Walking in the Light. Ephesians 5
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Walking in the Light
Trun with me in your Bibles to Ephesians 5 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
Ephesians 5:1-20
Today, we’re diving into Ephesians 5, a powerful passage where Paul calls us to live as children of light.
This isn’t just a call to live morally or behave well; it’s an invitation to walk closely with God, to shine brightly in a dark world, and to reflect the love of Christ in every part of our lives.
1. Be Imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Paul begins with a beautiful and challenging instruction: "Be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in the way of love." Just like a child who watches their parents and mimics their every move, we are called to imitate our Heavenly Father. But the source of our imitation isn’t just obedience—it’s love.
Imagine a young child who idolizes their parent, watching them, studying them, and wanting to do everything just like them.
This is our call: to live like beloved children, reflecting the love, grace, and forgiveness we’ve been shown. It’s not about striving; it’s about receiving and then pouring out God’s love.
Let’s ask ourselves, “How am I imitating God’s love in my relationships? Am I showing patience, kindness, and forgiveness, even when it’s difficult?”
2. Walk as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8-14)
Next, Paul tells us to "walk as children of light."
Living in the light means not only avoiding sin but actively bringing goodness, righteousness, and truth to the world around us.
When we walk in the light, we allow God’s love to shine through us, making a difference in the lives of those around us.
I think of a story about Sarah, a young woman who worked in a very difficult environment. In her workplace, gossip and negativity were rampant, but she felt called to bring light. Instead of joining in, she made it her mission to be kind, to listen, and to encourage others. Eventually, people started coming to her for advice, for prayer, and for comfort. Her choice to walk in the light began to transform not only her but the entire atmosphere around her.
Are there areas in our lives where God is asking us to bring His light?
Maybe it’s at work, in our families, or in our communities.
Let’s be intentional about choosing light over darkness.
3. Make the Most of Every Opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Paul encourages us to live wisely and to "make the most of every opportunity."
Every day brings a chance to do something meaningful, to love others well, to serve, and to spread the gospel.
Time is precious, and God calls us to live purposefully, aligned with His will.
How are we spending our time?
Are we investing in things that have eternal value, like our relationship with God, family, and serving others?
Or are we letting our time slip away on things that ultimately don’t satisfy?
4. Be Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-20)
Lastly, Paul calls us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
This isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous filling, a daily surrender to God’s presence and power.
When we let God’s Spirit fill us, we overflow with joy, gratitude, and strength, no matter what circumstances we face.
Walking in the Spirit means relying on God’s strength rather than our own, being open to His guidance each day, and seeking His help to live as He calls us.
I remember the story of John, a man who went through an extremely difficult time. He lost his job, his health was failing, and he felt utterly discouraged. But each morning, he would pray, “Holy Spirit, fill me with Your strength today.” And slowly, he felt his heart change. He began to see God’s hand even in the small things, finding hope in places he hadn’t expected. This filling of the Spirit didn’t necessarily change his situation right away, but it transformed him from within.
Let me share one more story.
There was a young man who had made many mistakes in his life, feeling broken and beyond redemption. One day, he heard about the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Although he doubted it was for him, he chose to come forward and surrender his life. Over time, as he walked with God, he found himself transformed. Where there was darkness, there was now light. Where there was shame, there was joy. And his life became a testimony of God’s love.
As we come to a close, I want to give everyone an opportunity to respond to God’s invitation to walk in the light, to be filled with His Spirit, and to live a life that glorifies Him.
Maybe you’re here today, and you feel far from God. Perhaps you’ve been living in darkness or struggling with guilt, shame, or doubt. Jesus invites you today to come to Him, to receive His forgiveness and love, and to walk in His light.
Or perhaps you’re already following Jesus but feel in need of a fresh filling of His Spirit. You want to go deeper, to walk in closer relationship with Him, and to shine His light even more brightly.
If that’s you, I invite you to come forward as a symbol of surrender and a step of faith. You can kneel, stand, or simply lift your hands where you are. Let this be a moment where you draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Let’s pray together:
1. For Those Seeking a Fresh Start. “Lord Jesus, I come to You today, surrendering my life into Your hands. I ask for Your forgiveness and Your light to fill every dark area. Help me to walk as Your beloved child, knowing that I am loved and accepted by You.”
2. For a Filling of the Holy Spirit. “Holy Spirit, fill us anew. Give us strength to live in the light, to choose love, and to make the most of each day. Empower us to live for You, to be bold in our faith, and to share Your love with others.”
3. For Boldness to Live as Light in the World. “Lord, as we leave this place, let us shine Your light in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Help us to be witnesses of Your love and ambassadors of Your grace.”
4. For Gratitude and Worship. “Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness. We praise You for the life and hope we have in Christ. Fill us with joy and gratitude as we walk in Your ways.”
May we leave here today with renewed purpose, ready to walk as children of light and filled with the Spirit.
Let’s remember that no matter where we go, we carry God’s presence with us, and He has called us to make a difference in this world.
