It Starts Small

 ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:7-14

Do not be partners with them

The conclusion resonates deeply: we absolutely cannot partake in these worldly pursuits! The cost? The devastating wrath of God and an eternal chasm separating us from Him. But why is this so crucial? Because we have been transformed; we are not just different, we are new creations! Saved into the vibrant family of God, we are compelled to live accordingly.

We are called to vehemently reject the dark, evil, and wicked ways of this world. We must shine forth the brilliant light of God through our lives. This serves as a powerful testimony to all. Light and dark are irreconcilable; they exist in stark opposition to each other. The Christian journey stands in stark contrast to the life of the unbeliever: one is shrouded in darkness, the other ablaze with light. There can be no compromise, no turning back—this is our charge and our glory!

How can we know which life we are living?

fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

By our fruit, we reveal our true selves! The vibrant life bathed in light thrives with goodness. It also embodies righteousness and truth. In contrast, the shadows offer only barren emptiness. These shadows have no redeeming qualities to savor. Those unfruitful ways do not please God. They bear their own enticing “fruit of the flesh.” This fruit is tempting and alluring but ultimately unfulfilling.

If we bask in the light, our hearts will fervently strive to embrace actions that delight God. Delving into the Scriptures is essential for us. They help us uncover the depths of what brings Him joy. They also show us what falls short. Think of it like the profound bond between a husband and wife. As highlighted in 1 Peter 3:7.

⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

1 Peter 3:7

The husband is called to profoundly understand his wife. He must discover what ignites her heart and how to express his love in the most meaningful way. That is what we should do to the Lord.

We are not merely called to shun the wicked deeds of darkness; we are bound to boldly expose them! We must fiercely oppose them. We need to rebuke and relentlessly combat them. We shall confront them within our own hearts. We shall also confront them among our brothers and sisters in the church. If we do not highlight these malevolent acts, they will rapidly grow. They will spread like an uncontainable wildfire!

in secret

The acts committed in the shadows are heinous. They should never be uttered. People fear their toxic grip on those who listen. The exception is in exposure. Revealing these sins becomes an act of justice to confront the sinner. Consider a rape case. It is imperative to lay bare the truth in a court of law. This ensures that the monstrous perpetrator faces the consequences of their vile actions. These matters are not fodder for gossip or laughter. They demand to be addressed with the seriousness they deserve. They are only brought to light to unmask and confront the evil at hand.

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible

We must commit to living our lives above reproach, fiercely aware that no secret sin can remain hidden for long. Let us embrace lives of integrity. We must ensure that if anyone were to delve into our past, they would uncover nothing but truth. When our actions are beyond reproach, there is nothing to fear. Let’s cast aside any skeletons in the closet, standing boldly in the light of honesty!

Verse 14 is an invitation to unbelievers to repent to experience the light of Christ.

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5:14

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Cross-References

• John 8:12
• John 12:46
• 1 Peter 2:9-11
• Philippians 2:14-15
• Matthew 18:15-17
• 1 Timothy 5:20
• 2 Timothy 4:2

Reflective Questions:

• So what is the application and conclusion for us?
• Why does Paul say he reached this conclusion?
• What is the difference between Light and dark?
• Contrast “sons of disobedience” with “children of Light”.
• What will be the evidence in our lives of us walking in the light?
• How should one “expose” the deeds of darkness?
• Is it OK for believers to talk about immoral things, as long as they don’t do it?
• In light of verse 13, how should we live our lives?
• Explain verse 14.

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