August 29, 2024 • 26 mins
What does it mean to truly shine your light in a world filled with darkness? In this episode of The Takeaway, we unlock the profound spiritual truths found in Ephesians 5:7-21, guiding you to be an imitator of Christ by embracing a godly perspective that transcends our limited understanding of good and bad. You'll discover how to find joy even in suffering, just as Paul did during his imprisonment for the Gospel. We'll explore how this transformative viewpoint empowers us to pray for God's glory, assured that He will answer, and how abiding in Jesus' love and following His commandments can lead us to bear much fruit for God's kingdom.
Our conversation also delves into the critical importance of living as light in a world enveloped in darkness. Drawing from biblical teachings in Corinthians, Proverbs, Psalms, and more, we emphasize the importance of separating from sinful behaviors, guarding our actions and speech, and using our time wisely. By striving for holiness and exposing darkness through righteous living, we align ourselves with God's righteousness and fulfill our mission on earth. Tune in to learn how embodying Christ's light in our daily lives can honor our Heavenly Father and yield fruitful results that glorify God.
Please visit www.chosenbydesign.net for more information on Pastor Harry’s new book, "Chosen By Design - God’s Purpose for Your Life."
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway.
I'm your host, pastor HarryBehrens, and in today's episode
we're going to be studyingEphesians, chapter 5, verses 7
to 21, what it means to shineour light into the darkness.
Now, before we begin, I want toinvite you to share any
questions or feedback you mayhave by using the text us link
in the episode description, asyour input is invaluable in
(00:21):
shaping future episodes.
Here at the Takeaway, we arecommitted to creating content
that supports your spiritualgrowth, and we can only do that
with your feedback, so pleaselet us know your thoughts, as we
would love to hear from you.
So now, in our last episode, westarted talking about what it
is to be imitators of Christ andhow to separate ourselves from
living in sin, as we are nolonger to walk or talk like
(00:44):
those of the world.
Instead, we are to have noplace in serving the passions of
the flesh and, as we will seetoday, we are to be a light
shining into the darkness and abranch that produces fruit.
You know, my pastor once toldme that people are in one of
three places in life they areeither in a bad, good or godly
(01:06):
place.
What he had found through theyears of counseling is that most
are seeking to be in a goodplace by getting out of the bad,
and that few ever desire topursue God.
There's something within peoplethat only wants things to be
good, and they will do whateverthey have to to get back to that
place when they perceive thingsare bad.
I say perceive, because that'sexactly what it is a perception.
(01:30):
For instance, you could haveone person who loves bitter food
while another hates them, orone that loves the snow and
another that hates it.
So why is that the case?
Well, it's because ofperception.
We each decide what weinterpret as good or bad.
That is not a godly perspective.
It is based on our desires andpassions, none of which comes
(01:54):
from God's perspective.
That is your sin nature at workin you and what Paul has been
trying to get across.
Now, as we move forward in hisletter, paul will begin to force
our thoughts into a godlyperspective.
The idea presented is not one ofgood or bad, but of God.
Think back to the beginning ofchapter 4, where Paul said he
(02:16):
was a prisoner of the Lord.
What was he saying?
He was literally imprisoned byman and was being held in chains
.
So what was his perspective.
He had realized that it wasGod's will for him to be chained
for the furtherance of thegospel, and Paul embraced that
truth.
He actually found great joy andcontentment in it, which
(02:39):
produced satisfaction in God.
Now, most of us would findourselves in that position,
complaining to God and others,doing everything we could to get
out of it and into one thatsuits us, one that we would
describe as good.
So when we move away from theselfish desire to please
(03:00):
ourselves, we will move into agodly perspective where we
realize that the good or bad isno longer relevant to us.
From a godly perspective, weknow God works all things for
good for those who love him.
So, then, our perspective ischanged, and therefore so will
our actions.
That is what Paul wants us tosee, more than anything.
(03:24):
That God defines himself asgood, and when we focus our eyes
on him in such a way that weview the world through his eyes
and not ours, we will be able tofind joy in all things, even
the worst of things like death,disease, corruption, theft and
the like.
So how do you think that'spossible?
(03:47):
Well, it's because we know thatGod is working all things for
good for those who love him.
Yes, we are going to feel thepain and the suffering of those
things, but that does not meanyou can't have joy.
Joy is something way moreprofound than happiness, and it
is what most people want.
Joy allows you to be satisfiedwith your situation in life
(04:08):
because you realize that God isin control and that your life is
not your own but his.
Jesus understood that as he wentto the cross he could have
called down legions of angels tofight for him, but that was not
the Father's will.
His will was to make a way forall who believed in him to be
saved.
That brought Jesus great joyand allowed him to endure the
(04:30):
cross.
He had perspective and thatkept him going.
We need perspective like that,and it's why Paul said at the
beginning of this chapter thatwe must become imitators of
Jesus.
We must strive to have aperspective Jesus did, and only
then will we be satisfied in theFather, willing to walk through
(04:50):
any circumstances we findourselves in.
That is what Jesus promised uswe could have when we ask for
anything in his name that wewould bear much fruit, so that
the Father is glorified and wewill have the fullness of his
joy.
John, chapter 15, verses 7 to11.
