49-33 Walk in the Light--Pt 2
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Ephesians 5:9-14
Ephesians 5:9-14
30 years ago Pam and I both graduated from HS (though neither of us care to attend our reunions). One of the classes I remember well is physics. Our teacher had a philosophy of making physics come alive. We conducted all sorts of experiments (right up my alley). What it did was produce in me the desire to learn beyond the classroom. I’m sure I’ve learned more outside the classroom than in.
German-born American physicist A.A. Michelson set the early standard for measurements of the speed of light in the late 1870s, determining a speed within 0.02 percent of the modern value.
The modern value: was set in 1983 the 17th General Conference on Weights and Measures fixed the speed of light as a defined constant at exactly 299,792,458 metres per second. That is actually what determined the length of the meter (39.37 in) (length of the path travelled by light in a vacuum in 1/299 792 458 of a second.) At this speed light could travel around the earth 7 times every tick of the clock.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 3116 Speed of Light as Standard
Einstein said that the reason he could construct the theory of relativity was because there is one thing in the world that is unchangeable. That one thing—the speed of light—is the only constant in this physical, material universe.
At that speed, light has an immediate effect on darkness. The 2 cannot co-exist. Where there is light, there cannot be darkness.
It’s no wonder then that Scripture uses light as the symbol of all that is good, righteous and true while darkness is the contrast to these things. Spiritual darkness is the condition into which all humans are born. Being alienated from God, they are lost and in desperate need of being rescued. That is where every Xn was before they were radically transformed—from darkness to light. As such—the admonition of God’s Word is that we walk as children of light.
Review:
1) The Prescript to Walk in Light
1) The Prescript to Walk in Light
Walking has to do with your conduct, lifestyle, the overall pattern of your life. The command stresses the on-going nature of your walk as a Xn—it should be characterized by light since you are no longer darkness.
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
This reiterates the call to be holy. God chose you, bestowed grace on you, forgave you and set you apart for Himself—making you holy and calls you to live holy lives. Last time I mentioned 3 hindrances to you holiness—to walking as children of light:
Your Flesh: the unredeemed part of your humanity—the part that is awaiting redemption and perfection (dif from old self). The flesh will draw you away from holiness, from the light of God’s commandment—the truth in order to fulfill its desires:
Rom 7:14
Satan—He is the “power of darkness” (Lk 22:53) and as Paul indicates in Eph 6 there is a real and powerful influence that Satan holds as the prince of the power of the air, the god of this world.
The World—the things of this world stand contrary to light. There is very much a darkness that surrounds the pursuits, philosophies, desires, activities of the world…remember Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4) and currently the world (all that is opposed to God) runs toward his deceptions.
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
2) The Produce of Light
2) The Produce of Light
vs 9—This is a parenthetical explanation of what it means to walk as children of light. Because you are light—live in the spiritual realm of light, there will be certain fruit that is produced in your life.
A. Excellent Things
A. Excellent Things
goodness and righteousness and truth
Goodness: this is 1 of 3 words translated “good” in NT.
Kalos—“free from defect, beautiful, honorable” anything that is intrinsically right. Used in the Gospels for “good fruit” without which a tree is “cut down and thrown into the fire” (Mt 3:10; 7:19). Paul—“everything created by God is good” no forbidden foods (1 Tim 4:4).
Chrestos—“useful, pleasant, suitable, worthy”—something that would be good for digging a hole. Paul—“bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor 15:33).
Agathosune—Present passage“moral excellence” (Thayers—“uprightness in heart”)—especially toward others. It’s a goodness that touches people with a positive and morally excellent effect. Paul—“always seek after that which is good for one another and all men” (1 Thess 5:15). 2 Thess 1:11 Paul prays “that our God may count you worthy of your calling and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.” This is generally regarded as generosity toward others or interest in the genuine welfare of others.
This fruit of light is also one of the 9 manifestations Paul mentions of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22).
Righteousness: the word relates two truths that are connected to the believer: 1) his right standing before God—imputed to Xn; 2) the attribute of righteousness—God’s character (Rom 3:25-26). Believers are called to righteous behavior (Rom 6:13). It has been said that Paul is speaking of the quality of life from which righteous actions spring. Fruit of the light consists of goodness—which is expressed as generosity toward others and includes righteous actions (works).
But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.
Truth: truth is opposite of all that is false. Pertaining to the Xn walk, this speaks of that quality which manifests truthfulness and true living opposed to false living.
