WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.379 Well, there's a narrative in certain Christian circles that goes something like this. 00:00:07.500 --> 00:00:09.000 I used to be an addict. 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:11.519 I used to be an alcoholic. 00:00:13.439 --> 00:00:15.439 Or I was addicted to pornography. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:21.260 But when I became a Christian, the desire for that sin just left me. 00:00:22.859 --> 00:00:26.519 I was miraculously freed from its bondage. 00:00:26.519 --> 00:00:35.200 And although this certainly can be true by God's grace, and maybe some of you have even experienced something similar, 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:43.379 the vast majority of us continue to fall into some of the same sinful patterns that plagued us since long before we came to faith. 00:00:44.939 --> 00:00:51.480 Even if you have experienced radical transformation in one area of your life, there's still failure in others. 00:00:51.479 --> 00:00:58.699 And the fact is, you still struggle with these sins because you enjoy them. 00:01:00.099 --> 00:01:01.519 You desire them. 00:01:02.979 --> 00:01:08.340 Maybe you're wondering, why is there still so much darkness in my heart? 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:13.359 Or maybe you're on the opposite end of the spectrum. 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:17.000 You've been a believer as long as you can remember. 00:01:18.159 --> 00:01:23.099 And God in his grace has spared you from much of the darkness I just mentioned. 00:01:24.659 --> 00:01:28.659 You never participated in such things and have never felt their allure. 00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:34.579 And you're beside yourself when you think about how other people could participate in these things. 00:01:34.579 --> 00:01:41.259 Sure, I mean, you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, just like everybody else. 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:46.359 But the unsaved version of yourself was still a pretty good person. 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:49.159 You still struggle with sin. 00:01:49.259 --> 00:01:50.200 I mean, who doesn't? 00:01:50.879 --> 00:01:53.379 But none of the real egregious ones, right? 00:01:53.379 --> 00:01:58.560 But your struggle to see the weight of your sin, 00:01:59.299 --> 00:02:02.780 to see its infinite offense before a holy God, 00:02:03.379 --> 00:02:06.159 is evidence of lingering darkness in your heart as well. 00:02:08.919 --> 00:02:12.280 Or maybe you're like me, a combination of the two. 00:02:13.740 --> 00:02:17.079 You still feel the allure of really dark sins, 00:02:18.599 --> 00:02:21.859 lasting scars from a life spent walking in darkness. 00:02:23.379 --> 00:02:28.799 But you also feel apathy towards things that would seem to be shades of gray. 00:02:30.879 --> 00:02:33.340 Paul's going to tell us this morning as we open up Scripture 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:37.659 that none of these categories are consistent with our identity in Christ. 00:02:38.740 --> 00:02:42.019 Darkness, however dark, is the old you. 00:02:42.699 --> 00:02:43.680 It's the old me. 00:02:45.939 --> 00:02:48.519 We are now light in the Lord, 00:02:48.819 --> 00:02:51.340 so we must walk as children of light. 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:55.580 My hope is that in considering our new identity as light, 00:02:55.680 --> 00:03:00.020 we would better understand how to faithfully live as light. 00:03:02.140 --> 00:03:05.379 Please turn in your Bibles with me to Ephesians chapter 5, 00:03:05.900 --> 00:03:07.520 verses 3 through 14. 00:03:08.960 --> 00:03:11.120 Ephesians 5, 3 through 14. 00:03:11.939 --> 00:03:13.360 And you'll want to keep your Bibles handy, 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:15.159 because I'll be pointing us back to it quite a bit. 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:31.180 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness 00:03:31.180 --> 00:03:34.000 must not even be named among you, 00:03:34.539 --> 00:03:36.099 as is proper among saints. 00:03:37.060 --> 00:03:39.859 Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talk, 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:41.879 nor crude joking, which are out of place. 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:44.879 But instead, let there be thanksgiving. 00:03:46.219 --> 00:03:47.359 For you may be sure of this, 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:50.460 that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, 00:03:50.719 --> 00:03:52.819 or who is covetous, that is, an idolater, 00:03:53.620 --> 00:03:57.299 has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:00.699 Let no one deceive you with empty words, 00:04:00.819 --> 00:04:02.840 for because of these things the wrath of God 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:04.560 comes upon the sons of disobedience. 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:08.620 Therefore, do not become partners with them. 00:04:09.400 --> 00:04:10.879 For at one time you were darkness, 00:04:11.219 --> 00:04:13.840 but now you are light in the Lord. 00:04:14.740 --> 00:04:16.660 Walk as children of light. 00:04:17.860 --> 00:04:20.459 For the fruit of light is found in all that is good 00:04:20.459 --> 00:04:21.959 and right and true. 00:04:23.399 --> 00:04:25.740 And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 00:04:26.920 --> 00:04:29.180 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:31.040 but instead expose them. 00:04:31.040 --> 00:04:33.760 For it is shameful even to speak at the things 00:04:33.760 --> 00:04:34.660 that they do in secret. 00:04:36.420 --> 00:04:38.580 But when anything is exposed by the light, 00:04:39.319 --> 00:04:40.319 it becomes visible. 00:04:41.140 --> 00:04:43.820 For anything that becomes visible is light. 00:04:45.040 --> 00:04:45.920 Therefore, it says, 00:04:46.500 --> 00:04:49.000 Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, 00:04:49.780 --> 00:04:52.020 and Christ will shine on you. 00:04:52.019 --> 00:04:58.879 Well, this is a complex passage. 00:04:59.519 --> 00:05:01.779 And it would be really easy to just gloss over it, 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:03.719 focus on all the commands, 00:05:04.199 --> 00:05:04.740 and think, 00:05:05.019 --> 00:05:06.939 that's what Christianity is all about. 00:05:08.620 --> 00:05:10.919 In fact, that's pretty much how I felt 00:05:10.919 --> 00:05:14.759 during the time of the story that Rick shared. 00:05:16.159 --> 00:05:18.500 But this isn't God's list of do's or don'ts. 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:20.279 If you want to be a Christian, don't do this. 00:05:20.279 --> 00:05:22.500 Or, if you do this, 00:05:22.719 --> 00:05:23.779 God's going to punish you. 00:05:25.859 --> 00:05:27.699 This passage is about identity, 00:05:28.299 --> 00:05:29.699 not commands. 00:05:31.699 --> 00:05:32.639 Verse 8 is critical. 00:05:33.599 --> 00:05:34.599 Everything's hinging on it, 00:05:34.619 --> 00:05:35.739 so let's take another look at it. 00:05:37.379 --> 00:05:37.839 Paul says, 00:05:38.179 --> 00:05:39.899 For at one time you were darkness, 00:05:40.399 --> 00:05:43.299 but now you are light in the Lord. 00:05:43.839 --> 00:05:45.919 Walk as children of light. 00:05:45.920 --> 00:05:48.360 So remember, 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:50.280 Paul's not just writing to people who, 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:53.340 he's not just writing to people in general. 00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:57.199 He's writing specifically to the church. 00:05:58.500 --> 00:05:59.860 And how does he begin Ephesians? 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:01.360 He says, 00:06:01.360 --> 00:06:03.720 To the saints who are in Ephesus 00:06:03.720 --> 00:06:06.680 and are faithful in Christ Jesus. 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:09.240 Paul's baseline assumption 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:11.340 is that he's writing to people 00:06:11.340 --> 00:06:13.240 who already are Christians. 00:06:13.240 --> 00:06:15.379 In verse 8, 00:06:15.780 --> 00:06:17.759 he acknowledges that darkness is their past, 00:06:18.120 --> 00:06:18.879 not their present. 00:06:20.819 --> 00:06:22.000 And back in chapter 2, 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:23.160 Paul writes, 00:06:23.800 --> 00:06:26.699 You were dead in the trespasses and sins 00:06:26.699 --> 00:06:27.900 in which you once walked. 00:06:28.300 --> 00:06:31.180 You were following the Spirit at work 00:06:31.180 --> 00:06:32.420 in the sons of disobedience. 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:34.280 You were, by nature, 00:06:34.460 --> 00:06:35.319 children of wrath. 