(05:20):
That you bear much fruit and soprove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, sohave I loved you.
Abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments,you will abide in my love, just
as I have kept my Father'scommandments and abide in his
love.
These things I have spoken toyou that my joy may be in you
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and that your joy may be full.
So we have access to the Fatherand he is willing to answer our
prayers if they are for hisglory.
We could be assured of thatwhen it is for his will to be
done.
For instance, god wanted Paul inprison for the furtherance of
the gospel.
So it would have been good forPaul to ask God to give him the
(06:08):
strength to endure his changeand inspiration, to write
letters that he would beglorified.
And in fact he was and did.
Paul's change didn't stop himfrom asking and it didn't stop
God from answering.
He is not in the business ofdenying himself.
So you could be sure that ifyour desire is for God to be
glorified, he will answer yourprayers because he will never
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deny his glory.
That is what we were createdfor to bear fruit, that he would
be glorified.
So as we get started, keep thatin mind.
So let's look at Ephesians,chapter 5, verses 7 to 10.
Therefore, do not becomepartners with them, for at one
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time you were in darkness, butnow you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light, forthe fruit of light is found in
all that is good and right andtrue, and try to discern what is
pleasing to the Lord.
So Paul is now making a slighttransition, with yet another,
therefore, in verse 7.
In the first few verses of thischapter, paul said that we
(07:17):
should be imitators of God, sothat's the primary thought here.
Doing so will look like usseparating from the world and no
longer participating in thedesires of the flesh.
But now, as we move forward, hewill elaborate more on how we
can interact within this fallenworld.
Not only are we to separateourselves, but we are to conduct
ourselves in such a way that wereveal the deeds of the wicked.
(07:39):
In verse 8, he reminds us thatwe were in darkness, but now we
are light.
Light shines into the darkness,exposing the deeds of the wicked
that are done in the darkness.
That does not mean we shouldhang out in a bar or some
inconspicuous place where sin isprevalent, in hopes of
revealing what they are doing.
They know what they are doing,and you and I will not end the
(08:02):
deeds being done in those placesby going to them ourselves.
We would most likely findourselves getting booted out if
we did try that.
Instead, we are to shine ourlight on things we are
confronted with, especiallyfalse teachings.
So, first and foremost, it isour duty to represent the truth
by speaking it whenever andwherever we can.
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This world is clouded indarkness, and wherever we can,
this world is clouded indarkness, and wherever we go, it
should be as a light shininginto a dark room, so that all
can see what is truly happening.
Verse 9 says to try and discernwhat is pleasing to the Lord.
And what is pleasing to him isthat we expose the darkness in
such a way that people will wantto follow the light and not run
(08:44):
from it.
The darkness in such a way thatpeople will want to follow the
light and not run from it.
What I mean by that is it'spossible to shine your light in
a way that causes people to runand another in which they are
drawn.
For instance, you can shine alight into a room, like a police
officer looking for a criminalor for a lost child.
It's the same light, with adifference in motive.
We are looking for the lostchildren of God and calling for
(09:07):
them.
When they hear our voices andsee the light, they will be
drawn because of the calling.
John, chapter 10, verse 27,.
My sheep hear my voice and Iknow them, and they follow me.
The thief, on the other hand,will scatter and avoid the light
because he enjoys the darkness.
John 3, verse 19.
(09:27):
And this is the judgment thelight has come into the world
and people love the darknessrather than the light, because
their works were evil.
So we, however, are only toshine our light into the
darkness and not take part in it.
So now, ephesians 5, verses11-12.
Take no part in the unfruitfulworks of darkness, but instead
(09:48):
expose them, for it is shamefuleven to speak of the things that
they do in secret.
Again, we are not toparticipate in the things done
in the darkness or even talkabout it, that is, to talk about
it in such a way as if it'sdesirable or entertaining to us.
That would be shameful, as itdoes not represent our Father in
heaven.
It would be like saying I don'ttake part in the act of theft,
(10:11):
but if I could, without gettingcaught, I would.
Or talking about sex with yourbuddies and how you used to
sleep around, even though youcurrently don't.
It is shameful in that you knowit was wrong, because it was
what you did when you were indarkness, but you talk about it
as if it was the best time ofyour life.
That shows where your heart isand that your joy and
(10:34):
satisfaction are not in God butin your past.
It is important to understandthat suffering for God does not
involve abstaining from sinwhile still longing for it.
True suffering for God is aboutadvancing the gospel and
(10:55):
strengthening your faith,ultimately leading to joy.
If your joy stems from dwellingon past sins and desiring them,
it does not align with a newlife in Christ.
Instead, it is akin todisguising a wolf as a sheep.
You may appear and sound like aChristian, but deep down, you
still harbor a desire for sinfulbehaviors.
If given the chance, you wouldlikely revert to your old ways,
(11:19):
which is truly shameful.
1 Corinthians 5, verse 9 I wroteto you in my letter not to
associate with sexually immoralpeople.
2 Corinthians 6, verse 14 Donot be unequally yoked with
unbelievers.
For what partnership hasrighteousness with lawlessness,
or what fellowship has lightwith darkness?
(11:41):
2 Thessalonians 3.6.
Now we command you, brothers,in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, that you keep away fromany brother who is walking in
idleness and not in accord withthe tradition that you received
from us.
