Ephesians Pt. 14
The darkness of this world and the light Jesus brought contrast starkly. The light Jesus brought he gave to those who follow him. He calls them the light of the world. It’s no wonder that Paul is concerned when our lives don’t contrast strongly with the darkness of this world, and Ephesians 5 is a reminder to get ride of dark deeds and let the light shine!
Anchor Texts:
Questions to Ponder:
What do you think it means to “expose” the “unfruitful works of darkness”? How do you do that?
In what parts of your life do you encounter works of darkness and what could you do to “expose” them?
Let’s not be too quick to think this only has to do with others - how do we go about identifying the works of darkness in our own life an exposing them? How do we uncover the blind-spots in our own lives? (Hint - this is all about who we are close with, open up to, and ask them intentionally to help us!)
How would you answer someone who read verse 17 and asked you - “what is the will of the Lord?” (Hint - look at the surrounding context!)
Vv. 19-20 are about inviting the Spirit of God to bring out the fruitful works of light in you instead of the unfruitful works of darkness. What can you praise God for, and thank God for with those around you today?
The Theme in Song:
The darkness God saves us from is not just out there, but it is darkness that held us personally and still seeks to bring us down. The song Amazing Grace is a song/hymn/spiritual song of thanksgiving to God who saves us from the darkness and who illuminates darkness and transforms us to light even in the most inward parts of us.