Walk in Light

Walk in Light  

 

Ephesians 5: 8. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9. (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10. finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 

 

The Light That Shattered the Darkness 

 

The origin:  

 

“Let there be light”. In the Bible light is the first commanded creation on day one.  

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. Genesis1: 2 

 

The Nature of light: 

 

Here, light is not just physical illumination but represents order, life, and divine presence. In pitch dark places like caverns, you may lose your eyesight temporarily. Likewise, if there is no light in you will lose your spiritual sight. When Elisha’s servant spiritual eyes were opened, he witnessed the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha II Kings 6: 17. 

 

Bible symbolizes light as God's presence, truth, holiness, and life. Further it represents what is goodness, righteousness, and divine. (Psalm 27:1; Psalm 37:6; Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:5 

 

Children of light and children of darkness:   

 

Those who have accepted Christ and walk in His light are the "children of light". Conversely, the "children of darkness" are those who are not in the Lord, living in sin, and under the influence of evil.   

 

Most of the time, we act like Martha, while Mary chose the good part of sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to His words. We focus only on the work around us, and instead, we become frustrated with the burden of work, like Martha, who complained that Mary was not helping in the cooking. In doing so, we forget, as Martha did, that He is the same God who fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:5: Identifies believers as children of light and children of the day, not belonging to the night or darkness. 

 

John 3:19: Contrasts light and darkness, stating that people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Why? Because, the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God II Corinthians 4:4.   

 

Transformation 

 

From darkness to light: 

 

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light," highlighting the transformation from darkness to light for believers. Ephesians 5:8. 

 

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Colossians: 12-13 

 

Paul’s testimony before king Agrippa: I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Acts 26:18  

 

Why eyes? The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness Luke 11:34. When Samson had physical (carnal) eyesight, he was spiritually blind in his choices. But after losing his eyesight, his spiritual eyes were opened, and he aligned himself with God’s will. 

 

The Fruit of The Spirit 

 

The Light of a Spirit Filled Life 

 

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Ephesians 5: 9. Whoever says they are in the light but fails to show it through their actions walks in darkness. 

 

Joseph’s life was a consistent expression of fruit of spirit: 

 

• Goodness: Joseph did good even to those who mistreated him. After being sold into slavery by his brothers and falsely imprisoned, he still served others faithfully and eventually provided for his entire family during the famine (Genesis 50:20–21). 

 

• Righteousness: When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph refused to sin against God, saying, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). 

 

• Truth: Joseph was a man of integrity. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams honestly and led Egypt with wisdom, transparency, and truth. 

 

Stand Against the Fruitless Deeds of Darkness: 

 

Ephesians 5:11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.  

 

2 Corinthians 6:14: Warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, as there is no fellowship between light and darkness. 

 

Colossians 1:13: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”. This verse speaks of God delivering believers from the domain of darkness and transferring them to the kingdom of His beloved Son. 

 

Biblical narration: When King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image measuring sixty cubits high and six cubits wide and issued a decree for all people to bow down and worship it, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise their faith. Instead, they chose to face the fiery furnace. Even after Nebuchadnezzar commanded the fire to be heated seven times hotter, they remained firm in their faith. The flames were so intense that the soldiers who threw them into the furnace perished, yet the three men were unharmed and protected by God’s presence. God exalted them before the king as they stood firm against the fruitless deeds of darkness. By witnessing God’s presence in the fiery furnace this incidence becomes a cause for Nebuchadnezzar to confess that the God of Israel is the true and living God (Daniel 3). 

 

God is light 

The Good News Heard and Proclaimed from God 

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).  

The relationship between God and light: God is light  

Light represents purity, truth, and holiness. There is no shadow, no sin, no deception in God. He is completely righteous, and His light exposes all darkness. 

As believers, we are called to walk in the light. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:6-7). 

 

The Light of Christ 

Ephesians 5:12-14 We are called to reflect the light and love of Christ in this world. As our lives shine with the holiness and truth of God’s light, we should illuminate the darkness around us. 

• When we expose darkness in this way, the darkness itself becomes light. 

• When we walk in the light, we are not alone. We are united with one another, sharing a deep bond of grace through the sacrifice of Jesus. 

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46 

Biblical narration: In Peter’s life, he experienced the light of Christ in many moments, such as during the transfiguration on the mountain (Matthew 17:1-2). Yet, like any human, he sometimes stumbled into darkness, notably he was even denying Christ three times (Luke 22:54-62). However, when Jesus personally met him and asked him three times to shepherd His sheep, Peter was restored to the light of Christ in a lasting and irreversible way (John 21:15-17). Likewise, when we experience a personal encounter with Christ, we too receive His enduring and irreversible light. 

How to walk in the light? 

1. Embrace God’s Truth 

• Read the Word daily (Col. 3:16). 

• Seek and apply the truth in your life 

 

2. Confess and Repent of Sin 

1 John 1: 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  

• Be transparent with God 

• Depend on God’s grace 

 

3. Follow Jesus 

Jesus is the perfect model of walking in the light.  

John 8:12. Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. 

Call:  

 

Believers are called to reflect the light of Christ through good deeds, truth, and love, and to act as moral and spiritual witnesses to glorify the Father. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Mathew 5: 16 

  

Walk in love like Jesus

 

Walk in love

 Walk in love

Ephesians 5

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians,  he encourages believers  to live worthy of their calling in Christ and  to walk in unity, humility, and love.

He emphasizes the importance of following God and  reflecting His character in all aspects of life.

Paul also offers profound instructions about marriage,  presenting it as a sacred covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and the church.