If we have been risen withChrist, we are now new in him
(12:01):
and our new purpose is to exposethe darkness.
Ephesians 5, 13-14.
But when anything is exposed bythe light, it becomes visible,
for anything that becomesvisible is light.
Therefore, it says Awake, osleeper, and arise from the dead
, and Christ will shine on you.
Proverbs, chapter 4, verses 13and 19.
(12:24):
Keep hold of instruction, donot let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of thewicked and do not walk in the
way of the evil.
Avoid it, do not go on it, turnaway from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unlessthey have done wrong.
They are robbed of sleep unlessthey have made someone stumble,
(12:46):
for they eat the bread of thewickedness and drink the wine of
violence.
But the path of the righteousis like the light of dawn which
shines brighter and brighteruntil full day.
The way of the wicked is likedeep darkness they do not know
over what they stumble.
So we should strive to be likea shining light that is visible
(13:07):
to all, so that others may beattracted to the light and find
salvation.
When we hide our light throughnegative and shameful behavior,
or when we continue to dwell indarkness, we could be certain,
absolutely certain, that no onewill be drawn to Christ and we
will not bear any positiveresults.
This is unacceptable to God andwe risk being cut off from the
(13:30):
source of life due to our lackof fruitfulness.
Listen to this Matthew, chapter5, verses 14 to 16.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot behidden, nor do people light a
lamp and put it under a basket,but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house In thesame way.
Let your light shine beforeothers so that they may see your
(13:54):
good works and give glory toyour Father, who is in heaven.
Consider this when was the lasttime you engaged in negative or
hurtful speech that led peopleto praising God?
It doesn't happen.
So be mindful of your actionsand words, because the days are
evil.
Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 15.
Look carefully, then, how youwalk, not as unwise, but as wise
(14:18):
, making the best use of thetime, because the days are evil.
We are to be wise by using ourtime in a fruitful and
glorifying way to God.
Continuing in darkness is notwise and only leads to
destruction.
Psalm, chapter 14, verses 1 to3.
The fool says in his heartthere is no God.
They are corrupt.
(14:40):
They do abominable deeds.
There is none who does good.
The Lord looks down from heavenon the children of man to see
if there are any who understand,who seek after God.
They have all turned asideTogether.
They have become corrupt.
There is none who does good,not even one.
(15:02):
Romans 1, verses 21-23.
For although they knew God,they did not honor him as God or
give thanks to him, but theybecame futile in their thinking
and their foolish hearts weredarkened.
Claiming to be wise, theybecame fools.
(15:31):
As believers, our time on earthis intended for us to illuminate
the light that has been givento us in order to dispel the
darkness.
If we fail to do so, it begsthe question what is our purpose
here?
John, chapter 17, verses 13 and19.
But now I am coming to you, andthese things I speak in the
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world, that they may have my joyfulfilled in themselves.
I have given them your word andthe world has hated them
because they are not of theworld, just as I am not of the
world.
I do not ask that you take themout of the world, but that you
keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, justas I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
(16:16):
As you sent me into the world,so I has sent us into this world
and even requested the Fatherto leave us here.
Have you ever thought aboutthat?
(16:36):
You are here because Jesusasked the Father to let you stay
.
If he hadn't made that request,we could assume that the
Father's desire was to bring usout of the world and into his
presence.
I use the word desire insteadof will, because his will is
clearly for us to remain here,but he can desire something that
is not his will, such as for usto be with him.
(17:00):
However, that doesn't mean hewon't achieve what he desires,
because we know that he will.
When we die, we will go to bewith him and will remain with
him forever, but for now, we aremeant to be here, shining our
light and bearing fruit, so thathe will be glorified.
1 Peter 1, 13-19.
So that he will be glorified.
1 Peter 1, 13-19.
Therefore, preparing your mindsfor action and being
(17:23):
sober-minded, set your hopefully on the grace that will be
brought to you at the revelationof Jesus Christ.
As obedient children, do not beconformed to the passions of
your former ignorance, but, ashe who called you is holy, you
also be holy in all your conduct.
Since it is written, you shallbe holy, for I am holy.
(17:43):
And if you call on him asfather who judges impartially
according to each one's deeds,conduct yourselves with fear
throughout the time of yourexile, knowing that you were
ransomed from the futile waysinherited from your forefathers,
not with perishable things suchas silver or gold, but with the
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precious blood of Christ, likethat of a lamb, without blemish
or spot.
Our time is short and we shouldmake the best use of it while
we can.
James 4, 13-16.
Come now, you who say today ortomorrow, we will go into such
and such a town and spend a yearthere and trade and make a
profit, yet you do not know whattomorrow will bring.
(18:25):
What is your life For you are amist that appears for a little
time and then vanishes.
Instead, you ought to say ifthe Lord wills, we will live and
do this or that.
As it is, you boast in yourarrogance, and all such boasting
is evil.
So whoever knows the rightthing to do and fails to do it,
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for him it is sin.
So what is the right thing todo?
Ephesians 5, verse 17.
Therefore, do not be foolish,but understand that the will of
the Lord what the will of theLord is.
So what is his will?
Well, it's for us to be saved.
1 Timothy 2, verses 3-4.
To be spirit-filled Ephesians5.18.
