3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 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.” —Ephesians 5:3-14
Three commitments to walk in the light
1. As
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. —Ephesians 5:3-5
- a. Deeds & Thoughts (v.3)
- b. Talk (v.4)
- c. Greed & Idolatry (v.5)
There is no place in the Kingdom for those who
- d. Thanksgiving is our spiritual response
Selfish desires have no place in
2. As children of light, let us commit to
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 —Ephesians 5:6-8
- a. Sons of disobedience (2:2; 5:6)
As the devil
- b. Live in your new identity/born again
God’s master plan is for us to live abundant lives rooted in truth and genuine love.
3. As children of light let us commit to
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.” —Ephesians 5:8-14
- a. Children born from darkness to light (v.8b)
- b. Right and true (v.9)
- c. Please the Lord (v.10)
- d. Expose darkness (v.11-13)
- e. Walk in the light because you are His and he called you to follow Him
Where darkness exists IN US, we must expose it,
Small group questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
What does it look like for you to combat selfish desires with thanksgiving?
What dark lies of the world have infiltrated our minds, home, and church? What should we do about it?
How can we create a community where we empower one another to walk in the light and encourage those in darkness to experience freedom?