00:06:35.800 --> 00:06:37.240 But God... 00:06:37.240 --> 00:06:41.120 Paul is talking to believers 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:43.579 and his message is this. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:45.040 Christian, 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.620 you used to be darkness. 00:06:48.960 --> 00:06:50.120 That's the old you. 00:06:51.240 --> 00:06:53.079 But God is light. 00:06:53.860 --> 00:06:55.519 Now you are a child of God. 00:06:55.680 --> 00:06:57.000 You are light. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:00.139 So walk accordingly. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.680 But what does it mean to walk? 00:07:03.680 --> 00:07:06.000 In the context of Ephesians, 00:07:06.340 --> 00:07:07.459 when we talk about walking, 00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:08.319 we're talking about 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:09.480 how we as Christians 00:07:09.480 --> 00:07:10.819 are to live. 00:07:11.660 --> 00:07:12.180 So really, 00:07:12.920 --> 00:07:14.340 walking is living. 00:07:16.079 --> 00:07:17.319 Maybe you notice the phrase 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:19.000 back from chapter 2 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:20.280 that I quoted just a moment ago. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:20.860 He says, 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:23.840 You were dead in the trespasses and sins 00:07:23.840 --> 00:07:26.100 in which you once walked. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:29.079 Walking is a theme 00:07:29.079 --> 00:07:30.639 that we see throughout Ephesians. 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:33.919 In chapter 2, verse 10, 00:07:34.839 --> 00:07:35.360 Paul says, 00:07:35.459 --> 00:07:36.939 We're created in Christ Jesus 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:37.839 for good works, 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:39.839 which God prepared beforehand 00:07:39.839 --> 00:07:42.839 that we should walk in them. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:45.919 And in chapter 5, verse 2, 00:07:45.979 --> 00:07:47.620 the verse just before this morning's text, 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:49.939 we are to be, quote, 00:07:50.379 --> 00:07:51.519 imitators of God 00:07:51.519 --> 00:07:52.879 as beloved children 00:07:52.879 --> 00:07:55.379 and walk in love. 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:59.439 Our old selves 00:07:59.439 --> 00:08:01.659 walked in trespasses and sins. 00:08:02.959 --> 00:08:04.920 But that was the era of our death. 00:08:06.259 --> 00:08:08.680 We are now in a new era of life, 00:08:08.959 --> 00:08:11.639 and the living walk differently. 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:14.219 In our passage today, 00:08:14.339 --> 00:08:15.959 Paul further instructs us 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:16.779 in three ways 00:08:16.779 --> 00:08:18.800 on how the Christian 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:19.899 or the child of light 00:08:19.899 --> 00:08:21.079 is to walk 00:08:21.079 --> 00:08:22.360 or to live. 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:26.180 So if you're taking notes, 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:27.660 point number one, 00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:28.900 and this will be the longest one, 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:30.000 the other two will be a bit shorter. 00:08:30.780 --> 00:08:31.480 Point number one, 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:32.820 children of light 00:08:32.820 --> 00:08:34.419 give thanks. 00:08:35.379 --> 00:08:36.200 Children of light 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:36.840 give thanks. 00:08:38.340 --> 00:08:39.120 Number two, 00:08:39.680 --> 00:08:40.340 children of light 00:08:40.340 --> 00:08:41.060 try to discern 00:08:41.060 --> 00:08:42.300 what is pleasing to the Lord. 00:08:43.860 --> 00:08:44.940 Children of light 00:08:44.940 --> 00:08:45.680 try to discern 00:08:45.680 --> 00:08:46.860 what is pleasing to the Lord. 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:49.980 And number three, 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:50.940 children of light 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:51.980 expose darkness. 00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:54.779 Children of light 00:08:54.779 --> 00:08:55.659 expose darkness. 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:01.100 So number one, 00:09:01.200 --> 00:09:01.700 children of light 00:09:01.700 --> 00:09:02.159 give thanks. 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:04.000 Let's look at verses three and four. 00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:07.379 But sexual immorality 00:09:07.379 --> 00:09:08.539 and all impurity 00:09:08.539 --> 00:09:09.659 or covetousness 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:12.180 must not even be named among you 00:09:12.180 --> 00:09:14.180 as is proper among saints. 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:16.240 Let there be no filthiness 00:09:16.240 --> 00:09:17.180 nor foolish talk 00:09:17.180 --> 00:09:18.019 nor crude joking 00:09:18.019 --> 00:09:19.019 which are out of place, 00:09:19.480 --> 00:09:20.279 but instead 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:21.980 let there be thanksgiving. 00:09:22.360 --> 00:09:25.360 So, sexual immorality, 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:27.500 impurity, covetousness, 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:29.200 and various kinds 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:30.200 of sinful speech 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:31.700 are the old way. 00:09:32.539 --> 00:09:33.259 They're the way 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:34.300 that darkness walks. 00:09:35.300 --> 00:09:36.779 But the light-bearing 00:09:36.779 --> 00:09:37.460 alternative 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:39.159 that Paul provides us 00:09:39.159 --> 00:09:40.720 to all of these sins 00:09:40.720 --> 00:09:42.019 is thanksgiving. 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:45.340 Thanksgiving is not only 00:09:45.340 --> 00:09:46.080 presented as 00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:47.060 the opposite 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:48.060 of these sins, 00:09:48.059 --> 00:09:49.899 but also 00:09:49.899 --> 00:09:50.719 the solution 00:09:50.719 --> 00:09:52.019 to these sins. 00:09:53.319 --> 00:09:54.139 Let's take a look 00:09:54.139 --> 00:09:54.819 at these sins again. 00:09:55.659 --> 00:09:56.419 Sexual immorality, 00:09:56.699 --> 00:09:57.219 all impurity, 00:09:57.479 --> 00:09:58.159 and covetousness. 00:09:58.959 --> 00:10:00.059 One commentator 00:10:00.059 --> 00:10:00.959 writes this, 00:10:01.479 --> 00:10:02.719 Paul moves 00:10:02.719 --> 00:10:03.779 from the acts 00:10:03.779 --> 00:10:04.799 of immorality 00:10:04.799 --> 00:10:05.939 and uncleanness 00:10:05.939 --> 00:10:07.659 to their inner spring, 00:10:08.299 --> 00:10:08.679 greed, 00:10:09.339 --> 00:10:10.819 that insatiable desire 00:10:10.819 --> 00:10:11.559 to have more, 00:10:12.299 --> 00:10:13.179 even the coveting 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:14.239 of someone else's body 00:10:14.239 --> 00:10:15.619 for selfish gratification. 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:18.700 So, covetousness, 00:10:18.799 --> 00:10:19.440 or greed, 00:10:20.039 --> 00:10:21.060 is the force 00:10:21.060 --> 00:10:22.440 behind these sins. 00:10:23.620 --> 00:10:25.259 And it's all idolatry, 00:10:25.379 --> 00:10:26.399 according to verse 5. 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.259 It's worshiping 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:29.820 the created 00:10:29.820 --> 00:10:30.600 over the creator. 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.679 It's looking at God 00:10:31.679 --> 00:10:32.179 and saying, 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.460 you're holding out on me. 00:10:35.100 --> 00:10:36.299 But Paul isn't simply 00:10:36.299 --> 00:10:37.460 forbidding these sins 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:38.240 in verse 3. 00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:40.080 That would be redundant. 00:10:40.279 --> 00:10:40.500 Indeed, 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:42.139 he's already condemned 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:42.639 them all 00:10:42.639 --> 00:10:43.560 in strikingly 00:10:43.560 --> 00:10:44.620 similar language 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:46.200 back in chapter 4, 00:10:46.299 --> 00:10:47.379 verse 17 to 20. 