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To be sanctified 1Thessalonians 4.3.
To be submissive.
1 Peter 2, verses 13-17.
To be thankful 1 Thessalonians5, 18, and all for his glory,
that we may have the fullness ofhis joy.
Jesus is the supreme example ofthat and why we should imitate
(19:29):
him.
We are to live in a way thatdemonstrates we belong to Christ
, as our objective is to stay inthe will of God Romans 8, 14,
for all who are led by theSpirit of God.
(19:49):
Now, although Scripturecontinually condemns drunkenness
, paul is specifically referringto drunken orgies associated
with pagan worship of his day.
They looked to be intoxicatedso they could reach a higher
level of ecstasy.
On the other hand, we are toldto be filled or influenced by
the Spirit and not intoxicatedwith the things of this world.
(20:10):
That is the opposite of beingled by the Spirit and paints a
picture of what it is to be led.
We are to be intoxicated withthe Spirit and led by Him by
following His instructions onbeing filled with the Spirit.
When we drink wine, we are ledby its intoxication, but a
Spirit-filled life looks likethis Ephesians 5, 19-20,
(20:31):
addressing one another in psalmsand hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody to theLord with your heart, giving
thanks always for everything toGod, the Father, in the name of
our Lord, jesus Christ.
The world is out searching tofulfill their passions and
looking to achieve the highestlevel of ecstasy by adding
anything they can to theexperience that achieves that.
(20:52):
That's why the world islittered with people addicted to
sex, drugs and alcohol.
These substances allow them toquiet that small voice in their
head and be entirely given overto their passions.
That small voice in their headand be entirely given over to
their passions that is thegateway to demonic influences
that trap people in those places, making it nearly impossible to
escape.
We, however, have been set freefrom these things and should be
(21:16):
influenced solely by the Spiritof God.
Colossians 3.16,.
Let the word of Christ dwell inyou, richly, teaching and
admonishing one another in allwisdom, singing psalms and hymns
(21:37):
and spiritual songs withthankfulness in your Galatians 5
, 16 to 26.
But I say walk by the Spiritand you will not gratify the
desires of the flesh, for thedesires of the flesh are against
the Spirit and the desires ofthe Spirit are against the flesh
, for these are opposed to eachother to keep you from doing the
things you want to do.
But if you are led by theSpirit, you are not under the
(22:00):
law.
Now the works of the flesh areevident Sexual immorality,
impurity, sensuality, idolatry,sorcery, enmity, strife,
jealousy, fits of anger,rivalries, dissensions,
divisions, envy, drunkenness,orgies and things like these.
Now I warn you, as I warned youbefore, that those who do such
things will not inherit thekingdom of God.
(22:23):
But the fruit of the Spirit islove, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such things there is nolaw, and those who belong to
Christ Jesus have crucified theflesh with its passions and
desires.
If we live by the Spirit, letus also keep in step with the
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Spirit.
Let us not become conceitedprovoking one another, envying
one another.
Instead, we are to submit toone another.
Ephesians 5.21, submitting toone another out of reverence for
Christ.
Submission is meant as equal.
It's not a superior to, but itis the order of things.
(23:08):
We are to be humble andsubmissive, not looking to rule
over each other or anyone, butgiving way to those called to
lead, not fighting them, butsubmitting, as Christ submitted
to the Father.
For example, we submit to theword of God John 14, 15.
If you love me, you will keepmy commandments.
So submission should be seen asworking together based on our
gifts, not as having authorityover another, but the strong
(23:32):
lifting the weak.
Jesus gave us this example.
In his submission to the Father.
He was not less than the Father, but he was submissive in his
role.
He was just as much God as theFather and the Spirit, but his
role was as the Son John 8,28-29.
Then Jesus said to them whenyou lift up the Son of man, then
(23:53):
you will know that I am he andthat I do nothing of myself.
But, as my Father taught me, Ispeak these things and he who
sent me is with me.
The Father has not left mealone, for I always do those
things that please Him.
So are we a people surrenderedto the Spirit, or do we look to
(24:14):
be filled with other things,like wine?
As believers, our lives shouldbe filled with joy.
God has blessed us with thegift of finding joy in one
another through our sharedfellowship in Christ.
We should be genuinely excitedabout this and not merely going
through the motions of religion,checking off church attendance
as a duty, but rather we shouldbe embracing it as a joyful
(24:36):
expression of our faith.
As our light shines brightest,together let's pray.
Father, thank you for callingus out of the darkness, out of
this dark world, by shining alight on our sin and giving us
the ability to shine the lightyou gave us into the darkness of
(24:56):
the lives of those whom we loveand encounter.
Please, god, continue to equipus and empower us with your
spirit that we can stand in thedark when it's impossible to see
anything around, knowing thatyou are there.
Father, we love you and wethank you in Jesus name, amen.
(25:17):
I want to thank you again forjoining us today.
I hope this message helped youtake a step closer in your
relationship with Jesus and thatyou have a better understanding
of just how much God loves youand wants you to know him.
In our next episode, we're goingto explore the beautiful and
profound connection between ahusband and wife and how their
relationship reflects the deepsacrificial love between Christ
(25:40):
and the church.
