Exposing darkness with light
Contrast is a measure of the difference between two things. The Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to save us from the darkness of ignorance, untruth and separation from God. He is the light and is totally different from the world, and He demonstrated how we should be the same, by following Him in the power of the Holy Spirit. The instructions issued in Ephesians 5:7-14 show how radically we are to be different from who we were before Jesus saved us.
Scripture
Ephesians 5:7-14 ESV Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Bible Study Questions
The source and nature of light
Light and darkness is an absolute contrast. Before we look at how the contrast is used in the passage, we need to understand something about light. How is God the source of light, both physically and spiritually?
Genesis 1:1-4 ESV In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
The nature of darkness
The other side of the contrast is darkness. Darkness is the absence of light, what are three ways in which evil is associated with darkness? Looking at the three passages below, how are ignorance, lies and punishment related to darkness?
2 Corinthians 4:4-6 ESV In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
John 3:19-21 ESV And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Jude 1:13 ESV wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.
Do not be partners with them
If we profess to be Christians, then we are told not to be partners, not to co-operate, not to be associated with people who are still darkness since we are no longer darkness but light. In which three ways are we radically different from unbelievers?
Ephesians 5:7-14 ESV Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Proverbs 4:18-19 ESV But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. 19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
Colossians 1:13-14 ESV He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 5:14-16 ESV “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Walk as discerning children of the light
Walking in the light could also be called walking in the truth. God’s will for us is to walk in His ways which are always true, how do we know how to walk in His ways?
Ephesians 5:8-9 ESV Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
John 12:35-36 ESV So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Expose the darkness
Instead of being partners with those in the dark, we need to be the absolute contrast. How can we be the contrast and give others a chance to turn to the light?
Ephesians 5:11 ESV Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
1 Timothy 5:20 ESV As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
Matthew 18:15-17 ESV “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Be careful what you handle
When we’re in the world of darkness we need to be careful to keep being the light, and not to be tainted and diluted. How do we avoid this?
Ephesians 5:12 ESV For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light.
Jude 1:20-23 ESV But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Get up and follow Jesus
Jesus provides both the supernatural power to follow God and the perfect example of doing so. Do you think the last verse is talking to believers or unbelievers, and what should we do about it?
Ephesians 5:14 ESV Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Isaiah 60:1-3 ESV Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.