This divine design for marriage  is rooted in mutual love, respect, and spiritual unity.

Avoid Immorality

A Call to Moral Purity (Ephesians 5:3)

3. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.

Paul mentions three sins:

1. Fornication (which breaks the marriage covenant)

2. Uncleanness (Impurity, spiritual dirt that pollutes the heart)

3. Covetousness (Materialism, possessions, sensuality or carnal thought)

Each represents a characteristic of moral corruption.

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Colossians 3: 5-6

Let's Guard Our Tongue

Ephesians 5:4. neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

1. Filthiness - Dirty/obscene or shameful speech.

2. Foolish speech - trivial, Godless chatter that lacks reverence.

3. Coarse jesting - Bad humor or harmful jokes.

Instead, our mouths should be filled with thanksgiving. Here giving thanks to God is not just a virtue, but a medicine to impurity. When we are thankful to God,  we are less inclined to sinful words. James 1:26

Consequences Of Immorality

Consequences 

For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Ephesians 5:5-7

1. Warning of Judgment

2. Caution against deception

3. Knowledge to stay away from the above-mentioned

The Essence of the Christian Life

We are called to be saints—set apart, washed clean, and clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The essence of our Christian life is to walk in a way that honors the One who gave His life to redeem us.

 

Imitators of God: Why should we follow Christ?

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. Ephesians 5:1

§  We are children of God. By following Christ, we attempt to live a life that aligns with God's will and purpose.

§  Essentially, it's about becoming the best spiritual version of ourselves and living a life that brings glory to God.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1: 12-13

What does it mean to imitate?

 §  Imitation means to reflect someone's actions, behavior, or characteristics.

§  Here, it means adopting Christ’s ways of love, kindness, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice in our own lives.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Characteristics of Jesus Christ

Example: Woman caught in prostitution

1. Jesus did not claim his right but accepted responsibility.

2. Jesus did not judge the woman caught in adultery.

3. Jesus did not punish her.

4. Jesus did not encourage her sin but disciplined her.

 

The Love and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2

1.  Paul challenges to love each other as God loves us and to forgive as God has forgiven us.

2.  Paul reminds us that Christ showed this love by sacrificing His life on the Cross so that we could live forever with Him.

3.  I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11

During the Holy communion, we receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the form of Bread and wine. Likely, we are invited to offer our lives to God as a loving sacrifice, just like Jesus did.

Fire and  the Holy Spirit

1.     1. Throughout Scripture, we find that the Holy Spirit is often represented through fire.
2. In Exodus 14:24, God revealed His presence in a pillar of fire, guiding and protecting His people. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire resting on the believers (Acts 2:3-4), signifying His power and presence.

3. As Hebrews 12:29 declares, “Our God is a consuming fire,” reminding us of His holiness, power, and purifying presence.

Fragrant aroma:

The "fragrant aroma" is a worship as "food" or a “sweet aroma" for Yahweh (Gen 8:21; Ex 29:18; Lev 1:9; Num 28:2).

• And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Genesis 8:21
• And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. Exodus 29: 18
• And the priest shall burn all on the altar as a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. Leviticus 1:9
• My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.’ Numbers 28: 2

Offerings and sacrifices

God was not in need of earthly nourishment or the pleasing smell of sacrifices (Psalm 50:12-14).

It was the "spiritual food" of the self-surrender of the individual and the covenant people as a whole that pleased God, as David wrote in Psalm 51 and as Samuel admonished the people in 1 Samuel 15.

§  For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God, never spurn a broken, humbled heart (Ps 51:16-17).

§  But Samuel said, "Does the LORD so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the LORD? Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of rams. For sin is like divination is rebellion, and presumption is the crime of idolatry" (1 Sam 15:22-23).

What does Jesus tell us to do?  (Luke 9: 23-24)

§  Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

§  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

What should followers of Christ crucify? Galatians 5:24

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Summary:

The holy Spirit came down on Mount Carmel as fire and consumed the burnt offering that Elisha offered. When all the people saw this, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, He is God… the Lord, He is God.”

In the same way, when believers who belong to Christ crucify their flesh with its desires and live lives surrendered to God as a sweet, pleasing aroma their witness touches other’s heart. Even those who do not know the Lord may look upon such deed and say, “Truly, Christ is God.” Moments like these are a good opportunity to open the doors of their hearts to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, with a softened heart.

Here, Paul emphasize Christians to imitate God, walk in love as Christ did, and maintain moral purity by avoiding sin in thought, word, and deed.

Believers are reminded to guard their tongue, reject worldly desires, and offer their lives and worldly desires as a spiritual sacrifice to God.

Finally, this section challenges us to walk in love, encouraging us to live in a way that brings glory to God’s holiness and reflects Christ’s love in every aspect of life.

 

 

Why do we believe Christ?

Are we believers of Jesus Christ?

Yes for sure. That brings us as christian to gather in the Church, participate in daily prayers and follow God's commandments. So there is no doubt that we are all believers if Christ.

However, the question here I would like to ask is  what makes us to become a believer? What still thrives us to run for Christ? Here I would like to show a beautiful portion of a scripture that imitate the relevant scenario as a reference.

[43] The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”  

[45] Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [46] And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” [47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” [48] Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” [49] Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” [50] Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”  [51] And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man:

In Genesis 28:10–17, where Jacob sees a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it.

Jesus fulfills this vision as the "ladder" between God and humanity, connecting heaven and earth through His life, death, and resurrection. This statement reveals His role as the mediator and emphasizes His divine nature.

The Armor of God