The Light Switch Moment Series

Turning on the Light

Ephesians 4:17-19 -- The Light Switch Moment

INTRODUCTION

"Well, what do you think?" his dad asked. Brian Lohse knew exactly what his father was getting at.

His father had never pressed him about marriage before. But the question had its intended effect: a light switch flipped on.

"I'd never really thought about it. But that was the point right there when I said to myself: 'Oh my gosh, you know what, this is the girl I'm going to marry,' " Brian said. "I can't picture myself spending the rest of my life with any other person than Alana."

Brian, 34, had indeed made the psychological leap. It was time to get this party started. Six months later, he proposed. They married in June.

A light-switch moment

T.S. The Apostle Paul describes a light switch moment. A moment when a decision is made that changes everything forever. Turn with me to

Eph 4:17-19

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

 LIVING IN THE LIGHT BEGINS WITH A LIGHT SWITCH MOMENT

1-- Describing the Light Switch Moment

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do

A light switch moment, a moment when a decision is made that changes everything forever. Paul is challenging the Ephesians to a light switch moment that will forever distinguish how they live from the rest of the world.

We are patterned, planned and programmed by the world around us to accept certain behaviors, adopt certain attitudes, to become clone like additions to the world around us.

The phrase "live as the Gentiles do" means to tread around, follow along like a devotee a votary. Like a person bound by rules to imitate.

Comic-Con happens in San Diego every year. It is a comics and popular arts convention with special guests, themes and anniversaries, and programming. While there many take opportunity to walk around, dressed up and mimicking their favorite sci-fi and fantasy characters.

This is exactly what Paul is getting at. If we truly understand who we are in Christ, it's time to spot acting like those who don't.

T.S. Paul helps us describes the light switch moment as a three part decision.

A -- Rejection of the inutility of the other choices

in the futility of their thinking.

When I hear the word futile I often think of something being hopeless.

Sort of like this picture of a cat trying to drink from a glass.

But the Greek word actually is closer to inutility--the quality of having no practical use.

I can understand the cat wanting a drink form the glass. I may even pity it because it can't get to it. But once I know who I am in Christ to live short of that is an inutility--make no sense, has no practical benefit to my life.

It is more like this picture of a DVD rewinder???

Buying a DVD Rewinder for $16.49 Because it is on sale from the retail price of $21.99.

B -- Acceptance of God-lightened understanding.

18 They are darkened in their understanding

Obscured in their understanding.

It not that the people outside of Christ are totally wrong in everything they. But Paul indicates that they live with obscured understanding.

Sort of like this picture. Can you travel down this road without knowing the what the next exit is, Yes but your understanding is obscured.

C -- Synchronization not syncopation of your life with God.

separated from the life of God

In step as opposed to divergent rhythm to our life.

Think of a Dog -- for a minute. Let me make it more specific think of a collie. Picture it in your mind. Got your picture

How many of you thought of this picture of dogs dressed up like a "Happy Meal"

Or did you think of a simple picture of a collie.

Paul is saying that there is a life style that when other people think about it identifies us with God. Live that way.

II -- Dissuading the light switch moment

To be deterred, distracted by persuasion from a course of action

If the Holy Spirit wants to lead us deeper into our life with God, everything about the world wants to dissuade us form it.

Paul indicates that there are a few basic tripping points that dissuade us form the Light Switch Moment.