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
