Walk In The Light

Walk in the Light

Ephesians 5:8-14

As we move forward in this fifth chapter of Ephesians, we continue to be reminded of the lives we are to live in Christ. Our text today is a continuation of the thoughts from the preceding verses. If we are to walk in a way that pleases the Lord, we must walk in love; we must walk in righteousness, and we must walk in the light.

One cannot approach this passage apart from a reminder that Jesus is the Light of the world. He came into a world consumed with darkness and revealed the glorious light of God. John 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Those who follow Christ no longer walk in darkness, but walk in the light of Christ. 1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Clearly, if we are to please the Lord, walking in fellowship with Him and with one another, we must walk in the light. This is not optional – we must walk in the light.

As we examine the certainties revealed in the text, I want to consider the challenge to: Walk in the Light.

I. The Witness of the Light (8-10) – Here Paul discusses the witness of the light in our lives. Those who walk in the light will reveal that light unto the world. Notice:

A. The Association (8a) – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. We discover yet another reminder of the differences between our lives prior to salvation and the life we now live in Christ. We walked in darkness, having no desire for the light. In fact, Jesus declared that men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, John 3:19. Following salvation, our lives are no longer associated with the darkness of sin, but walking in the light of Christ.

As one examines the text, Paul presents a profound thought – but now are you light in the Lord. We know that Jesus declared that He was the Light of the World; and here Paul declares that we are light in the Lord. Those who belong to the Lord have become light among the darkness. His light must shine forth from our lives. This is not a new concept revealed by Paul’s teaching. Jesus also declared, in regard to the believer, that we are also lights in the world. Matt. 5:14,16 – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

B. The Admonition (8b) – walk as children of light. This is simple and yet profound. We are called to walk as children of the light. In reality, this makes sense, doesn’t it? We are filled with the light of Christ at conversion. It stands to reason that we ought to walk and live in such a way that reflects the light within. However, if we do not commit to walking in the light, the light within will grow dim and lose the potential for the brightness it should reveal. In Matthew 5 again, Jesus declared that men do not light a candle and place it under a basket, but they put it on a candlestick so that it will reveal light for those within the house. If our light is to shine as the Lord intends, we must walk in the light, revealing the light of Christ for the world to see. Our light is derived from him — not a ray of it comes from ourselves. But somehow our incorporation in Christ allows us to actually be light, however imperfect, Hughes. (i)

C. The Demonstration (9) – For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Those who walk in the light will reveal fruit consistent with the Light. If one is truly walking in the light, these fruits will be apparent in their lives. If you are curious whether one is walking in the light or not, look for these fruits to be evident in their daily walk. Those who walk in the light will continually demonstrate goodness. This has the idea of a person of character and virtue, moral excellence. Those who walk in the light will also reveal righteousness – their conduct and disposition will be consistent with the righteousness of God. Finally, one who walks in the light will display truth. Truth has to do with honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, and integrity—in contrast to the hypocritical, deceptive, and false ways of the old life of darkness, MacArthur. (ii)