This bond is a powerful exampleof God's boundless love for us,
and when we honor and upholdmarriage as it was designed by
God, you glorify him.
And before we go, I want toencourage you to send us a text
message from the link providedin the description of this
episode.
We would love to hear from youAny feedback or questions you
(26:00):
may have from today's show is ithelps us produce future
episodes that are beneficial toyou.
In addition, please feel freeto use this podcast as a
resource to help others andshine a light into the darkness.
God bless, and we'll see younext time on the Takeaway.
Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway.
I'm your host, pastor HarryBehrens, and in today's episode
we're going to be studyingEphesians, chapter 5, verses 7
to 21, what it means to shineour light into the darkness.
Now, before we begin, I want toinvite you to share any
questions or feedback you mayhave by using the text us link
in the episode description, asyour input is invaluable in
(00:21):
shaping future episodes.
Here at the Takeaway, we arecommitted to creating content
that supports your spiritualgrowth, and we can only do that
with your feedback, so pleaselet us know your thoughts, as we
would love to hear from you.
So now, in our last episode, westarted talking about what it
is to be imitators of Christ andhow to separate ourselves from
living in sin, as we are nolonger to walk or talk like
(00:44):
those of the world.
Instead, we are to have noplace in serving the passions of
the flesh and, as we will seetoday, we are to be a light
shining into the darkness and abranch that produces fruit.
You know, my pastor once toldme that people are in one of
three places in life they areeither in a bad, good or godly
(01:06):
place.
What he had found through theyears of counseling is that most
are seeking to be in a goodplace by getting out of the bad,
and that few ever desire topursue God.
There's something within peoplethat only wants things to be
good, and they will do whateverthey have to to get back to that
place when they perceive thingsare bad.
I say perceive, because that'sexactly what it is a perception.
(01:30):
For instance, you could haveone person who loves bitter food
while another hates them, orone that loves the snow and
another that hates it.
So why is that the case?
Well, it's because ofperception.
We each decide what weinterpret as good or bad.
That is not a godly perspective.
It is based on our desires andpassions, none of which comes
(01:54):
from God's perspective.
That is your sin nature at workin you and what Paul has been
trying to get across.
Now, as we move forward in hisletter, paul will begin to force
our thoughts into a godlyperspective.
The idea presented is not one ofgood or bad, but of God.
Think back to the beginning ofchapter 4, where Paul said he
(02:16):
was a prisoner of the Lord.
What was he saying?
He was literally imprisoned byman and was being held in chains
.
So what was his perspective.
He had realized that it wasGod's will for him to be chained
for the furtherance of thegospel, and Paul embraced that
truth.
He actually found great joy andcontentment in it, which
(02:39):
produced satisfaction in God.
Now, most of us would findourselves in that position,
complaining to God and others,doing everything we could to get
out of it and into one thatsuits us, one that we would
describe as good.
So when we move away from theselfish desire to please
(03:00):
ourselves, we will move into agodly perspective where we
realize that the good or bad isno longer relevant to us.
From a godly perspective, weknow God works all things for
good for those who love him.
So, then, our perspective ischanged, and therefore so will
our actions.
That is what Paul wants us tosee, more than anything.
(03:24):
That God defines himself asgood, and when we focus our eyes
on him in such a way that weview the world through his eyes
and not ours, we will be able tofind joy in all things, even
the worst of things like death,disease, corruption, theft and
the like.
So how do you think that'spossible?
(03:47):
Well, it's because we know thatGod is working all things for
good for those who love him.
Yes, we are going to feel thepain and the suffering of those
things, but that does not meanyou can't have joy.
Joy is something way moreprofound than happiness, and it
is what most people want.
Joy allows you to be satisfiedwith your situation in life
(04:08):
because you realize that God isin control and that your life is
not your own but his.
Jesus understood that as he wentto the cross he could have
called down legions of angels tofight for him, but that was not
the Father's will.
His will was to make a way forall who believed in him to be
saved.
That brought Jesus great joyand allowed him to endure the
(04:30):
cross.
He had perspective and thatkept him going.
We need perspective like that,and it's why Paul said at the
beginning of this chapter thatwe must become imitators of
Jesus.
We must strive to have aperspective Jesus did, and only
then will we be satisfied in theFather, willing to walk through
(04:50):
any circumstances we findourselves in.
That is what Jesus promised uswe could have when we ask for
anything in his name that wewould bear much fruit, so that
the Father is glorified and wewill have the fullness of his
joy.
John, chapter 15, verses 7 to11.
(05:20):
That you bear much fruit and soprove to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, sohave I loved you.
Abide in my love.
If you keep my commandments,you will abide in my love, just
as I have kept my Father'scommandments and abide in his
love.
These things I have spoken toyou that my joy may be in you
(05:44):
and that your joy may be full.
So we have access to the Fatherand he is willing to answer our
prayers if they are for hisglory.
We could be assured of thatwhen it is for his will to be
done.
For instance, god wanted Paul inprison for the furtherance of
the gospel.
So it would have been good forPaul to ask God to give him the
(06:08):
strength to endure his changeand inspiration, to write
letters that he would beglorified.
And in fact he was and did.
Paul's change didn't stop himfrom asking and it didn't stop
God from answering.
He is not in the business ofdenying himself.
