Ephesians 5:8-14

Introduction: In this passage of scripture, we are told that we should walk as a child of light. At some point, we were all in darkness however, we are now in the light and should walk like it. Jesus has shown us light and made us light.    

Because we are light, we should:  

1. Walk as Children of Light– Vs 8 All of us at some point were darkness however, we are now light, therefore we should walk like it and in it. Constantly, the scripture tells us that although we were in darkness before, we are no longer there and shouldn’t desire to be there. Our nature has been changed from darkness to light. 

• • We are the light of the World- Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid”. 
  • We follow Christ- John 8:12 “I am the light of the world”. Jesus is the light of the World and we get our light by walking after Him “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness”. It is Christ who brings light to life. 
  • We have been delivered- Colossians 1:13 “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us unto the kingdom of his dear Son”. 
  • We are not of Darkness- I Thessalonians 5:5 “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness”. 

2. Prove what is Acceptable, pleasing to the Lord– Vs 10 to prove is to have its qualities ascertained by experience or trial. We are to be involved in this that only please the Lord. 

• • Everything we do should be “all to the glory of God”.  
  • Romans 12:1-2 
    • A living sacrifice is acceptable to God-It’s a sacrifice to read our Bibles and pray daily. It’s a sacrifice to make it to this Bible study every Tuesday. It’s a sacrifice to do your duties as a father, mother, husband, wife, etc. 
    • A transforming of our mind is a sacrifice, but it is acceptable to God. Reading our Bible daily will allow us to be transformed instead of conformed to this world. 
  • Our Walk should Please God- I Thessalonians 4:1 “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more”. The things we say, see, think, and do should all please God. 
  • How long should we approve acceptable things unto God- Philippians 1:10 “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ”. 

3. Have no Fellowship with Darkness– Vs 11 Night clubs, bars, parties, are all held in darkness, why? Because people love darkness rather than light. This is where they can commit their sins and hide from others. Because of it, we should have no fellowship with darkness and the things that take place during the night. 

• • Galatians 5:19-21 is where you find these unfruitful works of darkness. 
  • Psalm 1:1-2 Don’t walk, stand, or sit in the way of the sinner, darkness.  
  • Proverbs 4:14-15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, pass away. This is what we should do regarding darkness. 
  • Romans 16:17 “mark them and avoid them”. 

4. Reprove the deeds of Darkness- Vs 11-12 When we radiate so much light, it is repugnant unto them in their dark deeds. Doing this will let people know where you stand and will draw the line between darkness and light. Furthermore, it will allow us to explain to them why we don’t approve, and that’s because Christ doesn’t approve. They too can come to the knowledge of Christ. 

• • As long as deeds of darkness continue without being exposed and reproved, they will continue, but if it is confronted with Christ, it is given the option to stop by Jesus Christ. 
  • II Timothy 4:2 “reprove with all longsuffering and doctrine” just like Paul instructed Timothy to do. 
  • We should reprove the deeds of darkness because: 
    • It’s a shame to speak of things done in secret- Don’t speak with them about it and don’t let them tell you about it either. It does absolutely nothing good. 
    • It is made manifest by the light- It is exposed to the light when you bring scripture to the conversation or situation. 
    • Titus 2:8 “Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you”. 

5. Wake up and Arise– Vs 14 most believers are passing through life like the unbelievers; asleep- living in the darkness of spiritual sleep and spiritual death and having fellowship and participating with the works of darkness. This is not a good thing. 

• • I Corinthians 15:34 “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame”. 
  • The answer is Jesus Christ– John 12:35 “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth”. 
  • I John 2:8 “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth”. 

Conclusion: As we have seen, now that we are in the light, we are to walk as children of light by proving what is acceptable to God, having no fellowship with darkness, reproving darkness, and waking up.