00:10:48.080 --> 00:10:48.759 You can look back 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:49.600 a page or so 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:50.700 if you'd like. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:51.720 Chapter 4, 00:10:51.820 --> 00:10:52.779 verse 17 to 20. 00:10:52.899 --> 00:10:53.700 He tells the church 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:54.379 not to walk 00:10:54.379 --> 00:10:55.360 as the Gentiles do. 00:10:56.659 --> 00:10:57.220 He says, 00:10:57.740 --> 00:10:58.919 they have given 00:10:58.919 --> 00:10:59.659 themselves up 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:00.820 to sensuality, 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:01.799 greedy, 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:02.740 to practice 00:11:02.740 --> 00:11:03.500 every kind 00:11:03.500 --> 00:11:04.279 of impurity. 00:11:06.480 --> 00:11:06.720 No, 00:11:06.799 --> 00:11:07.320 Paul goes 00:11:07.320 --> 00:11:08.680 beyond the command 00:11:08.680 --> 00:11:09.419 not to commit 00:11:09.419 --> 00:11:10.060 these sins, 00:11:10.060 --> 00:11:11.039 and now he says, 00:11:11.600 --> 00:11:12.180 don't even talk 00:11:12.180 --> 00:11:12.560 about them. 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:15.099 Listen to the wording 00:11:15.099 --> 00:11:15.779 in verse 3. 00:11:16.979 --> 00:11:17.779 These sins 00:11:17.779 --> 00:11:18.979 must not even 00:11:18.979 --> 00:11:19.799 be named 00:11:19.799 --> 00:11:20.559 among you. 00:11:21.959 --> 00:11:22.839 So do we never 00:11:22.839 --> 00:11:23.500 talk about them? 00:11:24.219 --> 00:11:25.379 Do we put our heads 00:11:25.379 --> 00:11:25.819 in the sand 00:11:25.819 --> 00:11:26.299 and pretend like 00:11:26.299 --> 00:11:26.919 they don't exist? 00:11:28.039 --> 00:11:28.699 Verse 4 is going 00:11:28.699 --> 00:11:29.159 to clarify. 00:11:30.599 --> 00:11:31.079 Let there be 00:11:31.079 --> 00:11:32.039 no filthiness, 00:11:32.459 --> 00:11:33.779 nor foolish talk, 00:11:34.139 --> 00:11:35.199 nor crude joking 00:11:35.199 --> 00:11:36.299 which are out of place. 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:38.799 You see, 00:11:39.399 --> 00:11:39.679 joking 00:11:39.679 --> 00:11:41.959 is a soft way 00:11:41.959 --> 00:11:43.500 of introducing 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:44.659 these sinful desires 00:11:44.659 --> 00:11:45.659 into conversation 00:11:45.659 --> 00:11:46.479 that ultimately 00:11:46.479 --> 00:11:47.299 leads to their 00:11:47.299 --> 00:11:47.839 acceptance. 00:11:50.419 --> 00:11:51.259 So it's easy 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.019 to just categorize 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:52.559 verse 4 00:11:52.559 --> 00:11:53.759 as the locker room 00:11:53.759 --> 00:11:54.459 humor verse, 00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:56.079 but remember, 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:56.719 this isn't just 00:11:56.719 --> 00:11:57.779 flippant conversation 00:11:57.779 --> 00:11:58.919 about sexual sins. 00:12:00.319 --> 00:12:01.539 Paul is telling us 00:12:01.539 --> 00:12:02.139 to have nothing 00:12:02.139 --> 00:12:02.679 to do with 00:12:02.679 --> 00:12:03.759 flippant conversation 00:12:03.759 --> 00:12:05.539 about all manner 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.360 of idolatry. 00:12:08.360 --> 00:12:09.319 So this isn't 00:12:09.319 --> 00:12:09.860 just addressing 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:10.679 locker room humor 00:12:10.679 --> 00:12:11.439 among young men. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:13.600 I spent 00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:15.360 five years 00:12:15.360 --> 00:12:16.700 working in 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:17.659 construction management 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:18.840 before I went 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:19.240 to China. 00:12:21.360 --> 00:12:22.439 And I daily 00:12:22.439 --> 00:12:23.179 heard men 00:12:23.179 --> 00:12:24.279 complaining about 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:24.980 their old lady, 00:12:25.860 --> 00:12:26.679 their ball and chain, 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.279 and plenty of other 00:12:28.279 --> 00:12:29.259 phrases I can't utter 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:29.819 in this room. 00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:32.559 Why are they 00:12:32.559 --> 00:12:33.600 unsatisfied with 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.320 the gift God 00:12:34.320 --> 00:12:34.879 has given them 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:35.460 and their wives? 00:12:38.340 --> 00:12:39.120 Unless we think 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:39.840 the sinful speech 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:40.360 of verse 4 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.519 is just a guy problem, 00:12:43.040 --> 00:12:43.440 wives, 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:45.080 do you joke around 00:12:45.080 --> 00:12:45.820 with your friends 00:12:45.820 --> 00:12:46.680 that your husband 00:12:46.680 --> 00:12:47.360 doesn't do enough 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:47.980 around the house? 00:12:50.620 --> 00:12:51.060 Moms, 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:52.740 are you tempted 00:12:52.740 --> 00:12:53.639 to disguise 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:54.279 grumbling 00:12:54.279 --> 00:12:55.700 about your children's 00:12:55.700 --> 00:12:56.540 disobedience 00:12:56.540 --> 00:12:58.340 with laughter 00:12:58.340 --> 00:12:59.160 by telling 00:12:59.160 --> 00:13:00.740 parenting war stories 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:01.460 with other moms? 00:13:01.460 --> 00:13:03.740 and what's behind 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:04.240 a lot of our 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.300 self-deprecating humor? 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:07.980 We make fun of 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:09.800 our weight, 00:13:10.480 --> 00:13:11.780 our intelligence, 00:13:12.420 --> 00:13:13.800 our lack of a skill 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:15.000 in a particular area, 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:16.460 our finances. 00:13:17.240 --> 00:13:18.780 We're not giving thanks. 00:13:20.860 --> 00:13:21.980 Our jokes 00:13:21.980 --> 00:13:24.420 reveal our idolatrous 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:25.100 discontent. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:27.740 we talk casually 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:28.680 or make jokes 00:13:28.680 --> 00:13:29.500 about the areas 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.500 of dissatisfaction 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:31.120 in our lives. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:32.639 It gives us 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:33.300 a sort of 00:13:33.300 --> 00:13:35.060 gratifying release 00:13:35.060 --> 00:13:35.700 that we can't 00:13:35.700 --> 00:13:36.519 achieve in action, 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:37.639 either because 00:13:37.639 --> 00:13:38.659 the desired act 00:13:38.659 --> 00:13:39.879 is so shameful, 00:13:40.560 --> 00:13:41.259 verse 12, 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:44.220 or because it's 00:13:44.220 --> 00:13:45.000 simply not God's 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:45.800 plan for us. 00:13:47.279 --> 00:13:48.259 And this speech 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.100 also promotes 00:13:49.100 --> 00:13:50.279 the spread of sin. 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:52.220 It promotes 00:13:52.220 --> 00:13:53.159 the spread of sin. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:55.759 Make no mistake, 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:58.319 if we talk 00:13:58.319 --> 00:13:59.199 about wickedness, 00:13:59.939 --> 00:14:01.000 sexual or otherwise, 00:14:01.519 --> 00:14:02.439 in a casual 00:14:02.439 --> 00:14:03.480 or joking way, 00:14:04.159 --> 00:14:05.179 we will soon 00:14:05.179 --> 00:14:05.959 walk in that 00:14:05.959 --> 00:14:06.539 wickedness 00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:07.620 quite casually. 