Now That The Lights Are On

Opening Story

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.

James said it would preach, so let it be so.

Text

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Paul reminds the believers of their former state of not just being in darkness, but they were darkness

darkness symbolizes the realm dominated by sin and death

“children of light” is a common label for those who are in a right relationship with God.

as children of light we must adopt values that are opposite of the surrounding culture

9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

fruit is a natural result - a believer must produce Christlike vitues

10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

acceptable would be better translated as pleasing - our lives must be pleasing to the Lord

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

“no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness”

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

“but rather expose them” - call them out

12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.

we are to expose by light but not to codemn but to give opportunity to be made right

14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

This quote is not a direct quote, He may be alluding to scripture in Job or Isaiah or even an early Christian Hymn

Get up and get right with God and He will give you light

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eph 5:8–14.