A Bigger Story -Week 5: Living as Children of Light

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Title of the message this Morning

A Bigger Story-

Week 5: Living as Children of Light

Big Idea:

Once we find ourselves in the right story, the Bigger Story of God, we will live in a different way.

And we will find ourselves doing it naturally, because it fits our new identity and reflects our true self as we live as children of light; redeemed and restored in Christ.

Prayer:

“Father, we want to be mirrors, reflecting back to the world a portion of your rays.

Transform us into the very image of Christ, that our thoughts and actions will conform to his, and that the world will see you in us.”

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-5:20

Introduction

Review of the first 4 chapters (Weeks of the series).

In chapter one, Paul introduces his readers to God’s secret plan, to bring a fragmented world back into unity in Christ.

Unity is the overarching theme of the entire letter.

Chapter two opens with level one concerns—my story and shows that God’s plan begins with us being united with Christ.

Chapter three addresses level two concerns—our story—and the need for us to be united in love for one another.

Last week, we saw that because God wants to accomplish this work through the church, unity and cooperation in the Body is very important.

Now, Paul addresses personal behavior in a very practical way, and in no uncertain terms.

(Ephesians 4:17++) Verse 17 – “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord…”

This is Paul’s pattern in many of his letters: he opens with doctrine then closes with a section of practical application, often beginning with the word, “Therefore.”

At first glance, this next section seems like a perfect example of a list of rules; the very thing that has given scripture, and religion in general, a bad reputation.

It feels like you’re taking a long road-trip with your mother:

- Pick up your socks

- Brush your teeth

- Don’t cuss

- Stop slouching

- Lots of Nagging and whining

But digging deeper, we discover that Paul has much more in mind than a list of rules.

A definition of sin: Behavior that is out of character with who you are.

Verses 17-19 A very unflattering description of the “Gentile” way of life.

(Paul’s use of the word “Gentiles” here is probably best understood as “pagans.”

We know Paul was no Jewish racist, and he considered himself the Apostle to the Gentiles.)

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.”

Reading on, Paul uses a very subtle and effective piece of psychological persuasion:

But that’s not who you are! Verses 19-24:

“That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

- You have been given a new heart; a heart of flesh, to replace your heart of stone. (Ezek. 11:19)

- You are a child of God; now become a child of God.

- You were once darkness; now you are children of light.

- You are a new person in Christ; now grow up into that new person.

- You have been declared righteous; now becomerighteous.

- The Christian life is not just about justification; but real transformation.

Illustration:

James Kennedy’s story of Alexander the Great.

He is holding court and a young soldier who has deserted is brought before him.

Alexander takes pity on the boy and asks his name. The frightened young man stammers out “Alexander, Sir.”

Then the great emperor’s features harden and he asks, “What did you say?”

“Alexander, Sir.”

“What is your name?” demands the emperor again. “Alexander, Sir.”

“Soldier,”responds the great general, “change your conduct, or change your name!”

As believers, sin is behavior that is out of character with who we really are.

Taking Off and Putting On

Verses 4:25-28: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin:” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Verses 4:29-32: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Notice: You can do this.

It’s your choice.

Take control of your behavior.

Force it to line up with your new heart…

Some practical areas of behavior:

- Take off lying – Put on honesty.

- Take off anger – Put on self-control.

- Take off stealing – Put on an honest day’s work.

- Take off foul language – Put on words of encouragement.

- Take off bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, and every form of malice. I.e.

stop wishing others harm.

And put on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

- Take off darkness, and put on light.

- 5:14 - Shake off your sleepiness, and wake up! Come alive in Christ!

The best reason for doing all this

4:30 “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Christianity is a relationship, not a set of moral teachings.

God lives in us in the person of the Holy Spirit.

He is “Christ in you, the hope of glory!”

When we sin, we are not breaking God’s rules, we are breaking God’s heart.

Until you understand that, it is unlikely that you will ever change your behavior.

We can actually hurt God’s feelings.

Genesis 6:5-6 “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.”

We pass over that verse too quickly on our way to the story of Noah and the Ark.

But it’s one of the most poignant and powerful verses in all of scripture.

Mankind’s behavior grieved God, and caused his heart to be full of pain.

Only now, on this side of the cross, God has even more reason to be hurt.

He died for us!

And he wants to make his home in us by his Spirit, “with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

God is not mad at you, and he certainly will never disown you.

But our actions can still disappoint him, and the indwelling Spirit whispers in our hearts, “That’s not who you are.”

Final warnings: (Read Ephesians 5:1-20)

Eph 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Eph 5:3-7 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Eph 5:8-14 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Eph 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Closing Illustrations Ideas;

Dorothy Sayers’ illustration of “bit actors.”

Most Christians live their lives as if they had only bit parts.

We show up on the set for one little scene, do our lines, then go home.

And we have no idea what the theme of the play really is.

We don’t even know if this is a comedy, a tragedy, a drama, or a mystery.

But Paul says we’re not bit actors.

He’s told us the big picture.

We know our part.

Now on with the show!

On with the life that God has called us to live, and empowered us to live through the Holy Spirit.

Let’s pray together.

Salvation:

The Word of God says in: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:13 NKJV

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you’d would like to receive Jesus today, please pray this prayer with all of us:

Lord I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died On the cross for my sins and His resurrection from the dead gives me eternal life. I ask forgiveness of my sins, and I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Pastor [e-mail]

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Benediction

Shake off your sleepiness, and wake up! Come alive in Christ! — Ephesians 5:14—

We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it.” -Madeliene L’Engle (Lang ill)

Have a Great Week! Goodbye!