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Hello, welcome again to the Takeaway. I'm your host, pastor Harry Behrens, and in today's episode we're going to be studying Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 7 to 21, what it means to shine our light into the darkness. Now, before we begin, I want to invite you to share any questions or feedback you may have by using the text us link in the episode description, as your input is invaluable in shaping future episodes. Here at the Takeaway, we are committed to creating content that supports your spiritual growth, and we can only do that with your feedback, so please let us know your thoughts, as we would love to hear from you. So now, in our last episode, we started talking about what it is to be imitators of Christ and how to separate ourselves from living in sin, as we are no longer to walk or talk like those of the world. Instead, we are to have no place in serving the passions of the flesh and, as we will see today, we are to be a light shining into the darkness and a branch that produces fruit. You know, my pastor once told me that people are in one of three places in life they are either in a bad, good or godly place. What he had found through the years of counseling is that most are seeking to be in a good place by getting out of the bad, and that few ever desire to pursue God. There's something within people that only wants things to be good, and they will do whatever they have to to get back to that place when they perceive things are bad. I say perceive, because that's exactly what it is a perception. For instance, you could have one person who loves bitter food while another hates them, or one that loves the snow and another that hates it. So why is that the case? Well, it's because of perception. We each decide what we interpret as good or bad. That is not a godly perspective. It is based on our desires and passions, none of which comes from God's perspective. That is your sin nature at work in you and what Paul has been trying to get across. Now, as we move forward in his letter, paul will begin to force our thoughts into a godly perspective.

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The idea presented is not one of good or bad, but of God. Think back to the beginning of chapter 4, where Paul said he was a prisoner of the Lord. What was he saying? He was literally imprisoned by man and was being held in chains. So what was his perspective. He had realized that it was God's will for him to be chained for the furtherance of the gospel, and Paul embraced that truth. He actually found great joy and contentment in it, which produced satisfaction in God.

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Now, most of us would find ourselves in that position, complaining to God and others, doing everything we could to get out of it and into one that suits us, one that we would describe as good. So when we move away from the selfish desire to please ourselves, we will move into a godly perspective where we realize that the good or bad is no longer relevant to us. From a godly perspective, we know God works all things for good for those who love him. So, then, our perspective is changed, and therefore so will our actions. That is what Paul wants us to see, more than anything. That God defines himself as good, and when we focus our eyes on him in such a way that we view the world through his eyes and not ours, we will be able to find joy in all things, even the worst of things like death, disease, corruption, theft and the like. So how do you think that's possible? Well, it's because we know that God is working all things for good for those who love him. Yes, we are going to feel the pain and the suffering of those things, but that does not mean you can't have joy. Joy is something way more profound than happiness, and it is what most people want. Joy allows you to be satisfied with your situation in life because you realize that God is in control and that your life is not your own but his.

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Jesus understood that as he went to the cross he could have called down legions of angels to fight for him, but that was not the Father's will. His will was to make a way for all who believed in him to be saved. That brought Jesus great joy and allowed him to endure the cross. He had perspective and that kept him going. We need perspective like that, and it's why Paul said at the beginning of this chapter that we must become imitators of Jesus. We must strive to have a perspective Jesus did, and only then will we be satisfied in the Father, willing to walk through any circumstances we find ourselves in. That is what Jesus promised us we could have when we ask for anything in his name that we would bear much fruit, so that the Father is glorified and we will have the fullness of his joy. John, chapter 15, verses 7 to 11. That you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full. So we have access to the Father and he is willing to answer our prayers if they are for his glory. We could be assured of that when it is for his will to be done.

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For instance, god wanted Paul in prison for the furtherance of the gospel. So it would have been good for Paul to ask God to give him the strength to endure his change and inspiration, to write letters that he would be glorified. And in fact he was and did. Paul's change didn't stop him from asking and it didn't stop God from answering. He is not in the business of denying himself. So you could be sure that if your desire is for God to be glorified, he will answer your prayers because he will never deny his glory. That is what we were created for to bear fruit, that he would be glorified. So as we get started, keep that in mind.

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So let's look at Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 7 to 10. Therefore, do not become partners with them, for at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true, and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. So Paul is now making a slight transition, with yet another, therefore, in verse 7. In the first few verses of this chapter, paul said that we should be imitators of God, so that's the primary thought here. Doing so will look like us separating from the world and no longer participating in the desires of the flesh. But now, as we move forward, he will elaborate more on how we can interact within this fallen world. Not only are we to separate ourselves, but we are to conduct ourselves in such a way that we reveal the deeds of the wicked. In verse 8, he reminds us that we were in darkness, but now we are light.

