READ: Ephesians 5 (Focus vs. 8-15)
MEMORY VERSE
“Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8 esv
BACKGROUND
Tim’s hotel room seemed extra dark at night. What if he got up at night and slipped and fell because he couldn’t see? But when Tim did get up, he was surprised to see a bright light shining from underneath the bed—lighting his path. A motion sensor had activated it.
The light only worked, however, if he got up and started to walk.
The Bible says we’re to walk with intent in God’s light. As Paul told the new believers in Jesus at Ephesus, “Follow God’s example . . . and walk in the way of love” (Ephesians 5:1-2). But what does it look like to walk that way?
As we step into Christ’s loving light, we turn from our sins—that might include immorality, impurity, idolatry, and coveting. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,” Paul said, “but rather expose them” (v. 11).
Pagan worship thrived in Ephesus, but the apostle’s words steered the new believers aright. “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (v. 8 esv).
He added, “The fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” So, “find out what pleases the Lord” (vv. 9-10). The benefit? The light of Jesus “will shine on you” (v. 14), lighting your path. “Look carefully then how you walk,” Paul concluded (v. 15 esv).
Walking confidently in Christ’s light, we’ll bless others as we point them to Him—the source of true light.
Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians follows a pattern similar to some of his other letters, such as Romans and Colossians. Ephesians opens with a section of teaching or doctrine (chs. 1-3) followed by practical application of that teaching (chs. 4-6).
This means, in a sense, that what we believe should directly impact how we behave. Ephesians 5:8-15 lands in the middle of that application section, concluding with verse 15: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”
The apostle then goes on to deal with marriage relationships, parent-child relationships, and the relationships between masters and slaves.
Believers in Jesus in Ephesus lived in a pagan culture, so this wise counsel would have equipped them to live distinctive lives that would’ve looked very different from the surrounding culture and thus point others to Christ.
As He provides what we need, we can also confidently walk in His light today.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
How do you actively walk in Christ’s light? How has He shined His light on your ways?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…Christ – the source of true light”
PR’s TAKE
“What we believe should directly impact how we behave.” Today’s Insight
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that…” M.L. King Jr.
PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, this world is dark. Please shine Your light in me.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WALKING IN THE LIGHT” White Light
Walking in the light
Following the Master
Walking in the light
Let Him shine in your life
For the light keeps burning bright
It overcomes the night
So hold on, keep on walking
Well the world looks at you
And wonders why you do the things you do
They wanna confuse you
But you know that you’re right, right on track
You never need to stop and look back
You gotta keep movin’, you just keep on
Walking in the light
Following the Master
Walking in the light
Let Him shine in your life
For the light keeps burning bright
It overcomes the night
So hold on, keep on walking
You gotta keep walking, don’t give in
The devil’s fighting wars that he can’t win
Don’t let him fool you
’cause the power of the Lord, is so great
His love is so much stronger than hate
It’s a love that won’t leave you, you just keep on
Walking in the light
Following the Master
Walking in the light
Let Him shine in your life
For the light keeps burning bright
It overcomes the night
So hold on, keep on walking