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:10.339 The sort of speech 00:14:10.339 --> 00:14:10.919 is dangerous 00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:11.620 because it seeks 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.659 to call darkness 00:14:12.659 --> 00:14:13.279 light 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:14.720 or just 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:15.480 shades of gray. 00:14:17.159 --> 00:14:18.339 But for the Christian, 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:19.439 there can be 00:14:19.439 --> 00:14:20.199 only light. 00:14:20.279 --> 00:14:21.139 There's no room 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.639 for darkness 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:22.699 and there are 00:14:22.699 --> 00:14:23.480 no shades of gray. 00:14:24.679 --> 00:14:25.539 So preach 00:14:25.539 --> 00:14:26.220 the gospel 00:14:26.220 --> 00:14:26.879 to yourself. 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:29.199 The only appropriate 00:14:29.199 --> 00:14:30.039 response to the 00:14:30.039 --> 00:14:30.919 staggering blessings 00:14:30.919 --> 00:14:31.779 of the gospel 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:32.600 is thanksgiving. 00:14:33.819 --> 00:14:34.639 I'm going to list 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:35.360 off a few of those 00:14:35.360 --> 00:14:36.220 blessings that Paul 00:14:36.220 --> 00:14:38.179 wrote in Ephesians. 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:39.100 These all come 00:14:39.100 --> 00:14:39.860 from chapter 2, 00:14:39.939 --> 00:14:40.759 so you can look at them 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.740 on your own later. 00:14:42.339 --> 00:14:42.839 He says, 00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:44.639 but God, 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:46.139 being rich in mercy, 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:47.299 made us alive 00:14:47.299 --> 00:14:48.259 together with Christ. 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:50.819 He showed us 00:14:50.819 --> 00:14:51.460 the immeasurable 00:14:51.460 --> 00:14:52.659 riches of his grace. 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:55.159 We have been 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:55.840 brought near. 00:14:57.819 --> 00:14:59.139 He has killed 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:00.100 the hostility. 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:03.580 He has reconciled 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:04.659 us all to God 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:05.639 in one body. 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.360 So remind yourself 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:10.159 of these truths 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:10.600 daily. 00:15:10.600 --> 00:15:12.620 And I'm 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:13.080 intentionally 00:15:13.080 --> 00:15:13.899 sticking with 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:14.540 the word 00:15:14.540 --> 00:15:15.420 thanksgiving 00:15:15.420 --> 00:15:16.740 and not switching 00:15:16.740 --> 00:15:17.960 over to the more 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:19.320 common word 00:15:19.320 --> 00:15:20.159 thankfulness. 00:15:20.420 --> 00:15:21.019 I think it's 00:15:21.019 --> 00:15:21.540 significant 00:15:21.540 --> 00:15:22.920 that it's actually 00:15:22.920 --> 00:15:23.519 active. 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:24.560 It's not just 00:15:24.560 --> 00:15:25.220 be thankful. 00:15:25.740 --> 00:15:26.279 He's saying 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.620 give thanks. 00:15:29.600 --> 00:15:31.139 In our sinful flesh, 00:15:31.800 --> 00:15:32.379 thankfulness 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:33.500 will not come 00:15:33.500 --> 00:15:34.019 effortlessly. 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:36.340 Here's a quick 00:15:36.340 --> 00:15:37.059 example regarding 00:15:37.059 --> 00:15:37.779 preaching the gospel 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:38.500 to yourself. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:41.159 Consider your 00:15:41.159 --> 00:15:42.159 adoption in Christ. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.519 God loved you 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:48.220 enough to lay 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:48.899 down his own 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:50.519 son to make 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.519 you his son 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.059 also. 00:15:53.919 --> 00:15:54.699 You parents 00:15:54.699 --> 00:15:55.059 out there, 00:15:55.199 --> 00:15:55.740 you love your 00:15:55.740 --> 00:15:56.279 kids, right? 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:56.980 You wouldn't 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:57.399 give them up 00:15:57.399 --> 00:15:58.000 for anything. 00:15:58.720 --> 00:15:59.699 But God did. 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.759 And he did it 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:02.480 in love for you. 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:05.060 So knowing 00:16:05.060 --> 00:16:05.440 that we're 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:06.300 children of God 00:16:06.300 --> 00:16:07.200 and loved by 00:16:07.200 --> 00:16:08.420 him invites 00:16:08.420 --> 00:16:09.820 us to press 00:16:09.820 --> 00:16:10.700 deeper into 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.659 relationship with 00:16:11.659 --> 00:16:13.039 him and find 00:16:13.039 --> 00:16:14.240 greater satisfaction 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:15.480 in him than 00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:16.100 we would ever 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.259 find in our 00:16:17.259 --> 00:16:17.860 idolatrous 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:18.420 pursuits. 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:21.060 I don't know 00:16:21.060 --> 00:16:21.340 about you, 00:16:21.440 --> 00:16:22.060 but just 00:16:22.060 --> 00:16:22.860 remembering that 00:16:22.860 --> 00:16:23.379 I'm forgiven 00:16:23.379 --> 00:16:24.279 of a particular 00:16:24.279 --> 00:16:25.039 sin doesn't 00:16:25.039 --> 00:16:25.639 curb my 00:16:25.639 --> 00:16:26.180 desire for 00:16:26.180 --> 00:16:26.659 that sin. 00:16:28.420 --> 00:16:29.300 But knowing 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:29.960 that I'm loved 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:30.539 does. 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:31.620 Depth of 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:32.379 relationship 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:33.320 does. 00:16:34.799 --> 00:16:35.539 Our adoption 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:36.080 in the gospel 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:36.500 is an even 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.320 greater gift 00:16:37.320 --> 00:16:37.720 than our 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:38.100 forgiveness. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.320 It's probably 00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:41.139 our best tool 00:16:41.139 --> 00:16:41.519 in giving 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:43.320 thanks and 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:43.740 our best 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:44.779 weapon in 00:16:44.779 --> 00:16:45.559 battling sin. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:48.279 So meditate 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:48.960 on that and 00:16:48.960 --> 00:16:49.519 other truths 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:49.960 that are 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:50.659 similar to it. 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:51.740 Meditate on 00:16:51.740 --> 00:16:52.539 them every day 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.299 and drive 00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:53.860 yourself to 00:16:53.860 --> 00:16:54.340 thanksgiving. 00:16:54.340 --> 00:16:54.399 thanksgiving. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.120 The fact is 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.180 we have 00:16:59.180 --> 00:17:00.220 sufficient 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:00.780 blessing 00:17:00.780 --> 00:17:02.120 in the gospel 00:17:02.120 --> 00:17:02.740 alone 00:17:02.740 --> 00:17:04.220 for thanksgiving 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:04.779 to drive out 00:17:04.779 --> 00:17:05.460 our idolatry. 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:08.740 That is 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:09.220 enough. 