“This Little Light of Mine…”

GETTING STARTED

It is amazing to me—and equally discouraging—how something that once looked so insatiably satisfying, can so quickly become dull or uninteresting. Our human nature and sin twists our God-given desire for pleasure and satisfaction, and manipulates us into finding those satisfactions in the most destructive places. Our flesh and culture can even make our abundant life in Christ look blah, or inadequate. Additionally, the enemy works around the clock to cause us to forget our identity—the “center” of what drives our behavior. Paul—as father figure, pastor, and shepherd—steps in to believers’ lives, reminding them who they are, and calling them to stand firm against this temptation and deception.

  • As you read today’s passage, ask the Lord to strengthen your understanding of who Christ is and who you are in Christ.

READ THE WORD: EPHESIANS 5:6-14 (ESV)

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 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.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Our culture tends to disregard the effect of consequences to our behavior. What is the significance of the second phrase of verse 6?
  2. Verse 7 sounds harsh and perhaps contrary to other passages that call us to love all people. What do you suppose this verse is telling us?
  3. Note in verses 7-14 how fluidly Paul used the light/darkness theme to describe believers’ lives, roles, and identities. Take some time to reflect on the significance of this symbolism. What effect does light have on darkness?
  4. This passage is bookended with another exhortation to righteous living (vs. 14b). What is the distinction between this verse and the opening exhortation in verse 6?
  5. Is your “light” exposing darkness? Are there places in your life where you have the opportunity to shed light on the darkness of this culture?

RESPOND TO GOD

Rarely in our culture do we have to function in total darkness. With modern technology and the stability of our power grid, we have light as needed, on demand. But the biblical picture of the value, role, and necessity of light in the world is unavoidable for the believer. We like to know that we are identified as children of light. But many of us are uncomfortable with the role we have to expose the darkness. Sometimes, that happens simply as we live; sometimes. it happens with our words. But today, be reminded of who you are as light bearers! And, that as we live lives that are “awake” and full of life in Christ, he will shine on us with his favor and light!

  • Take a moment to thank the Lord for his gracious favor in your life and for his work in your life allowing you to be light in a dark place.