Making Light Of Sin Series

Making Light of Sin

Ephesians 5:2-14

Introduction

A man and his wife were shopping at a mall and a pretty young woman. The man’s eyes followed her. Without looking up from the item she was examining, his wife asked, "Was it worth the trouble you’re in?"

This little joke makes us laugh in part because of the wife’s reaction. We know the trouble he is in. And perhaps many of us men can identify with the wandering eye. It is harmless enough: just a quick glance. Or a lingering gaze.

I remember a non-trad in college. For those of you who don’t know what “non-trad” is: A really old guy (or woman) who goes to college. Someone who is like, 34. Well, it was old to ME back then! Anyway, this non-trad would joke about his wandering eye, saying,

“it’s okay to look at the merchandise as long as you don’t touch.” And then he laughed. He was making light of his sin.

When I was in highschool, a girl in speech class gave a humorous account of her drunken escapade the previous weekend, which culminated in her “puking her guts out” of the driver’s side door. Ha Ha, what a laugh. She was making light of her sin.

Maybe you have heard or told jokes or real life stories that make light of sin.

As we head into the Christmas season, I am here to tell you today that the BIBLE wants us to make light of sin.

Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look.

Ephesians 5:3-14

5 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 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 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

ADVENT

This is the first Sunday of Advent, a tradition of Christians all around the globe. There are several ways to celebrate it. (In Germany—wreath with 4 candles (hope, joy, love, etc), Angie and homeschoolers have a 30 day advent activity with ornaments that go with a daily reading.)

The theme advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. (Wikipedia)

While this not your typical Christmas theme, were we go heavy on the manger scene, complete with furry animals, a cute baby, and doting parents, it is about Christ, and why he came to the world. He was to be the light of the world.

Our text is full of light. Christ is the Light. We are children of light. Light needs to expose sin. So, it is a good little Christmas sermon as it deals directly with why Jesus came as Light of the world.

Plus, I got this nice Powerpoint set with a candle, so we are putting it all together today!

Back to our text: How are we to make Light of Sin?

Big Idea: We Make Light of Sin by Exposing it to the Light of Christ

Sin has no place in God’s children. He is holy.

Christ exposes the darkness of sin and transforms us to be “light” ourselves.

So, the Bible doesn’t really teach us to treat sin lightly, to “make light of sin.” But in a very real way, what was once sin and darkness can be love and light, all by being exposed to the Light.

When We Expose Sin to the Light of Christ,

1. We See Sin for What it Is (unfruitful, destructive)

Things can get pretty messed up in our heads and hearts. Dallas Willard tells of a pilot who was practicing high--speed maneuvers in a jet fighter. She turned the controls for what she thought was a steep ascent--and flew straight into the ground. She was unaware that she had been flying upside down.