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Light shines into the darkness, exposing the deeds of the wicked that are done in the darkness. That does not mean we should hang out in a bar or some inconspicuous place where sin is prevalent, in hopes of revealing what they are doing. They know what they are doing, and you and I will not end the deeds being done in those places by going to them ourselves. We would most likely find ourselves getting booted out if we did try that. Instead, we are to shine our light on things we are confronted with, especially false teachings. So, first and foremost, it is our duty to represent the truth by speaking it whenever and wherever we can. This world is clouded in darkness, and wherever we can, this world is clouded in darkness, and wherever we go, it should be as a light shining into a dark room, so that all can see what is truly happening.

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Verse 9 says to try and discern what is pleasing to the Lord. And what is pleasing to him is that we expose the darkness in such a way that people will want to follow the light and not run from it. The darkness in such a way that people will want to follow the light and not run from it. What I mean by that is it's possible to shine your light in a way that causes people to run and another in which they are drawn. For instance, you can shine a light into a room, like a police officer looking for a criminal or for a lost child. It's the same light, with a difference in motive. We are looking for the lost children of God and calling for them. When they hear our voices and see the light, they will be drawn because of the calling.

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John, chapter 10, verse 27,. My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. The thief, on the other hand, will scatter and avoid the light because he enjoys the darkness. John 3, verse 19. And this is the judgment the light has come into the world and people love the darkness rather than the light, because their works were evil. So we, however, are only to shine our light into the darkness and not take part in it. So now, ephesians 5, verses 11-12.

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Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them, for it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. Again, we are not to participate in the things done in the darkness or even talk about it, that is, to talk about it in such a way as if it's desirable or entertaining to us. That would be shameful, as it does not represent our Father in heaven. It would be like saying I don't take part in the act of theft, but if I could, without getting caught, I would. Or talking about sex with your buddies and how you used to sleep around, even though you currently don't. It is shameful in that you know it was wrong, because it was what you did when you were in darkness, but you talk about it as if it was the best time of your life. That shows where your heart is and that your joy and satisfaction are not in God but in your past.

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It is important to understand that suffering for God does not involve abstaining from sin while still longing for it. True suffering for God is about advancing the gospel and strengthening your faith, ultimately leading to joy. If your joy stems from dwelling on past sins and desiring them, it does not align with a new life in Christ. Instead, it is akin to disguising a wolf as a sheep. You may appear and sound like a Christian, but deep down, you still harbor a desire for sinful behaviors. If given the chance, you would likely revert to your old ways, which is truly shameful.

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1 Corinthians 5, verse 9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. 2 Corinthians 6, verse 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Thessalonians 3.6. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. If we have been risen with Christ, we are now new in him and our new purpose is to expose the darkness. Ephesians 5, 13-14. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says Awake, o sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

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Proverbs, chapter 4, verses 13 and 19. Keep hold of instruction, do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it, do not go on it, turn away from it and pass on. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong. They are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble, for they eat the bread of the wickedness and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness they do not know over what they stumble. So we should strive to be like a shining light that is visible to all, so that others may be attracted to the light and find salvation. When we hide our light through negative and shameful behavior, or when we continue to dwell in darkness, we could be certain, absolutely certain, that no one will be drawn to Christ and we will not bear any positive results. This is unacceptable to God and we risk being cut off from the source of life due to our lack of fruitfulness.

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Listen to this Matthew, chapter 5, verses 14 to 16. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house In the same way. Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father, who is in heaven. Consider this when was the last time you engaged in negative or hurtful speech that led people to praising God? It doesn't happen. So be mindful of your actions and words, because the days are evil. Ephesians, chapter 5, verse 15. Look carefully, then, how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. We are to be wise by using our time in a fruitful and glorifying way to God.

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Continuing in darkness is not wise and only leads to destruction. Psalm, chapter 14, verses 1 to 3. The fool says in his heart there is no God. They are corrupt. They do abominable deeds. There is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside Together. They have become corrupt. There is none who does good, not even one. Romans 1, verses 21-23. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools.

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As believers, our time on earth is intended for us to illuminate the light that has been given to us in order to dispel the darkness. If we fail to do so, it begs the question what is our purpose here? John, chapter 17, verses 13 and 19. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I has sent us into this world and even requested the Father to leave us here. Have you ever thought about that? You are here because Jesus asked the Father to let you stay.

