LBC - Walking in Light (Eph. 5:7-8a)

Introduction: In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’”

We have been learning from the Book of Ephesians what God’s children need to do and how to live. In the previous sessions we have learned that believers, God’s children should walk in unity (4:1-16); they should walk in holiness (4:17-32), they should walk in love (5:1-6).

In this session we will learn that believers should walk in “light.” (Eph. 5:7-14). Even though we are to look at vv. 7-14, we will only see 7-8a for this session.

This part can be divided into three sections:

Believers should not be involved with evildoers (7-10)

Believers should not be involved with the works of evildoers (11-13)

Believers should have the approval of Christ’s light (v.14)

Believers should not be involved with evildoers (7-10)

Ephesians 5:6–7 (KJV 1900)

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

The focus of this text is “Be not ye therefore partakers with them.”

God wants us to walk in the light. What is the first step the Scripture is telling us to do? Not to be partakers “with them.” Who is the “them” referring to?

To the people characterized in verse 6 – those who speak vain words, empty words, or the ones who deceive you with vain words. What are these vain words? Truth-less, empty, pointless, hopeless words.

I would say, anything contrary to what God wants us to do; anything contrary to Phil. 4:8

Philippians 4:8 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There may be some among them that are unbelievers, that are worldly, who are alienated from the life of God (Eph. 4:17-18), influencing the Church! So, Paul was telling them to listen to their hopeless words, or empty – the words that have no truth.

The worldly people might be trying to convince the believers to accept the “culture” or the “world” as is, and not have to worry about the consequences.

But, of course, believers MUST worry about the consequences. Why? Because of the wrath of God that would be poured upon them!

5:6 says, for because of these things (vain words) cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. If this is the case, which is, why partake with unbelievers?

The church is sanctified; the Church belongs to God; the Church cannot represent the world, because it must represent Christ.

The Church MUST stand as a testimony for Christ! The Church should not welcome the hopelessness that is out in the world into the Church.

Paul continues to warn them by saying “for because of these things” the wrath of God is coming on the disobedient.

What are these things referring to? Eph. 5:5. It is referring to the entire sins mentioned in 5:5, and they are:

Ephesians 5:5 KJV 1900

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

God’s wrath is not directed toward the believers but toward the sons of disobedience – the unbelievers. These sons of disobedience are trying to persuade believers with their empty words.

Eph. 5:7 Do not get involved, do not be partakers.

Ephesians 5:7 KJV 1900

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Based on what Paul mentioned in the verses above, he calls the believer to not become participants with the unbelievers. Meaning, stay away from the unbelievers.

Why should we believers should stay away from the unbeliever’s lifestyle is because the “wrath” of God is coming upon the ungodly.

The CSB version translated the verse in the right way – “Therefore, do not become their partners.” In other words, the text is calling us not to “become” like the unbelievers.

How can we not “become” like the sons of disobedience? When we do not partake in their lifestyle. Believers should not think that it is acceptable and harmless to become like unbelievers.

Ephesians 5:8 KJV 1900

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Why are the believers not permitted or allowed to associate with the lifestyle of unbelievers? Not only because the wrath of God is coming upon the unbelievers – those who reject God, but also because we, believers, are the children of the promise; children of the Lord, not darkness or the world.

The text tells us that once upon a time, we were too, part of darkness. But we no longer are part of the darkness, because we are the children of the living God; we are the Children of Light!

How can Light and darkness go together? If God is light, and if we belong to that Light, we can no longer be living or wanting to live in darkness.

The darkness here indicates a place where God is not present. It connotes evil and wickedness; it refers to a place where the disobedient will be (Psalm 107:10).

Paul reminds us, or I should say, Holy Spirit God reminds us that we were (in the past) an embodiment of darkness (sin, evil, etc.).

But we are (in the present, after believing Christ), no longer the children of darkness. Therefore, we should NOT identify ourselves with darkness or the children of disobedience.

In the next part of the verse, Paul uses a contrasting term – but. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

In the past, we were of darkness. Now (with the new life provided through our faith in Christ), we are “light in the Lord.” The source of this light is the Lord.

Therefore, the Scripture calls us to walk as the Children of Light (5:8).

Is this our desire? Our goal? To walk as the Children of Light? I pray and hope that this will be our desire.

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