Illuminating The Darkness Series

Illuminating the Darkness

Ephesians 5:6-14

Ephesians 5:6 (NLT)

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him.

The Inexcusability of Sin

 People will try to excuse their sinful behavior

 I was born this way

 I’m a product of my environment

 I had bad parents

 No one else is affected by my actions

 Sin is not without consequence

 Every action carries a price

 Distrust

 Disease

 Dysfunction

 Death

 Romans 6:23a

Romans 6:23a (NLT)

For the wages of sin is death…

Ephesians 5:7 (NLT)

Don’t participate in the things these people do.

Just Say No

 Constant temptation

 Television

 Peer pressure

 Movies

 Refusing to participate

 Define your boundaries

 Articulate your values and convictions

 Refusal is more than remaining silent

Ephesians 5:8 (NLT)

For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it!

Living Out Your Faith

 Your heart is no longer a heart of darkness

 Your core values and convictions have changed

 The desires of your heart are molded by Christ

 Illuminated by Christ

 The presence of Christ within you shines brightly

 Constantly revealing hidden sin

 Living by a new standard

 Integrity

 Honesty

 High morals

 Reflecting the change within

Ephesians 5:9 (NLT)

For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Oranges Don’t Come From Apple Trees

 The fruit of the light

 Goodness

 Righteousness

 Truth

 Is the fruit of your life different?

 Identify the dark corners of your soul

 Ask for God to illuminate every area of your life

Ephesians 5:10 (NLT)

Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.

Learning to Discern

 Discernment comes through…

 Prayer

 Bible study

 Time in God’s presence

 Past experience

 When you know what pleases God

 Do it!!!

 Do it again!!!

 Keep on doing it!!!

Ephesians 5:11-12 (NLT)

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.

Turn on the Lights

 Taking no part in evil deeds

 You are known by the company you keep

 Your witness is hindered

 Your credibility is questioned

 Your likely to compromise

 Exposing the darkness

 Identify the evil

 When it is in your midst speak out against it

 Do not give evil the honor of your conversation

Ephesians 5:13-14 (NLT)

But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. [14] And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. This is why it is said,

"Awake, O sleeper,

rise up from the dead,

and Christ will give you light."

Exposed

 The truth is revealed

 Light shows what has been hidden

 Light reveals the full scope of evil

 Shining your light

 Your presence will reveal darkness around you

 Helping you to avoid pitfalls

 Convicting others of wrongdoing

Questions to Ponder

 Are you illuminating your surroundings?

 Are you saying no to the darkness?

 How could your light shine brighter?

**Powerpoint available on request