00:17:10.600 --> 00:17:11.500 But in our 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:11.940 forgetfulness 00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.720 often it doesn't 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:13.519 feel enough. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:16.539 praise God 00:17:16.539 --> 00:17:17.019 for Romans 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:18.019 8, 32. 00:17:19.099 --> 00:17:19.480 He who 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:19.960 did not 00:17:19.960 --> 00:17:20.660 spare his 00:17:20.660 --> 00:17:21.400 own son 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:22.200 but gave 00:17:22.200 --> 00:17:22.460 him up 00:17:22.460 --> 00:17:22.759 for us 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:22.920 all, 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.259 how will 00:17:23.259 --> 00:17:23.539 he not 00:17:23.539 --> 00:17:24.099 also with 00:17:24.099 --> 00:17:24.879 him graciously 00:17:24.879 --> 00:17:25.319 give us 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:26.099 all things? 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:28.539 Yes, we 00:17:28.539 --> 00:17:28.980 have this 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:29.259 eternal 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:29.699 blessing 00:17:29.699 --> 00:17:30.799 but we 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:31.259 also have 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:31.839 many blessings 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:32.459 in creation 00:17:32.459 --> 00:17:33.000 that redirect 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:33.619 our minds 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:34.139 to that 00:17:34.139 --> 00:17:34.459 eternal 00:17:34.459 --> 00:17:34.899 blessing. 00:17:38.379 --> 00:17:38.919 Giving 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:39.639 thanks even 00:17:39.639 --> 00:17:40.199 for God's 00:17:40.199 --> 00:17:40.959 earthly blessings 00:17:40.959 --> 00:17:42.179 is a way 00:17:42.179 --> 00:17:42.659 for light 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:43.219 to shine 00:17:43.219 --> 00:17:43.459 in the 00:17:43.459 --> 00:17:43.759 darkness 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.099 in our 00:17:44.099 --> 00:17:44.279 own 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:44.539 hearts 00:17:44.539 --> 00:17:45.619 and in 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:45.919 others. 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.579 So combat 00:17:48.579 --> 00:17:50.039 lust and 00:17:50.039 --> 00:17:50.459 grumbling 00:17:50.459 --> 00:17:51.019 about your 00:17:51.019 --> 00:17:52.139 spouse with 00:17:52.139 --> 00:17:52.839 thanksgiving to 00:17:52.839 --> 00:17:53.399 God for the 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:53.859 gift that he 00:17:53.859 --> 00:17:54.339 or she is 00:17:54.339 --> 00:17:54.719 to you. 00:17:56.099 --> 00:17:57.439 If you're 00:17:57.439 --> 00:17:58.439 single and 00:17:58.439 --> 00:17:59.139 discontent in 00:17:59.139 --> 00:17:59.759 your singleness 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:01.259 are you giving 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.039 thanks to God 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:02.599 for the other 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.599 relationships that 00:18:03.599 --> 00:18:04.359 he has given 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:04.859 you at this 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.179 time? 00:18:06.159 --> 00:18:06.899 Maybe it's a 00:18:06.899 --> 00:18:07.639 close relationship 00:18:07.639 --> 00:18:08.419 with a parent 00:18:08.419 --> 00:18:09.879 or roommates 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:11.919 or members 00:18:11.919 --> 00:18:12.219 of your 00:18:12.219 --> 00:18:12.759 small group. 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:15.379 Are you 00:18:15.379 --> 00:18:16.079 covetous of a 00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:16.439 friend, 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:17.679 their home, 00:18:18.219 --> 00:18:18.980 their income, 00:18:19.159 --> 00:18:19.779 their job? 00:18:21.379 --> 00:18:22.219 Are you 00:18:22.219 --> 00:18:23.000 giving thanks to 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:23.659 God for his 00:18:23.659 --> 00:18:24.619 provision for you 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:25.939 in your life? 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:28.500 If you're 00:18:28.500 --> 00:18:30.059 responding and 00:18:30.059 --> 00:18:30.959 speaking as those 00:18:30.959 --> 00:18:31.779 in darkness would 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.559 speak about these 00:18:32.559 --> 00:18:33.919 things, you're 00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:34.799 going to walk the 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:35.219 way that they 00:18:35.219 --> 00:18:35.559 walk. 00:18:37.159 --> 00:18:37.859 But when 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:38.559 children of light 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:39.339 give thanks in 00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:40.039 their speech, it 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:40.679 promotes their 00:18:40.679 --> 00:18:41.439 own satisfaction 00:18:41.439 --> 00:18:43.559 in Christ and 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:44.039 in the blessings 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:44.679 of the gospel. 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:46.939 It curbs our 00:18:46.939 --> 00:18:48.119 desire to continue 00:18:48.119 --> 00:18:49.219 chasing the lies 00:18:49.219 --> 00:18:50.019 of idolatrous 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.439 sins. 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:50.519 sins. 00:18:51.720 --> 00:18:52.240 And when 00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:52.860 others around 00:18:52.860 --> 00:18:53.640 us speak 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:54.380 flippantly about 00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:54.940 these sins, 00:18:55.120 --> 00:18:55.820 our thanksgiving 00:18:55.820 --> 00:18:57.039 responses are a 00:18:57.039 --> 00:18:57.779 light that can 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.519 expose the 00:18:58.519 --> 00:18:59.100 foolishness of 00:18:59.100 --> 00:19:00.460 their idolatry and 00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.080 point them to 00:19:01.080 --> 00:19:02.120 hope in Christ for 00:19:02.120 --> 00:19:02.880 their satisfaction. 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:06.840 So that was 00:19:06.840 --> 00:19:07.820 point number one. 00:19:08.940 --> 00:19:09.600 Children of light, 00:19:09.680 --> 00:19:10.100 give thanks. 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:14.880 Number two, 00:19:15.860 --> 00:19:16.559 children of light, 00:19:17.140 --> 00:19:18.059 try to discern what 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:18.859 is pleasing to the 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:19.099 Lord. 00:19:20.599 --> 00:19:21.519 Look back with me 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:23.259 at verse one, just 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.019 before this morning's 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:24.399 passage. 00:19:25.879 --> 00:19:27.359 Paul says, be 00:19:27.359 --> 00:19:29.259 imitators of God as 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:30.039 beloved children. 00:19:31.899 --> 00:19:33.099 I'm reminded of 00:19:33.099 --> 00:19:34.659 Jesus' words to the 00:19:34.659 --> 00:19:35.940 Pharisees in John 00:19:35.940 --> 00:19:36.599 8, 44. 00:19:37.379 --> 00:19:39.079 He says, you are of 00:19:39.079 --> 00:19:40.099 your father the devil 00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:42.440 and your desire is to 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:43.359 do your father's 00:19:43.359 --> 00:19:44.279 will. 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:46.059 Your will is to do 00:19:46.059 --> 00:19:46.519 your father's 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:46.819 desires. 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:49.519 Just like Jesus 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:50.099 said to the 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:51.919 Pharisees, only in 00:19:51.919 --> 00:19:52.279 reverse. 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.379 If God is your 00:19:54.379 --> 00:19:56.359 father, your will is 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.460 to do his desires. 