Ephesians Part 29
Once we lived in darkness, but now, through Christ, we are light in the Lord. The very life of Christ within us illuminates our hearts. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:4-5).
Paul writes,
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10).
The contrast between light and darkness is one of the greatest dualities in history. Nearly every great novel, film or poem is built around this tension between good and evil, light and dark, truth and deception. Humanity is drawn to these conflicts because our hearts naturally long for what is right and noble. Yet this theme is not only found in stories; it is deeply spiritual and eternal.
In the beginning, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2).
The world existed in obscurity until God spoke the words, “Let there be light.” At that moment, the layers that concealed creation were lifted and light illuminated everything. Darkness was not created. It is simply the absence of light. Light reveals while darkness conceals. Light brings order, life and beauty, while darkness represents confusion, chaos and death.
Throughout Scripture, darkness often symbolizes captivity, ignorance and separation from God. Isaiah 59:1–4 explains that our sins hide God’s face from us. Darkness is more than the lack of sunlight; it is a spiritual blindness to truth. Satan is called the ruler of the darkness of this age (Ephesians 6:12). He cannot create anything; his only aim is to corrupt and destroy. This attribute showed up in the earliest stories of humankind, such as when Cain rose up against Abel in jealousy and rage. Satan’s purpose has always been to bring destruction where God brings life.
Jesus often used this picture of light and darkness to teach. In John 10:10, He contrasts the thief who comes to steal and destroy, with Himself, the One who brings abundant life. In John 11:10, He explains that anyone who walks in the night stumbles because the light is not in him. In John 3:19–21, He declares that people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. The light reveals truth and exposes motives. Those who live in truth come to the light so that their works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians,
“You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
Once we lived in darkness, but now, through Christ, we are light in the Lord. The very life of Christ within us illuminates our hearts. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:4–5). Through the Holy Spirit, God removes blindness and fills us with understanding (2 Corinthians 4:6).
To walk in the light is to live in righteousness, allowing the goodness, righteousness and truth of God to shine through our actions. Just as fruit needs light to grow, so the fruits of the Spirit require the light of God’s presence to mature in us. In the light, everything is visible. Nothing can hide, and what was once concealed can now be healed and changed. Verse 10 instructs us to find out what is acceptable to the Lord. The Greek word dokimazō means to test, examine and discern. We are to hold our thoughts and decisions up to the light and ask whether they honor God and reflect His truth.
Paul continues,
“Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (verse 11).
Evil thrives in secrecy, but it cannot survive in the light. A saying often attributed to many over the years puts it plainly: “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” We are called not to participate in deeds of darkness, but to shine light upon them. As the Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes, it is the deeds that must be rejected, not the people who commit them. Christ came to save sinners, not to destroy them (1 Timothy 1:15).
When light shines, truth is revealed. The same commentary adds that in the light, evil can no longer masquerade as good because it is exposed for what it truly is. Paul concludes this passage with a call to awaken:
“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (verse 14).
This is both a warning and an invitation. We are not of the night or of darkness but of the day. We must remain alert, self-controlled and clothed with faith, love and the hope of salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:4–10).
Christ is the Light. He gives us light. Through His Spirit, He transforms us into light. We no longer stumble in confusion or sin but instead reflect the brilliance of our Creator. Our mission is to walk in that light and carry it into every dark place, so that others may see and glorify our Father in heaven.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