So you could be sure that ifyour desire is for God to be
glorified, he will answer yourprayers because he will never
(06:32):
deny his glory.
That is what we were createdfor to bear fruit, that he would
be glorified.
So as we get started, keep thatin mind.
So let's look at Ephesians,chapter 5, verses 7 to 10.
Therefore, do not becomepartners with them, for at one
(06:54):
time you were in darkness, butnow you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light, forthe fruit of light is found in
all that is good and right andtrue, and try to discern what is
pleasing to the Lord.
So Paul is now making a slighttransition, with yet another,
therefore, in verse 7.
In the first few verses of thischapter, paul said that we
(07:17):
should be imitators of God, sothat's the primary thought here.
Doing so will look like usseparating from the world and no
longer participating in thedesires of the flesh.
But now, as we move forward, hewill elaborate more on how we
can interact within this fallenworld.
Not only are we to separateourselves, but we are to conduct
ourselves in such a way that wereveal the deeds of the wicked.
(07:39):
In verse 8, he reminds us thatwe were in darkness, but now we
are light.
Light shines into the darkness,exposing the deeds of the wicked
that are done in the darkness.
That does not mean we shouldhang out in a bar or some
inconspicuous place where sin isprevalent, in hopes of
revealing what they are doing.
They know what they are doing,and you and I will not end the
(08:02):
deeds being done in those placesby going to them ourselves.
We would most likely findourselves getting booted out if
we did try that.
Instead, we are to shine ourlight on things we are
confronted with, especiallyfalse teachings.
So, first and foremost, it isour duty to represent the truth
by speaking it whenever andwherever we can.
(08:23):
This world is clouded indarkness, and wherever we can,
this world is clouded indarkness, and wherever we go, it
should be as a light shininginto a dark room, so that all
can see what is truly happening.
Verse 9 says to try and discernwhat is pleasing to the Lord.
And what is pleasing to him isthat we expose the darkness in
such a way that people will wantto follow the light and not run
(08:44):
from it.
The darkness in such a way thatpeople will want to follow the
light and not run from it.
What I mean by that is it'spossible to shine your light in
a way that causes people to runand another in which they are
drawn.
For instance, you can shine alight into a room, like a police
officer looking for a criminalor for a lost child.
It's the same light, with adifference in motive.
We are looking for the lostchildren of God and calling for
(09:07):
them.
When they hear our voices andsee the light, they will be
drawn because of the calling.
John, chapter 10, verse 27,.
My sheep hear my voice and Iknow them, and they follow me.
The thief, on the other hand,will scatter and avoid the light
because he enjoys the darkness.
John 3, verse 19.
(09:27):
And this is the judgment thelight has come into the world
and people love the darknessrather than the light, because
their works were evil.
So we, however, are only toshine our light into the
darkness and not take part in it.
So now, ephesians 5, verses11-12.
Take no part in the unfruitfulworks of darkness, but instead
(09:48):
expose them, for it is shamefuleven to speak of the things that
they do in secret.
Again, we are not toparticipate in the things done
in the darkness or even talkabout it, that is, to talk about
it in such a way as if it'sdesirable or entertaining to us.
That would be shameful, as itdoes not represent our Father in
heaven.
It would be like saying I don'ttake part in the act of theft,
(10:11):
but if I could, without gettingcaught, I would.
Or talking about sex with yourbuddies and how you used to
sleep around, even though youcurrently don't.
It is shameful in that you knowit was wrong, because it was
what you did when you were indarkness, but you talk about it
as if it was the best time ofyour life.
That shows where your heart isand that your joy and
(10:34):
satisfaction are not in God butin your past.
It is important to understandthat suffering for God does not
involve abstaining from sinwhile still longing for it.
True suffering for God is aboutadvancing the gospel and
(10:55):
strengthening your faith,ultimately leading to joy.
If your joy stems from dwellingon past sins and desiring them,
it does not align with a newlife in Christ.
Instead, it is akin todisguising a wolf as a sheep.
You may appear and sound like aChristian, but deep down, you
still harbor a desire for sinfulbehaviors.
If given the chance, you wouldlikely revert to your old ways,
(11:19):
which is truly shameful.
1 Corinthians 5, verse 9 I wroteto you in my letter not to
associate with sexually immoralpeople.
2 Corinthians 6, verse 14 Donot be unequally yoked with
unbelievers.
For what partnership hasrighteousness with lawlessness,
or what fellowship has lightwith darkness?
(11:41):
2 Thessalonians 3.6.
Now we command you, brothers,in the name of the Lord Jesus
Christ, that you keep away fromany brother who is walking in
idleness and not in accord withthe tradition that you received
from us.
If we have been risen withChrist, we are now new in him
(12:01):
and our new purpose is to exposethe darkness.
Ephesians 5, 13-14.
But when anything is exposed bythe light, it becomes visible,
for anything that becomesvisible is light.
Therefore, it says Awake, osleeper, and arise from the dead
, and Christ will shine on you.
Proverbs, chapter 4, verses 13and 19.
(12:24):
Keep hold of instruction, donot let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of thewicked and do not walk in the
way of the evil.
Avoid it, do not go on it, turnaway from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unlessthey have done wrong.
