Ephesians 5:8-14

          Again we see that there is another way to describe the lifestyle of God’s children: it is walking in the light.  This term is chosen because it communicates an important truth for believers.  

          The believer is not to walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk (Eph. 4:17).  In other words the new walk is contrasted with the old walk.  This wouldn’t be so difficult were it not for one fact: God has left us on this earth to walk the new walk while living among those who walk the old walk.  

          When a person changes their lifestyle the effect of that change goes beyond the individual.  In Psalm 123 the writer recognized contempt and scorn as attitudes held by those who continue to live in the old way.  It is this resulting antagonism that causes the Spirit to refer to the believer’s walk as being in the light.  Wherever there is light the darkness is exposed.  Since people are sinners they naturally love the darkness rather than the light because they are engaged in sinful works (John 3:19-21).  They are uncomfortable with the light and seek to avoid it lest they be exposed.

          Consider the encouragements in this passage for walking in the light.

¨     We are to walk as children of light (v8).  Again we see that our walk is God-like.  God Himself is light (1 John 1:5-7) so for the believer to walk in the light is to be in fellowship with God. 

¨     By light the Apostle speaks of the life of goodness, righteousness and truth which is pleasing to God (v9-10).  It is moral light or better yet, it is the walk of Christ-likeness for He is the Light of the world (John 8:12).

¨     The believer is not to share in (have fellowship with) the works of darkness.  As a normal tree does not bear fruit without light so moral darkness allows for none of the fruit that pleases God.  The works of darkness are shameful and ought not be the focus of our conversations (v12).

¨     Rather the believer is to walk in the light and thus to expose the works of darkness.  Note that the darkness is exposed simply by the presence of the light.  The light does not have to tell the darkness to leave; it simply happens.  Often believers bring contempt and scorn on themselves by their condemning words as they walk uninvited into the lives of those walking in darkness.  Our Lord taught us to Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).  When we walk in the light we may have an opportunity to give an answer for our hope in the midst of darkness (1 Pet. 3:15).  In this way Christ can give light to others (v14).

          The walk in the light has two possibilities.  The darkness might become irritated and uncomfortable with the light and hold it in contempt or scorn.  Or, the darkness might see God in the light and come to glorify Him.  Is your life at ease in the darkness?  Or does it expose the darkness?