Do you truly believe that Jesus’ death changes the way God sees you? Then you must also change the way you see yourself. No longer think of yourself as a child of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6) or a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). View yourself as a dearly loved child of God (Ephesians 5:1). Since “God is light” His sons and daughters are “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).13 This passage, therefore, addresses you:
… for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light … (Ephesians 5:8). M
You see yourself as God sees you, and now you live that way.14 Your life’s walk now has a new direction: pleasing the Lord.15 Your life enjoys new fruit: goodness, righteousness and truth.16 While you enjoy a truly righteous status in heaven, your life on earth shines with the result. This product or “fruit of the light” is so practical that human eyes can see it.17 They can respond to it, and even follow its example.
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 (Matthew 5:16). M
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity…. Practice these things,18 immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress (1 Timothy 4:12,15).
13. Sons of light: Luke 16:8; John 12:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:5
14. “Live” in Ephesians 5:8 is more literally “walk.” It refers to life’s ongoing activity, behavior and conduct.
15. Ephesians 5:8 cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9 See The Listening Family (Part 2), Renewed In Thinking, Note 3.
16. Research Subject – Christian fruit: Ephesians 5:8; Colossians 1:10; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:11; Romans 7:4; John 15:2-8,16; Matthew 3:8; 7:17,20; 12:33; 21:19,43; Luke 3:8; 6:44; 8:15; James 3:17
17. 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Timothy 5:25
18. In this context, “these things” refer to Timothy’s life of example and his duties as an evangelist.
Picture: Carvings of the Jewish “Menorah” (seven-branched lampstand) found in ancient Corinth remind us that Jesus called His congregations “lampstands” and His people “light.”