They are robbed of sleep unlessthey have made someone stumble,
(12:46):
for they eat the bread of thewickedness and drink the wine of
violence.
But the path of the righteousis like the light of dawn which
shines brighter and brighteruntil full day.
The way of the wicked is likedeep darkness they do not know
over what they stumble.
So we should strive to be likea shining light that is visible
(13:07):
to all, so that others may beattracted to the light and find
salvation.
When we hide our light throughnegative and shameful behavior,
or when we continue to dwell indarkness, we could be certain,
absolutely certain, that no onewill be drawn to Christ and we
will not bear any positiveresults.
This is unacceptable to God andwe risk being cut off from the
(13:30):
source of life due to our lackof fruitfulness.
Listen to this Matthew, chapter5, verses 14 to 16.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot behidden, nor do people light a
lamp and put it under a basket,but on a stand, and it gives
light to all in the house In thesame way.
Let your light shine beforeothers so that they may see your
(13:54):
good works and give glory toyour Father, who is in heaven.
Consider this when was the lasttime you engaged in negative or
hurtful speech that led peopleto praising God?
It doesn't happen.
So be mindful of your actionsand words, because the days are
evil.
Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 15.
Look carefully, then, how youwalk, not as unwise, but as wise
(14:18):
, making the best use of thetime, because the days are evil.
We are to be wise by using ourtime in a fruitful and
glorifying way to God.
Continuing in darkness is notwise and only leads to
destruction.
Psalm, chapter 14, verses 1 to3.
The fool says in his heartthere is no God.
They are corrupt.
(14:40):
They do abominable deeds.
There is none who does good.
The Lord looks down from heavenon the children of man to see
if there are any who understand,who seek after God.
They have all turned asideTogether.
They have become corrupt.
There is none who does good,not even one.
(15:02):
Romans 1, verses 21-23.
For although they knew God,they did not honor him as God or
give thanks to him, but theybecame futile in their thinking
and their foolish hearts weredarkened.
Claiming to be wise, theybecame fools.
(15:31):
As believers, our time on earthis intended for us to illuminate
the light that has been givento us in order to dispel the
darkness.
If we fail to do so, it begsthe question what is our purpose
here?
John, chapter 17, verses 13 and19.
But now I am coming to you, andthese things I speak in the
(15:56):
world, that they may have my joyfulfilled in themselves.
I have given them your word andthe world has hated them
because they are not of theworld, just as I am not of the
world.
I do not ask that you take themout of the world, but that you
keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, justas I am not of the world.
Sanctify them in the truth.
Your word is truth.
(16:16):
As you sent me into the world,so I has sent us into this world
and even requested the Fatherto leave us here.
Have you ever thought aboutthat?
(16:36):
You are here because Jesusasked the Father to let you stay
.
If he hadn't made that request,we could assume that the
Father's desire was to bring usout of the world and into his
presence.
I use the word desire insteadof will, because his will is
clearly for us to remain here,but he can desire something that
is not his will, such as for usto be with him.
(17:00):
However, that doesn't mean hewon't achieve what he desires,
because we know that he will.
When we die, we will go to bewith him and will remain with
him forever, but for now, we aremeant to be here, shining our
light and bearing fruit, so thathe will be glorified.
1 Peter 1, 13-19.
So that he will be glorified.
1 Peter 1, 13-19.
Therefore, preparing your mindsfor action and being
(17:23):
sober-minded, set your hopefully on the grace that will be
brought to you at the revelationof Jesus Christ.
As obedient children, do not beconformed to the passions of
your former ignorance, but, ashe who called you is holy, you
also be holy in all your conduct.
Since it is written, you shallbe holy, for I am holy.
(17:43):
And if you call on him asfather who judges impartially
according to each one's deeds,conduct yourselves with fear
throughout the time of yourexile, knowing that you were
ransomed from the futile waysinherited from your forefathers,
not with perishable things suchas silver or gold, but with the
(18:03):
precious blood of Christ, likethat of a lamb, without blemish
or spot.
Our time is short and we shouldmake the best use of it while
we can.
James 4, 13-16.
Come now, you who say today ortomorrow, we will go into such
and such a town and spend a yearthere and trade and make a
profit, yet you do not know whattomorrow will bring.
(18:25):
What is your life For you are amist that appears for a little
time and then vanishes.
Instead, you ought to say ifthe Lord wills, we will live and
do this or that.
As it is, you boast in yourarrogance, and all such boasting
is evil.
So whoever knows the rightthing to do and fails to do it,
(18:46):
for him it is sin.
So what is the right thing todo?
Ephesians 5, verse 17.
Therefore, do not be foolish,but understand that the will of
the Lord what the will of theLord is.
So what is his will?
Well, it's for us to be saved.
1 Timothy 2, verses 3-4.
To be spirit-filled Ephesians5.18.
(19:08):
To be sanctified 1Thessalonians 4.3.
To be submissive.
1 Peter 2, verses 13-17.
To be thankful 1 Thessalonians5, 18, and all for his glory,
that we may have the fullness ofhis joy.
Jesus is the supreme example ofthat and why we should imitate
(19:29):
him.
We are to live in a way thatdemonstrates we belong to Christ
, as our objective is to stay inthe will of God Romans 8, 14,
for all who are led by theSpirit of God.