00:19:59.299 --> 00:20:00.159 And in verse 10 of 00:20:00.159 --> 00:20:01.039 our passage today, 00:20:01.139 --> 00:20:01.980 Paul tells us that 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:03.000 children of light try 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.819 to discern what is 00:20:03.819 --> 00:20:04.500 pleasing to the 00:20:04.500 --> 00:20:06.019 Lord, their father. 00:20:08.419 --> 00:20:09.220 Well, how do we know 00:20:09.220 --> 00:20:09.819 what pleases him? 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:11.539 Look at the 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.319 parenthesis in verse 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:12.599 9. 00:20:13.599 --> 00:20:15.539 He says, the fruit of 00:20:15.539 --> 00:20:16.659 the light is found in 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.980 all that is good and 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:19.220 right and true. 00:20:20.880 --> 00:20:22.019 The child of light 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.360 pleases the Lord when 00:20:23.360 --> 00:20:25.220 he or she walks in or 00:20:25.220 --> 00:20:27.360 lives out good works, 00:20:27.940 --> 00:20:29.500 righteousness, and 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:29.880 truth. 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.380 This all echoes 00:20:32.380 --> 00:20:33.220 Micah 6, 8. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:33.940 If you'd like, you can 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:35.500 turn there or you can 00:20:35.500 --> 00:20:36.060 just listen. 00:20:36.340 --> 00:20:37.100 Micah 6, 8. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:41.060 And Micah says, 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:43.259 He has told you, O man, 00:20:43.339 --> 00:20:44.000 what is good. 00:20:44.799 --> 00:20:45.659 And what does the 00:20:45.659 --> 00:20:47.019 Lord require of you but 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:49.619 to do justice and to 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:51.539 love kindness and to 00:20:51.539 --> 00:20:52.919 walk humbly with your 00:20:52.919 --> 00:20:53.259 God? 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:57.339 We have the Old 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:59.000 Testament, and we 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.879 certainly have the life 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:00.539 of Jesus in the 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.240 Gospels and the 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:01.799 teachings of the 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:02.299 Apostles. 00:21:03.500 --> 00:21:04.679 With Scripture and the 00:21:04.679 --> 00:21:05.480 Holy Spirit as our 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:07.019 guide, we are to test, 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:09.639 examine, and walk in 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:11.120 what is pleasing to the 00:21:11.120 --> 00:21:12.480 Lord in every aspect of 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.220 our daily lives. 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:16.340 Why would you continue 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:17.440 to participate in the 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:18.680 old way, the way of the 00:21:18.680 --> 00:21:19.580 sons of disobedience? 00:21:20.860 --> 00:21:22.120 Their fate is clear in 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:23.360 verses 5 and 6. 00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.759 Exclusion from the 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:28.000 kingdom and the wrath 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:28.520 of God. 00:21:30.080 --> 00:21:31.080 Why would you partner 00:21:31.080 --> 00:21:32.140 with them in the old 00:21:32.140 --> 00:21:32.860 way of death and 00:21:32.860 --> 00:21:33.200 darkness? 00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:36.900 Do not partner means 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:37.320 this. 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:41.299 As light, do not act 00:21:41.299 --> 00:21:41.980 as darkness. 00:21:43.899 --> 00:21:44.779 Verse 8. 00:21:46.439 --> 00:21:48.279 At one time you were 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:51.259 darkness, but now you 00:21:51.259 --> 00:21:53.179 are light in the Lord. 00:21:54.679 --> 00:21:55.460 These aren't 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:58.599 locational, like living 00:21:58.599 --> 00:22:00.960 in darkness or living 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.899 in light. 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:05.480 Light is identifying who 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:06.579 you are, Christian. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:11.380 Light is who you are, 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.059 Christ the King Church. 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:16.200 It's all about identity. 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:18.360 If we view these as 00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:20.380 locational, then our 00:22:20.380 --> 00:22:23.579 response is, well, don't 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:24.400 hang around the darkness 00:22:24.400 --> 00:22:24.779 crowd. 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:27.200 Don't spend too much time 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.940 around sinners. 00:22:28.620 --> 00:22:30.279 Bad company corrupts good 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:30.740 morals. 00:22:30.740 --> 00:22:33.640 Hang around the light. 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:35.539 No. 00:22:36.299 --> 00:22:38.359 You are the light. 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.859 Christ the King Church, 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:42.759 you are light. 00:22:46.180 --> 00:22:47.599 We have to be who we are. 00:22:48.599 --> 00:22:50.599 That is what pleases God. 00:22:50.599 --> 00:22:53.019 So, regardless of your 00:22:53.019 --> 00:22:55.139 location, whether you're 00:22:55.139 --> 00:22:56.859 at church, or you're at 00:22:56.859 --> 00:22:59.539 work, or school, around 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:01.859 Christians, or God-hating 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:03.539 coworkers, neighbors, 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:06.579 family, friends, be who 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.119 you are. 00:23:07.959 --> 00:23:09.119 Be light. 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:12.019 Walk in good works, 00:23:12.679 --> 00:23:14.059 righteousness, and truth. 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:18.359 In darkness, we knew only 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:19.579 exclusion and wrath. 00:23:20.859 --> 00:23:22.159 But in the light of Christ, 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.899 our reality is now adoption 00:23:23.899 --> 00:23:25.440 and grace. 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:31.899 We no longer have to try to 00:23:31.899 --> 00:23:32.599 please God. 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:35.799 We seek to please God in our 00:23:35.799 --> 00:23:37.579 light-bearing because of the 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:39.179 fact that we already have his 00:23:39.179 --> 00:23:40.059 everlasting favor. 00:23:40.980 --> 00:23:42.159 We don't have to earn it. 00:23:44.059 --> 00:23:46.200 Last point, number three. 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.599 Children of light expose 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:49.059 darkness. 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:55.099 Children of light expose 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:55.480 darkness. 00:23:56.440 --> 00:23:57.799 To what purpose? 00:23:59.200 --> 00:24:00.379 What's the point? 00:24:01.419 --> 00:24:03.579 Is it calling a spade a spade? 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:06.639 Policing the unbelieving 00:24:06.639 --> 00:24:07.079 world? 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:09.980 Condemning those who are 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:10.299 darkness? 00:24:10.299 --> 00:24:10.460 darkness? 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:13.220 No. 00:24:13.359 --> 00:24:14.500 Verse 13 and 14. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:15.099 Look with me there. 