Darkness Into Light Series

Notice, that Paul says it’s not that we walk in light or darkness, but that we are light. We once were darkness, but now we are light!

Through this series our theme has been complete in Christ. We’ve seen that we are Complete in Christ and completely in Christ.

And if Jesus is the light of the world, there’s no surprise that we are light. We are children of light, as Paul puts it in verse 8.

This week at Mike’s Mates, Ian Oates shared some stories and insights from his family’s time in Tanzania. As part of that he spoke of Fiona’s work with establishing solar lighting projects. The name for that project was Watu Wa Mwanga- which translates as ‘People of Light’. I thought to myself, what a wonderful name. Yes, they were bringing light to those around them, through solar panes. But as Christians, they offered an even greater light. What a name for us, as God’s people, Watu Wa Mwanga.

We’re to do this so that those around us can see the light. We’re to bear fruit of light, so that those around us can see what is good and right and true. Our lives are meant to be blazing lights to those around us, so that they can see Christ in us.

If we shine as light, we’ll also expose the works of darkness. This isn’t to mean we should camp out outside people’s houses, ready to expose their every misdeed. We show the darkness by being light.

13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

Our longue room at home is variable. Each night, chance we might put boys toys away in different spot. Number of times I’ve wandered through without turning on the lights and stumbled into something!

If we lead lives Lord intends for us, we’ll show up the misdeeds, the misbeliefs of those around us. They will be confronted by how we believe, without us needing to point sticks, waggle fingers, compile lists.

More than just showing them up, there’s a deeper purpose. That they might come into the light that they might be transformed themselves.

13but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light.

Therefore it says,

“Sleeper, awake!

Rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

The dead will be raised to life by the light of Christ. As those who are dead we are powerless to bring ourselves into the light, to be transformed. But the power which raised Christ from the dead is at work in us too. It raises us from the dead and brings us into his marvellous light.

So we’re to be light in the dark world so that others might be transformed. No good if people come to the Alpha course and see that we live just like everyone else. What does that suggest? No we need to live transformed, holy righteous lives.

We’re to take no part in the things those who are in darkness do. Instead we’re to seek out what is pleasing to the Lord. To live as children of light, fruit found in all that is good and right and true.

There are lots of ways we can shine as light in our world. Paul mentions several in this passage, but this morning I want to focus on just three.