(19:49):
Now, although Scripturecontinually condemns drunkenness
, paul is specifically referringto drunken orgies associated
with pagan worship of his day.
They looked to be intoxicatedso they could reach a higher
level of ecstasy.
On the other hand, we are toldto be filled or influenced by
the Spirit and not intoxicatedwith the things of this world.
(20:10):
That is the opposite of beingled by the Spirit and paints a
picture of what it is to be led.
We are to be intoxicated withthe Spirit and led by Him by
following His instructions onbeing filled with the Spirit.
When we drink wine, we are ledby its intoxication, but a
Spirit-filled life looks likethis Ephesians 5, 19-20,
(20:31):
addressing one another in psalmsand hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody to theLord with your heart, giving
thanks always for everything toGod, the Father, in the name of
our Lord, jesus Christ.
The world is out searching tofulfill their passions and
looking to achieve the highestlevel of ecstasy by adding
anything they can to theexperience that achieves that.
(20:52):
That's why the world islittered with people addicted to
sex, drugs and alcohol.
These substances allow them toquiet that small voice in their
head and be entirely given overto their passions.
That small voice in their headand be entirely given over to
their passions that is thegateway to demonic influences
that trap people in those places, making it nearly impossible to
escape.
We, however, have been set freefrom these things and should be
(21:16):
influenced solely by the Spiritof God.
Colossians 3.16,.
Let the word of Christ dwell inyou, richly, teaching and
admonishing one another in allwisdom, singing psalms and hymns
(21:37):
and spiritual songs withthankfulness in your Galatians 5
, 16 to 26.
But I say walk by the Spiritand you will not gratify the
desires of the flesh, for thedesires of the flesh are against
the Spirit and the desires ofthe Spirit are against the flesh
, for these are opposed to eachother to keep you from doing the
things you want to do.
But if you are led by theSpirit, you are not under the
(22:00):
law.
Now the works of the flesh areevident Sexual immorality,
impurity, sensuality, idolatry,sorcery, enmity, strife,
jealousy, fits of anger,rivalries, dissensions,
divisions, envy, drunkenness,orgies and things like these.
Now I warn you, as I warned youbefore, that those who do such
things will not inherit thekingdom of God.
(22:23):
But the fruit of the Spirit islove, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Against such things there is nolaw, and those who belong to
Christ Jesus have crucified theflesh with its passions and
desires.
If we live by the Spirit, letus also keep in step with the
(22:44):
Spirit.
Let us not become conceitedprovoking one another, envying
one another.
Instead, we are to submit toone another.
Ephesians 5.21, submitting toone another out of reverence for
Christ.
Submission is meant as equal.
It's not a superior to, but itis the order of things.
(23:08):
We are to be humble andsubmissive, not looking to rule
over each other or anyone, butgiving way to those called to
lead, not fighting them, butsubmitting, as Christ submitted
to the Father.
For example, we submit to theword of God John 14, 15.
If you love me, you will keepmy commandments.
So submission should be seen asworking together based on our
gifts, not as having authorityover another, but the strong
(23:32):
lifting the weak.
Jesus gave us this example.
In his submission to the Father.
He was not less than the Father, but he was submissive in his
role.
He was just as much God as theFather and the Spirit, but his
role was as the Son John 8,28-29.
Then Jesus said to them whenyou lift up the Son of man, then
(23:53):
you will know that I am he andthat I do nothing of myself.
But, as my Father taught me, Ispeak these things and he who
sent me is with me.
The Father has not left mealone, for I always do those
things that please Him.
So are we a people surrenderedto the Spirit, or do we look to
(24:14):
be filled with other things,like wine?
As believers, our lives shouldbe filled with joy.
God has blessed us with thegift of finding joy in one
another through our sharedfellowship in Christ.
We should be genuinely excitedabout this and not merely going
through the motions of religion,checking off church attendance
as a duty, but rather we shouldbe embracing it as a joyful
(24:36):
expression of our faith.
As our light shines brightest,together let's pray.
Father, thank you for callingus out of the darkness, out of
this dark world, by shining alight on our sin and giving us
the ability to shine the lightyou gave us into the darkness of
(24:56):
the lives of those whom we loveand encounter.
Please, god, continue to equipus and empower us with your
spirit that we can stand in thedark when it's impossible to see
anything around, knowing thatyou are there.
Father, we love you and wethank you in Jesus name, amen.
(25:17):
I want to thank you again forjoining us today.
I hope this message helped youtake a step closer in your
relationship with Jesus and thatyou have a better understanding
of just how much God loves youand wants you to know him.
In our next episode, we're goingto explore the beautiful and
profound connection between ahusband and wife and how their
relationship reflects the deepsacrificial love between Christ
(25:40):
and the church.
This bond is a powerful exampleof God's boundless love for us,
and when we honor and upholdmarriage as it was designed by
God, you glorify him.
And before we go, I want toencourage you to send us a text
message from the link providedin the description of this
episode.
We would love to hear from youAny feedback or questions you
(26:00):
may have from today's show is ithelps us produce future
episodes that are beneficial toyou.
In addition, please feel freeto use this podcast as a
resource to help others andshine a light into the darkness.
God bless, and we'll see younext time on the Takeaway.
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