B. Endeavoring to Please God
B. Endeavoring to Please God
vs 10
The excellent things Paul just mentioned are descriptive of Xn living. That becomes increasingly problematic as the world we live in progresses further from the good things that have come to us from the Lord. The world has rejected truth, reasonableness, morality that would restrict one’s passionate desires, God, the source for eternal life…We’re living in the midst of this as lights. So the world sees something different and often then we become the target for attacks (physically, verbally, socially…). Xn living requires you to be discerning if you are to please the Lord.
Paul says “trying to learn” which is a word that means “to put to the test, to make a critical examination of something to determine genuineness.” It was used of the testing of metals to prove the genuineness/purity. The idea of scrutinize is what is in focus as we’re in the midst of very non-xn (anti-xn) society…we must put to the test all things so that we can learn (test) what is pleasing to X.
When the Philippians took up a collection in support of Paul:
But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
Children are to obey parents:
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
The fruit of the light has at its core the pursuit of those things that are pleasing to X. The light of God’s truth reveals what is not pleasing to Him.
“There is no way of learning more accurately or more quickly about what is pleasing to God, than studying the law of God. It reveals to us what things God takes delight in and what things God hates.
Sproul, R. C. (1994). The Purpose of God: Ephesians (p. 125). Scotland: Christian Focus Publications.
I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it.
I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love.
May Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight.
If Your law had not been my delight, Then I would have perished in my affliction.
I long for Your salvation, O Lord, And Your law is my delight.
C. Exposing Evil
C. Exposing Evil
Gk vb “sunkoinoneo” is intensified form of word “to have fellowship.” It describes “intimate fellowship with.” The child of light should not have intimate fellowship with the “unfruitful deeds of darkness.”
Now, deeds of darkness have already been identified previously: lusts of deceit, falsehood, stealing, unwholesome speech, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice, immorality, impurity, greed, filthiness, silly talk, coarse jesting, covetousness and idolatry.
The imperative (present tense) stresses the urgency of avoiding these and every other sin b/c they are incompatible with the fruit of the light—will actually destroy purity of God’s people.
God has always been concerned with the purity of those who belong to Him:
Depart, depart, go out from there, Touch nothing unclean; Go out of the midst of her, purify yourselves, You who carry the vessels of the Lord.
Isaiah is calling exiles to return to Jerusalem but to be careful not to take property home from the exile that would defile themselves.
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
God delights in purity. Paul says the law was given b/c of transgression (Gal 3:19). The law shows us what sin is so it could be avoided.
The exhortation not be entangled by the world is very applicable today for Xns.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world
James cautions that friendship with the world is to be hostility toward God (4:4) so he says “keep yourself unstained by the world (1:27).
Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
“instead…expose”
The word “expose” has 4 distinct meanings in the NT:
① to scrutinize or examine carefully, bring to light, expose (Eph 5:13)
② to bring a person to the point of recognizing wrongdoing, convict (HS ministry Jn 16:8; Jn 8:46-Jesus “who convicts Me of sin?”)
③ to express strong disapproval of someone’s action
Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB95)
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove (elegko), rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
④ to penalize for wrongdoing, punish, discipline
and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
The important question is “in what sense is Paul exhorting the Eph saints?”
The answer for me lies in the setting where evil is being exposed. Is Paul speaking about evil in the church or evil in the world?
For the church: very strong statements regarding sin among those who call themselves believers:
1 Cor 5:1-11
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
The LJC has given the church the process to deal with sin in the midst of the assembly in Mt 18. It is tragic that too many “pastors” neglect the preaching of God’s Word b/c it is a massive spotlight on the condition of the believer’s heart and exposes any/all sin in that person’s life.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
Paul urges Timothy in the next verse…why? b/c this is how the believer avoids the unfruitful deeds of darkness, having them exposed in their own heart.
Now, if Paul has in mind the church’s response to the darkness of the world…then the primary task is that of exposing.
MacArthur “We are the spiritual CIA—our job is to expose the crimes of darkness. Our tool is the Word of God.” We are to expose the world’s darkness—and we do b/c we’re light.
Sometimes just living a X-centered life will expose the darkness of the world around us. When you speak truthfully—even at a personal cost to yourself, people notice. When you live selflessly, other people’s selfishness is exposed. When your speech is wholesome, vulgarity is exposed. I was playing golf last year with a friend (unbeliever). Mid way thru the round he said “well, playing with you doesn’t make me really any better, but I don’t cuss as much when you’re around.” Deeds of darkness are incompatible with the light and they scatter in its presence.
