Walk as children of the Heavenly Father

INTRO (THE WHY)

STORY about dark/light:

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:8 ESV

8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Context: Walk worthy of the calling (v. 4:1); Walk in new life (vv. 4:17, 24); Walk in love (v. 5:2); Walk as children of light (v. 5:8); Walk Carefully (v. 5:15)

Memorize & Meditate this verse!

God is the source of the light

v. 8 “in the Lord”

John 8:12 ESV

12 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.”

Story: restaurant that is done in the dark…eventually see the dim light on the coffee pot. The light always shines through.

1st Point: God as the source of light is the one to light our path in life and to grow us into His likeness.

You are to be light

v. 8 “you are light in the Lord”

If you believe in Jesus then you are united with God/the light in Christ.

2nd Point: You are to reflect his light in order to help others in life.

Take the light with you

v. 8 “walk as children of light”

3rd Point: Everything you do should be as an offspring of God’s light

APPLICATION - “fruit of the light” (v. 9)

Ephesians 5:9 ESV

9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),

fruit is produced

Story about producing fruit: It takes time to grow a tomato (Is a tomato a fruit? What about IL sweet corn?)

1. DO GOOD

Being generous (i.e. giving - Live2Give)

Ex: Sharing your extra cookie with someone

2. DO WHAT’S RIGHT

live right before Others (seen)

Ex: Inviting someone to eat with you and your family

live right before God (unsee)

Ex: What you watch alone online. What you listen to. What you think about.

3. TELL THE TRUTH

Dependable - do you do what you say you will do?

Ex: when mom and dad say to clean your room and you say “ok”…do you clean your room?

ILLUSTRATION/STORY: The fruit of many J12 students

CLOSING/RESPONCE

As children often reflect their parents...If you accept Jesus into your life then His LIGHT will shine through you as you walk/go!