Ephesians 5:8-14 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
We can learn some powerful lessons from today’s passage: Ephesians 5:8-14. Let’s go!
Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
On verse 8: Before Christ came into our lives, we were in the dark. But with Jesus Christ in your life, not only do you have the light, but verse 8 says you are the light. Just as Jesus is the light of the world (John 9:5), so His followers are the light too (Matthew 5:11). That’s who you are now: “light in the Lord”. So embrace your new identity in Christ as “children of light”.
Ephesians 5:9 (NIV)
9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
On verse 9: Whenever you live out your new identity in Christ, the effect is that you bear fruit! Your life becomes a blessing and an encouragement to others, a reminder of all the things that Jesus is — goodness, righteousness and truth.
On the other hand, when we continue to live in sin, the result is “fruitless” (v11). We don’t end up blessing anyone, including ourselves. Instead, weeds grow that threaten to choke the life out of us.
Ephesians 5:10 (NIV)
10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
On verse 10: How do you “find out what pleases the Lord”? By studying His Word, spending time with Him in prayer, seeking the advice of godly men and women, and listening for His voice.
Ephesians 5:11-14 (NIV)
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
On verses 11-14: What does it mean to “expose” the fruitless deeds of darkness (v11)? Does this mean we should be nosy gossipers who love to talk about the sins of other people? No. In certain cases it means speaking the truth in love, which we talked about three days ago when looking at Ephesians 4:15.
But I believe another good application of this verse is to confess our own sins to God and to people we trust. It’s about bringing our own sins out into the light. Part of what makes sin in our lives so powerful is its secrecy. When we expose our sins by confessing them, we break that secrecy and allow God’s light to shine into that situation. Is there a sin you need to confess to God? Is there a sin you need to confess to others?
It can be difficult and embarrassing to confess our sins – as Paul says, “it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” (v12). But when we confess our sins, we allow God’s light to shine, to replace our shame with His forgiveness, and to work out a sinful situation for good. Since “everything exposed by the light becomes visible” (v13), when you allow God’s light to shine even in the darkest places of your life, God can start to turn even your darkest struggle with sin into a story for His glory.
Are you feeling defeated by sin? Remember that God is still for you, not against you. God wants to turn your struggle with sin into a testimony about His power. By His power you will “rise from the dead” (v14). It all begins with confessing your sins. Take a moment to confess your sins to Him today.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a forgiving God. Thank You that if I confess my sins You are always faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess my sins now: [take a moment to confess any specific sins you struggle with to God] Thank You that the blood of Jesus cleanses me from every sin, and thank You that because of Jesus Christ, I can overcome that struggle with sin. Holy Spirit fill me today, that I would live in a way that is consistent with my new identity in You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