00:24:16.879 --> 00:24:17.359 He says, 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.859 But when anything is exposed 00:24:19.859 --> 00:24:21.619 by the light, it becomes 00:24:21.619 --> 00:24:22.059 visible. 00:24:22.879 --> 00:24:24.259 For anything that becomes 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:25.940 visible is light. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.180 Transformation. 00:24:29.159 --> 00:24:31.099 Darkness becomes light. 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.659 So in the beginning of verse 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:35.779 14, we're going from being 00:24:35.779 --> 00:24:38.720 exposed by the light to being 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:40.420 transformed by that light. 00:24:42.680 --> 00:24:43.620 I love this quote. 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:44.240 Listen to this. 00:24:46.360 --> 00:24:47.539 An object that is 00:24:47.539 --> 00:24:49.779 illumined not only becomes 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:52.500 visible, but may also take on 00:24:52.500 --> 00:24:53.100 luminosity. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:55.839 That is, it glows as if it were 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:57.039 the source of light itself. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:01.360 So the object becomes visible 00:25:01.360 --> 00:25:03.620 and then gives off light itself. 00:25:03.619 --> 00:25:06.500 Think of the moon. 00:25:07.739 --> 00:25:09.239 It's a source of light in the 00:25:09.239 --> 00:25:10.000 darkness of night. 00:25:10.500 --> 00:25:11.319 But is it a star? 00:25:12.479 --> 00:25:13.919 No, it's just a chunk of 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:14.539 gray rock. 00:25:15.919 --> 00:25:18.219 But it's the object of the 00:25:18.219 --> 00:25:18.799 sun's light. 00:25:19.899 --> 00:25:21.399 It's illumined by the sun, 00:25:21.539 --> 00:25:22.799 and the result is the 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:24.199 reflection of that light upon 00:25:24.199 --> 00:25:25.059 the earth at nighttime. 00:25:26.959 --> 00:25:28.179 And isn't that the case with 00:25:28.179 --> 00:25:28.459 us? 00:25:29.679 --> 00:25:30.719 Once darkened, 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:33.960 now reflecting the light of 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:34.940 the glory of Christ. 00:25:38.360 --> 00:25:39.400 Verse 14. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:42.120 Therefore it says, 00:25:42.660 --> 00:25:43.740 for this reason of 00:25:43.740 --> 00:25:45.920 transformation, it says, 00:25:46.640 --> 00:25:48.519 awake, O sleeper, and arise 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:51.200 from the dead, and Christ will 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:51.900 shine on you. 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:55.660 This isn't a direct quote from 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:57.960 anywhere in scripture, but 00:25:57.960 --> 00:26:00.039 listen to Isaiah 60, 1-3. 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:02.559 Isaiah 60, 1-3. 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.779 Isaiah writes, 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:08.759 Arise, shine, for your 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:10.839 light has come, and the 00:26:10.839 --> 00:26:11.980 glory of the Lord has risen 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.600 upon you. 00:26:12.980 --> 00:26:14.400 For behold, darkness shall 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:16.380 cover the earth, and thick 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:17.500 darkness the peoples. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:21.200 But the Lord will arise upon 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:23.680 you, and his glory will be 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.860 seen upon you, and the 00:26:24.860 --> 00:26:26.720 nations shall come to your 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:29.259 light, and kings to the 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.440 brightness of your rising. 00:26:32.920 --> 00:26:35.259 So, the glory of the Lord 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:36.599 has shown on you. 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.379 Once darkness, 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:40.240 now light. 00:26:41.379 --> 00:26:43.379 So arise, and shine 00:26:43.379 --> 00:26:46.200 yourselves, and the nations 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:47.339 will come to your light. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:50.339 The goal in exposing darkness 00:26:50.339 --> 00:26:51.859 is not condemning in nature, 00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.319 but evangelistic. 00:26:52.319 --> 00:26:56.659 Through our light bearing, God 00:26:56.659 --> 00:26:58.359 summons the dead to awaken, and 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.679 the ultimate light of Christ, of 00:26:59.679 --> 00:27:01.399 which we are a pale reflection, 00:27:02.439 --> 00:27:03.599 shines on them in the work of 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.059 salvation. 00:27:06.659 --> 00:27:09.839 Well, the cross-cultural missions 00:27:09.839 --> 00:27:12.639 component is obvious in Isaiah 60. 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:16.360 He says, nations shall come to your 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:16.640 light. 00:27:21.280 --> 00:27:22.600 How are you a light to the 00:27:22.600 --> 00:27:22.920 nations? 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:27.980 Is Christ's light compelling you to 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.700 seek the transformation of darkened 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.600 souls around the world? 00:27:33.060 --> 00:27:34.300 Maybe this means you talk to 00:27:34.300 --> 00:27:36.200 leadership here, and explore the 00:27:36.200 --> 00:27:37.280 process of entering the mission 00:27:37.280 --> 00:27:37.560 field. 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:42.200 If that's not you, then 00:27:42.200 --> 00:27:43.519 scripture would have you support 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:45.539 those who are ministering in other 00:27:45.539 --> 00:27:45.960 cultures. 00:27:46.679 --> 00:27:48.299 John Piper has famously said, 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:51.359 go, send, or disobey. 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:55.579 And although financial support is 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:57.019 certainly an important part of 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.579 sending, it's not the only part. 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:01.460 You also pray for missionaries. 00:28:02.539 --> 00:28:05.059 You get knowledgeable about 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:06.799 missionary work, and you excite your 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:08.180 fellow Christians about it, too. 00:28:10.399 --> 00:28:12.399 Several of you, actually, reached out 00:28:12.399 --> 00:28:13.799 to Christy and I this past year 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:15.700 during a time of crisis and family 00:28:15.700 --> 00:28:16.139 tragedy. 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.599 Several of you 00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:23.919 encouraged us, and you told us you 00:28:23.919 --> 00:28:24.720 were praying for us. 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:28.799 And that kind of stuff, by the grace 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:30.279 of God, kept us there, and it kept us 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:30.539 going. 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:38.019 And last, we can pray specifically for 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:42.639 unreached Muslims and Buddhists, Hindus 00:28:42.639 --> 00:28:45.960 and atheists around the world, that they 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:47.319 would find the light of Christ. 00:28:48.700 --> 00:28:51.339 To that end, I would recommend to 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:53.899 everyone here, if you don't already 00:28:53.899 --> 00:28:55.599 have it, get yourself a copy of the book 00:28:55.599 --> 00:28:58.220 Operation World by Jason Mandrick. 00:28:58.220 --> 00:29:00.940 Again, the book's called Operation 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.440 World by Jason Mandrick. 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.960 It's a great prayer resource. 00:29:06.400 --> 00:29:07.700 Learn about these unreached people 00:29:07.700 --> 00:29:09.559 groups around the world and pray for 00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:09.779 them. 