In this passage, Paul describes the themes of light and darkness by contrasting the works of darkness and the fruit of the Spirit. In Eph 5:8 he writes, “For you were once darkness.” Paul does not say that Christians are walking in darkness. Rather he uses the term “once.” What did he mean by that terminology? Just as he reminded the church at Corinth that before they became Christians they were involved in many ungodly actions, he tells us here I that we are “light in the world.” We must live out our lives glorifying God and reflecting that we are children of light.
The next few articles will reflect the contrasts that Paul is trying to make. Note: we may break down each of these sections also.
- Exalt God, not idols (Eph. 5:3-6)
- Exhibit the Fruit of the Light (Eph. 5:7-10)
- Expose the Darkness Eph. 5:11-14)
-Larry Miles, Lipscomb University, June 26, 2019
