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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Arise! Christ Will Give You Light! (Ephesians 5:6-14)

Bryan Schneider · September 26, 2020

Ephesians 5:6-14

sharonrpc.org/sermons/arise-christ-will-give-you

Summary

  • Believers must reject empty words claiming that grace permits continued fellowship with the works of darkness.
  • The contrast is not merely between doing dark and light deeds: apart from Christ people are darkness, but in the Lord they become light.
  • Children of light learn what pleases the Lord and bear the Spirit's fruit in goodness, righteousness, and truth.
  • The church lovingly exposes persistent sin for repentance and restoration rather than protecting secrecy or practicing self-righteous condemnation.
  • Holiness is not the price of becoming God's child; it is the fruit of the new identity and life God has graciously given.
  • Christ's call awakens spiritually sleepy believers to leave complacency, repent, and walk in his illuminating presence.

Reflection and discussion

  • Which empty words tempt me to treat grace as permission for a settled pattern of sin?
  • Does my conduct display the identity God has given me as light in the Lord?
  • How can I test what is pleasing to the Lord rather than rely on a persuasive person's assurances?
  • Am I willing to receive loving correction when another believer exposes a deed of darkness?
  • If I must confront persistent sin, is my goal repentance and restoration rather than shame or gossip?
  • Where has spiritual sleepiness made me complacent about a respectable or hidden sin?

Key terms

Children of light
People whose identity has been transformed in the Lord and whose conduct increasingly displays his goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Empty words
Persuasive claims without biblical substance, especially the claim that saving grace makes repentance and holiness unnecessary.
Exposure
Bringing sinful deeds into the truth's light so they can be confessed, forsaken, and addressed for restoration.
Sanctification
God's gracious work by which his children increasingly turn from darkness and resemble their holy Father.

Notes and prayer