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.920 The other component 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:17.680 of this verse I will call 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:19.680 same-culture evangelism. 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:22.779 So we've got cross-cultural missions, 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:26.580 and we've got same-culture evangelism. 00:29:27.940 --> 00:29:29.880 Now, same-culture evangelism involves 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:31.840 building relationships with the lost 00:29:31.840 --> 00:29:34.720 and serving the needy around us in our 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.200 own culture. 00:29:37.360 --> 00:29:39.160 It's not mere Christian kindness, 00:29:39.820 --> 00:29:42.480 but the vehicle through which God 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:44.660 transforms darkened hearts. 00:29:44.660 --> 00:29:45.660 evangelism. 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:46.660 It's not mere Christian 00:29:46.660 --> 00:29:47.660 evangelism. 00:29:47.660 --> 00:29:48.660 It's not mere Christian 00:29:48.660 --> 00:29:49.660 evangelism. 00:29:49.660 --> 00:29:53.900 Evangelism cannot exclude bold proclamation 00:29:53.900 --> 00:29:58.660 of truth, but it also must include 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:03.740 the good works, kindness, and righteous living 00:30:03.740 --> 00:30:04.860 that we're called to walk in. 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:10.740 Before I close in prayer, I want us to 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:11.840 take a moment to reflect. 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:18.699 Paul wrote specifically to Christians, 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:21.939 to genuine believers, children of light, 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:25.699 and so he speaks to us now as if we are. 00:30:27.459 --> 00:30:31.539 But we must acknowledge that unbelievers, too, 00:30:31.619 --> 00:30:33.720 can read scripture and come to church 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:35.019 and listen to sermons. 00:30:38.639 --> 00:30:41.699 So we must ask ourselves the question, 00:30:41.839 --> 00:30:45.159 Am I a child of light 00:30:45.159 --> 00:30:48.379 or a son of disobedience? 00:30:50.119 --> 00:30:51.899 If a son of disobedience, 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:53.699 then repent. 00:30:54.659 --> 00:30:55.759 Darkness is your present, 00:30:55.879 --> 00:30:57.099 but it need not be your future. 00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:01.199 Consider this message, the light of Christ, 00:31:01.399 --> 00:31:02.139 shining on you. 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:04.139 It's proof that he loves you. 00:31:05.220 --> 00:31:07.139 Don't retreat further into darkness, 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:09.240 but be transformed by the message 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.959 of the gospel. 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:14.200 And rejoice in the presence of Christ 00:31:14.200 --> 00:31:14.840 and his holiness. 00:31:20.120 --> 00:31:21.640 If a child of the light, 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:25.920 are you flirting with darkness, 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.940 testing what's permissible? 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:32.400 You're looking at it all wrong. 00:31:32.740 --> 00:31:33.539 You need to repent. 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:36.299 We shouldn't be thinking, 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:38.599 which jokes can I get away with? 00:31:39.279 --> 00:31:43.159 Or is it okay to say this thought or that phrase? 00:31:44.420 --> 00:31:47.659 If your speech isn't expressing thanksgiving, 00:31:47.859 --> 00:31:49.779 it's wasted speech. 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:52.619 And Paul says it's foolish talk. 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:58.139 Thanksgiving speech is light-bearing speech. 00:31:58.140 --> 00:32:04.420 It's the only speech that's consistent with our identity. 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:06.240 Richly blessed, 00:32:07.300 --> 00:32:08.980 adopted children of God, 00:32:09.980 --> 00:32:10.800 children of light. 00:32:12.560 --> 00:32:13.640 And finally, 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:17.000 have no association 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:20.180 with the sins of those who are darkness, 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:22.120 but by all means, 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:23.940 associate with those who are darkness. 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.700 Jesus certainly did. 00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:28.600 You could accurately categorize his life 00:32:28.600 --> 00:32:30.440 as a walking association with sinners. 00:32:32.620 --> 00:32:34.740 Associate with sinners. 00:32:36.299 --> 00:32:36.920 And patiently, 00:32:38.400 --> 00:32:38.720 gently, 00:32:40.279 --> 00:32:40.940 lovingly, 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:42.519 boldly, 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.380 shine. 00:32:44.380 --> 00:32:48.080 The light doesn't condemn. 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:52.040 God miraculously works through it, 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:54.400 his light and our reflecting light, 00:32:54.880 --> 00:32:56.940 to transform darkened hearts. 00:32:58.940 --> 00:32:59.740 Let's pray. 00:33:10.680 --> 00:33:11.200 Father, 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:11.540 I 00:33:11.540 --> 00:33:14.180 thank you for your word. 00:33:14.380 --> 00:33:17.180 I 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:17.720 thank you 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.760 for 00:33:18.760 --> 00:33:20.340 the forgiveness 00:33:20.340 --> 00:33:21.940 that we have 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:24.320 in Christ. 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:26.200 And I thank you 00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:26.920 even more 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:29.100 that we are not just forgiven, 00:33:29.300 --> 00:33:30.480 but we have been adopted 00:33:30.480 --> 00:33:32.020 and made your children. 00:33:34.400 --> 00:33:35.420 I thank you that 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:36.920 our identity is no longer 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:38.360 associated with 00:33:38.360 --> 00:33:40.580 our own sin and depravity, 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:42.480 but it is associated with you 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.560 and your holiness. 00:33:44.380 --> 00:33:46.260 Lord, 00:33:46.300 --> 00:33:47.200 I pray that we would be 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:48.820 faithful children 00:33:48.820 --> 00:33:51.200 who honor their father. 00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:52.980 Lord, 00:33:53.060 --> 00:33:53.600 make us 00:33:53.600 --> 00:33:56.220 children who 00:33:56.220 --> 00:33:58.680 walk as we ought to walk, 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:00.880 who speak 00:34:00.880 --> 00:34:02.720 as we ought to speak, 00:34:02.720 --> 00:34:05.020 not out of fear 00:34:05.020 --> 00:34:06.340 that you might crush us, 00:34:07.340 --> 00:34:08.860 but out of love 00:34:08.860 --> 00:34:09.800 because you never will. 00:34:09.880 --> 00:34:11.059 You crushed your son instead. 00:34:11.059 --> 00:34:12.299 You made us your children 00:34:12.299 --> 00:34:13.840 and you love us 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:14.980 and our identity is secure 00:34:14.980 --> 00:34:15.799 and nothing 00:34:15.799 --> 00:34:17.480 can take away 00:34:17.480 --> 00:34:18.340 your love from us. 00:34:20.320 --> 00:34:20.739 Lord, 00:34:20.779 --> 00:34:22.340 let us walk in confidence 00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:24.579 because of that truth 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:26.159 and let us faithfully 00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:27.059 meditate on it 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:27.820 every day. 00:34:27.820 --> 00:34:29.480 amen. 00:34:29.480 --> 00:34:29.780 It's in your name 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:30.140 I pray. 00:34:30.559 --> 00:34:30.740 Amen. 00:34:30.740 --> 00:34:30.800 Amen. 00:34:30.800 --> 00:35:00.780 Thank you.