Walking as Children of Light

I.   Introduction

A.  Dark Paths

B.  Light and Darkness in Scripture

II.   Walking in the Light

A.  the Dark (3-7)

1.    Sin takes you down a path to good. Stay out of its .

2.    Paul provides a sample list of things that put us on dark paths.

3.    Notice that some of these are things we might consider to be BIG sins while others might be little sins.

a.    Paul presents them both as things that can lead us to dark paths.

b.    F.F. Bruce observes that the Christians would have already known that these were sinful practices; the list here is to warn us not to even allow these things to be subjects of our conversation.[1]

4.    Don’t try to find your way out of darkness by following those who walk in .

a.    One of the worst things to find yourself with in the dark is someone who doesn’t have a flashlight.

b.    Trying to find your way out of darkness by connecting yourself with someone who doesn’t know the light is just like that. Don’t expect it to turn out well.

c.    Psalm 1:1 reminds us that it is not wise to walk in the counsel of the wicked.

5.    If we want to avoid the dark, we must be where the light is.

B.  with the Light (8-9)

1.    Children of light don’t play in the ; they search for .

a.    Paul reminds us that we are light; therefore, everywhere we go, our light should shine.

b.    Matthew 5:14-16

2.    If we are children of light, we should walk in the . (1 John 1:5-10)

3.    If you have to walk in places where darkness is found, make sure to bring your .

a.    We are reminded that “the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.”

b.    In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul provides several characteristics that will be present in the life of a person who walks by the Spirit.

c.    When we are walking in step with the Spirit, the fruit of our light grows.

d.    When times of stress come, we find ourselves being patient; when people are unkind we find the strength to be kind; when the urge to react in a harmful way we find it easier to practice self-control. This is what it means to align with the light.

C.  Darkness (vs 10-14)

1.    Christians are called to darkness.

a.    Our intention should not be to embarrass or destroy someone’s image when we shine our light. What we’re trying to do is help people see past the false promises the darkness offers to find the light that truly provides hope.

b.    Also, the intention is not to protest or become fanatical activists.

c.    Christians are called to cut through the darkness by living lives that contrast with the darkness that pervades the world.

2.    Let your light shine to the darkness and help people find a better way.

III.  Conclusion

A.  Light vs. Dark

1.    The light is good for those who are willing to admit that they need the light to shine into the darkness of their lives.

2.   John 3:20-21

3.    The light is terrifying for those who want to continue to walk in darkness.

B.  Invitation

1.    It is thought that the verse at the end of our passage was something that Christians sang or recited after someone was baptized.[2] What a beautiful thought of joy and peace!

2.    Do you need that joy and peace today?