Now, sometimes there needs more than simply righteous living. St. Francis of Assisi is attributed with this “preach the gospel at all times, if necessary use words.” We know that it is necessary. It is necessary b/c the failure to speak out against sin, unrighteousness and darkness is a failure to obey God. Be sure, darkness is all around us—even here in the Bitterroot Valley.
Evil attacks all that is precious to us—b/c these things are precious to our God:
sanctity of life
sanctity of marriage
God created human sexuality
truth
justice
equality
Now, character counts when it comes to exposing evil to the light. Paul warns vs 12
There are things so morally reprehensible that even to speak of the things done in secret by “lovers of darkness” is spiritually dangerous. That’s not to say these deeds shouldn’t be exposed but one must be very careful when doing so.
this analogy might be helpful: there are substance known to man that are so dangerous that only the most highly trained professionals would dare have contact with them. Nuclear waste, chemicals, diseases (Rocky Mountain Lab)—very deadly. No one who handles these substnaces does so haphazardly.
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Jay Adams
Proverbs: Commentary Chapter 4
Because of its central place, what your heart is like is what you are like. Therefore, Solomon insists that the believer must guard it from every evil influence; guard it so that nothing good that the Spirit has done in the heart may be warped or lost. Guard it above all that you guard
As you expose evil by bringing the light of Christ, light of the gospel to it, be careful not to become tainted, stained by the sin/evil you are exposing. You might just step into and drown in that sea of sin.
Paul continues—vs13
“all things” is not a general reference referring to all people…Pau has in mind sin. Sin is made visible when the light exposes it. It is shown for what it really is. This is a beautiful illustration of what happens when you share your faith, share the gospel with an unbeliever. Scripture brings conviction when their lives, attitudes, activities are brought into the open. Sin becomes ugly. Now, the unbeliever won’t know what sin unless it is exposed for them.
In the bazaars of the middle east, the shops are often simply little covered enclosures with no windows. Someone might want to buy a piece of silk or an article of beaten brass. Before buying it, the buyer takes it out to the street and holds it up to the sun, so that the light might reveal any flaws which happen to be in it. It is the Christian’s duty to expose every action, every decision and every motive to the light of Christ.
Barclay, W. (2002). The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians (p. 190). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
True evangelism does not cover up or ignore the sins of the one you’re witnessing to. It will always make people see the condition of their heart and where they stand before God. This is what you do b/c this is the produce/fruit of the light.
3. The Procurement of Spiritual Life
3. The Procurement of Spiritual Life
vs 14: “for this reason it says...” There is a great deal of debate among scholars as to the source for Paul’s quotation. The nearest Scriptures are:
Your dead will live; Their corpses will rise. You who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, For your dew is as the dew of the dawn, And the earth will give birth to the departed spirits.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
It is apparent that Paul is not quoting directly but alluding to these passages. Many believe this is an early hymn of the Xn church—maybe a baptismal hymn. FF Bruce “The quotation is a tristich (stanza of 3 lines), best interpreted as a primitive baptismal hymn, in which the congregation greets the new convert as he or she emerges sacramentally from the sleep of spiritual death into the light of life.”
It could also have been an Easter hymn sung by the early church. Either way, this was understood to be an invitation to the sinner who is the “sleeper” (lost and dead in sin—and unaware of his spiritual condition). To awake and arise is the divine summons of God’s grace to repent from sin and trust in LJC for salvation. The Gk grammar indicates an urgency to respond to God’s gracious offer of spiritual life—otherwise judgment and eternal condemnation threaten those who remain in darkness.
Note the promise of this hymn: “Christ will shine on you.” Zacharias (John the Baptist’s father) expresses his heart of worship to God who is faithful:
Luke 1:67ff
faithful to Davidic covenant (vv 67-71)
faithful to Abrahamic covenant (72-75)
and faithful to New covenant (76-80)
“Sunrise” refers to 1st light of the morning: “on high”=heaven; depicting the Messiah as the great light coming down from heaven to shine the light of salvation on those who are in great darkness.
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Understanding the true condition of those who are lost makes the seeking and saving activity of Jesus all the more gracious and—of course, our response to Him (as those who have bene transferred from darkness to light) that of incessant praise—now and forever.
May God’s Spirit use us as great, penetrating lights in a world of darkness to bring the Good News of His salvation to those who remain in that dark condition.
