember being scared half nutty anyway•Spiritually, darkness represents two things – evil and the carnal world

“6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead

even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:6-14, NASB

A. Light in the Bible•Before we hit Ephesians, we 1st must visit Genesis 1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.”

Genesis 1:1-4, NASB

A. Light in the Bible•Before we hit Ephesians, we 1st must visit Genesis 1•Since the beginning, light and dark have been separated; never able to exist together•Purpose of light: to expel darkness and bring something good to formless voids•Ever wonder how God moved around before?

B. Purpose of Light•Spiritually, it cancels our the darkness of the world, so we can see– salvation•Remember John 12:46?

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

John 12:46, NASB

B. Purpose of Light•Spiritually, it cancels our the darkness of the world, so we can see– salvation•Remember John 12:46?•Many Believers try to fight against darkness by intel and physical power•Why not just turn on the light?•Light attracts attention…

C. Source of Light•Light does NOT come from inside us•It only comes from He who can sustain

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

John 8:12, NASB

C. Source of Light•Light does NOT come from inside us•It only comes from He who can sustain•According to Hebrew terminology, “Light” was a title reserved only for God•That’s why the Pharisees got so angry; they knew He was claiming to be God•Theologically, we are only lamps…

D. Guidelines to Shine Brightly…•Vs 6-14, Paul gives us three ways to shine brightly through our lives•1.) Do not be Partakers..•Vs 6-7, outlines who we should not spend too much time with•2.) Walk as Children of Light•Vs 8-10, remind us of our former relationship to the world and its owner, Satan

D. Guidelines to Shine Brightly…•Walking as children of Light, means living your life in front of the Lord with nothing to hide•3.) Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness•Vs 11-14, Again, who we spend our time with, rubs off on us– bad company corrupts good character•Remember: light doesn’t attack, it reveals by contrast…

Take Home…•If you think it’s OK to dabble in sin, Watch Out! It will rule your life in a very short time•Deeds of light distinguish deeds of darkness, making it possible to evaluate sinful actions against what is right so that others can repent