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If he hadn't made that request, we could assume that the Father's desire was to bring us out of the world and into his presence. I use the word desire instead of will, because his will is clearly for us to remain here, but he can desire something that is not his will, such as for us to be with him. However, that doesn't mean he won't achieve what he desires, because we know that he will. When we die, we will go to be with him and will remain with him forever, but for now, we are meant to be here, shining our light and bearing fruit, so that he will be glorified. 1 Peter 1, 13-19. So that he will be glorified. 1 Peter 1, 13-19.

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Therefore, preparing your minds for action and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but, as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. Since it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy. And if you call on him as father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb, without blemish or spot. Our time is short and we should make the best use of it while we can. James 4, 13-16.

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Come now, you who say today or tomorrow, we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit, yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that. As it is, you boast in your arrogance, and all such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. So what is the right thing to do? Ephesians 5, verse 17. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand that the will of the Lord what the will of the Lord is. So what is his will? Well, it's for us to be saved.

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1 Timothy 2, verses 3-4. To be spirit-filled Ephesians 5.18. To be sanctified 1 Thessalonians 4.3. To be submissive. 1 Peter 2, verses 13-17. To be thankful 1 Thessalonians 5, 18, and all for his glory, that we may have the fullness of his joy. Jesus is the supreme example of that and why we should imitate him. We are to live in a way that demonstrates we belong to Christ, as our objective is to stay in the will of God Romans 8, 14, for all who are led by the Spirit of God.

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Now, although Scripture continually condemns drunkenness, paul is specifically referring to drunken orgies associated with pagan worship of his day. They looked to be intoxicated so they could reach a higher level of ecstasy. On the other hand, we are told to be filled or influenced by the Spirit and not intoxicated with the things of this world. That is the opposite of being led by the Spirit and paints a picture of what it is to be led. We are to be intoxicated with the Spirit and led by Him by following His instructions on being filled with the Spirit. When we drink wine, we are led by its intoxication, but a Spirit-filled life looks like this Ephesians 5, 19-20, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always for everything to God, the Father, in the name of our Lord, jesus Christ.

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The world is out searching to fulfill their passions and looking to achieve the highest level of ecstasy by adding anything they can to the experience that achieves that. That's why the world is littered with people addicted to sex, drugs and alcohol. These substances allow them to quiet that small voice in their head and be entirely given over to their passions. That small voice in their head and be entirely given over to their passions that is the gateway to demonic influences that trap people in those places, making it nearly impossible to escape. We, however, have been set free from these things and should be influenced solely by the Spirit of God.

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Colossians 3.16,. Let the word of Christ dwell in you, richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your Galatians 5, 16 to 26. But I say walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh, for the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like these. Now I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law, and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited provoking one another, envying one another. Instead, we are to submit to one another.

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Ephesians 5.21, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Submission is meant as equal. It's not a superior to, but it is the order of things. We are to be humble and submissive, not looking to rule over each other or anyone, but giving way to those called to lead, not fighting them, but submitting, as Christ submitted to the Father. For example, we submit to the word of God John 14, 15. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. So submission should be seen as working together based on our gifts, not as having authority over another, but the strong lifting the weak.

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Jesus gave us this example. In his submission to the Father. He was not less than the Father, but he was submissive in his role. He was just as much God as the Father and the Spirit, but his role was as the Son John 8, 28-29. Then Jesus said to them when you lift up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing of myself. But, as my Father taught me, I speak these things and he who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.

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So are we a people surrendered to the Spirit, or do we look to be filled with other things, like wine? As believers, our lives should be filled with joy. God has blessed us with the gift of finding joy in one another through our shared fellowship in Christ. We should be genuinely excited about this and not merely going through the motions of religion, checking off church attendance as a duty, but rather we should be embracing it as a joyful expression of our faith. As our light shines brightest, together let's pray. Father, thank you for calling us out of the darkness, out of this dark world, by shining a light on our sin and giving us the ability to shine the light you gave us into the darkness of the lives of those whom we love and encounter. Please, god, continue to equip us and empower us with your spirit that we can stand in the dark when it's impossible to see anything around, knowing that you are there. Father, we love you and we thank you in Jesus name, amen. I want to thank you again for joining us today. I hope this message helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you have a better understanding of just how much God loves you and wants you to know him.

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In our next episode, we're going to explore the beautiful and profound connection between a husband and wife and how their relationship reflects the deep sacrificial love between Christ and the church. This bond is a powerful example of God's boundless love for us, and when we honor and uphold marriage as it was designed by God, you glorify him. And before we go, I want to encourage you to send us a text message from the link provided in the description of this episode. We would love to hear from you Any feedback or questions you may have from today's show is it helps us produce future episodes that are beneficial to you. In addition, please feel free to use this podcast as a resource to help others and shine a light into the darkness. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the Takeaway.