Children of Light

(#894, Imperial, 1960)

Read Ephesians 5:3-14.

This passage deals with the sins of impurity, a warning appropriate for these last days (Luke 7:26-30).  Note the terms:

w    Fornication is immorality.

w    Uncleanness is moral impurity.

w    Covetousness is inordinate desire, lust.

w    Foolish talking and jesting is suggestive or immoral humor.

These things should not be part of the Christian's lifestyle.  They do not "become" saints.  Rather thanksgiving becomes the saints.  With this in mind the text deals with the attitude and conduct of the children of light in a world of darkness.

ƒ      We are light, vs. 8-9.

We are light "in the Lord" and only in Him.  The only light the world has is in the Christian.  So we must walk as children of light and not in the former darkness.

ƒ      Prove what is acceptable to the Lord, v10.

Not only are we to refrain from that which displeases but we are to search out diligently what pleases Him.  What is acceptable to God?

    1.  Rom. 12:1: our bodies as a living sacrifice.

    2.  Rom. 14:18: our service for Christ.

    3.  Phil. 4:18: our gifts and offerings.

    4.  1 Tim. 2:3: our prayers for rulers.

    5.  1 Peter 2:20: our patient suffering.

ƒ      Have no fellowship with darkness, v11.

In contrast to the fruit of light the works of darkness are unfruitful.  They produce no joy, no satisfaction, no goodness.  Separation has always been the order for God's people.

ƒ      Reprove the works of darkness, v11.

Not only do we withdraw from sin; we take a positive stand against it.  How?  By the light of the truth (v13).  Light is the obvious and only reproof for darkness.

ƒ      Do not speak of the works of darkness, v12.

Publicity is not the remedy for evil.  To talk about other's immoral deeds helps no one.  These things ought not once be named among the saints (v3).

You are of the day, not of the night.  So let us not sleep but be on the alert. (1 Thess. 5:5-6)