Sermon – Experiencing Freedom From Darkness
Scripture -1Peter 2:6-9 “As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Introduction -1 Peter 2:6-9 signifies that Jesus is the precious cornerstone for believers, but a stone of stumbling for those who reject Him. Jesus is a "stone of stumbling" for those who reject Him because the very message and nature of the cross are offensive to human pride and worldly expectations, making His path the foundation of salvation for believers but an unavoidable obstacle for unbelievers. This means that a person's disbelief and rejection become their own downfall, causing them to "stumble" over the same figure who is the "rock of salvation" for others. For those who believe, this cornerstone provides a secure foundation, ensuring they will not be put to shame. On the other hand, those who are disobedient and reject Jesus will stumble and face God's appointed judgment. This passage concludes by identifying these believers as a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" called to proclaim God's praises.
Jesus is the Cornerstone and the sure foundation for the Christian Faith. The cornerstone was a crucial foundation stone for a building's stability. For believers, Jesus and His finished work is precious and the secure base for their faith. For those who reject Jesus, he becomes a Stone of Stumbling. They refuse to believe in the rock, God has sent. Because they reject Jesus and will not believe that Jesus is God’s answer, God’s foundation they will stumble and fall. Their disobedience to God’s message leads to their fall and ultimate judgment. Those who trust in Christ and believe on God’s Son will not be put to shame. Believers stand on a solid foundation, a cornerstone that will not fail them. Besides that, believers receive a new identity in Christ. This passage describes the believer as a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's own precious possession." This new identity positions the believer to "proclaim the excellencies of God who has called them out of darkness into His marvelous light." Believers are called to live lives that glorifies God and testify to His Greatness.
1. Darkness Has No Real Power. Darkness is the absence of light. Believers must live out their faith in a world of darkness. What do you do when the lights go out? Have you ever experienced a power outage at night? Those first moments can be unsettling. In an instant, what once brought ease and comfort disappears into the shadows. Familiar walls and objects become stumbling blocks, and every step feels uncertain. Fear creeps in, and suddenly, you feel vulnerable from every angle.
Life can feel the same way, but remember darkness has no power. Even as people of faith, we sometimes find ourselves in seasons of deep darkness. This darkness can come in various ways, whether through our own doing. It may be disobedience, addiction, or complacency, through unexpected suffering, or when life weighs us down. At its worst, it becomes a pit of miry clay and fighting our way out on our own feels nearly impossible. In Psalm 40:2, David testifies about God's deliverance from desperate situations. God pulled David up from a "horrible pit" and out of "miry clay" to place him on a solid rock. God knows how to rescue believers from a state of ruin and despair, provides a secure and stable foundation, and establishes their path forward. God will bring us out of darkness into the light, establish our going and rescue us from every kind of crisis.
John 10:10 reminds us that we have a real enemy. It reads, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full". This is a verse that contrasts the destructive nature of evil with the life-giving purpose of Jesus, who came to offer "abundant life." Jesus offers us a life that is more complete, meaningful, and eternal. Satan seeks to keep us trapped in darkness by convincing us we lack the power or authority to escape. He’ll have believers to believe their darkness will never end, their past will always define them and that their efforts to overcome will fail. Yet Satan’s power only lies in darkness, smoke and mirrors. Though the darkness may seem deep, engulfing, and suffocating, it has no real hold on the believer. The believer has been called out of darkness into the marvelous light.
The truth is that the strength needed to overcome is not found in our striving but in our surrender. The more we lean into God’s presence, the brighter the light of God becomes. Satan shadows disappear and his trick are exposed. The more we lean into God’s presence the more we discover what Apostle Paul declared, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). And even when we feel too weak, the name of Jesus gives us victory, for His strength is made perfect in our weakness and in Him, we are more than conquerors.
2. Light Has Power To Drive Darkness Out. Think about the relief when the power suddenly returns after a blackout. The room regains its familiarity, and what once felt threatening is now harmless. That’s what happens when Christ’s light floods our lives. Obstacles lose their power, and fear that once gripped us dissolves. As the psalmist declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Paul also reminds us in Ephesians 5 that we were once in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. That shift in identity calls us to “live as children of light” who reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth in our daily lives. The passage urges us to expose the fruitless deeds of darkness, not by shaming ourselves, but by allowing Christ’s light to reveal and transform. It ends with a wake-up call. In Ephesians 5:14 says, "Awake, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you". This verse serves as a spiritual wake up call. It urges the believer to move from a state of spiritual "death" and "darkness" to a new life illuminated by Christ. Believers must awaken from their spiritual slumber and to rise from their spiritual death. The promise is illumination by Christ Jesus. It promises that "Christ will shine on you," symbolizing that Christ brings spiritual light and clarity, exposing and defeating darkness. We are invited not only to step out of darkness, but to live awake and alert, and to radiate the presence of Christ. So ask yourself: What’s holding me back? If it’s your mind, renew it in Christ. If it’s your habits, change them through His strength. If it’s your circumstances, ask and trust God to transform them.
3. Believer Can Live As Children of Light. "Live as children of light" means to live a life that reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth. It is a call to follow the example of Jesus by living in a way that pleases God, shining as a beacon of light for others by making good choices, speaking truth, and rejecting deeds associated with evil. One of the key aspects of living as "children of light" is to reject darkness. All of us were spiritually lost, living sinful lives, consciously rejecting God’s truth, chasing things that were impure, lustful, greedy, foolish, and doing every evil deed.
Only in Christ can we produce the "fruit of light." God transformed us from the inside out so that we can actively produce "His goodness, righteousness and truth" in our lives through our actions and character. As Children of Light we are free to follow God's guidance. As Children of light, we have freely received the light of the gospel, and His Holy Spirit helps us choose to follow Him daily. Besides that, we have become a beacon for others to follow. By living this transformed life, you can become a "beacon of light" in the world, showing God's mercy and goodness to those around you. As we reject darkness, we reflect Christ's example. Our call is to imitate Christ Jesus, who is the Light, by living righteously, speaking truth, doing good, and exposing darkness through your actions and conversations. God calls us to live in freedom, not bondage. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2Corinthians 3:17.
God calls us to walk in the light, to live as children of the light enjoying His joy, peace, and abundance. God longs to comfort us in our weakness and give light in our darkest hour. He understands your pain. Jesus Himself endured the deepest darkness on the cross. He was abandoned by the world, suffered and died in your place and my place. So He promised that we would never be abandoned or left to face dark times alone.
He has not left us as orphans or helpless. In fact, He has never left us at all. Therefore, we are not victims. You are a child of the Living King and have a seat at the table of the Most High God. So, walk out of the darkness and experience the freedom of children of light in God’s brilliant presence.
If you find yourself here today and you’re not yet a believer, this invitation is for you: “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). Ask God to come into your heart. Acknowledge the darkness you’ve walked in and declare that Jesus is King over your life. From this moment forward, give Him full authority to lead you. It’s only in Him that we can experience true freedom from darkness. The songwriter said, “Walk in the light (walk in the light)
Beautiful light (well it's a beautiful light) Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright (Oh Lord) Shine all around us by day and by night. Oh oh oh oh, Jesus is the light of the world. Amen.
