“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” – Ephesians 5:8–14 (ESV)
💡 From Darkness to Light
Paul doesn’t say we were in darkness—he says we were darkness. It was our identity. We weren’t just surrounded by sin; we were spiritually dead and morally blind. But now, through Christ, we are not just walking in light—we are light in the Lord.
This is an identity shift. You’re not the same person. You’re not who you used to be. Paul says, “Walk as children of light.” In other words, let your conduct reflect your new character.
🌿 The Fruit of the Light
Paul tells us what light looks like in practice: “All that is good and right and true.”
- Good – actions that are morally beautiful, helpful, and healing
- Right – choices that align with God’s justice and standards
- True – thoughts and words rooted in reality, not deception
The light doesn’t just expose—it produces fruit. True Christianity bears visible, practical evidence in the way we live.
🔍 Discern What Pleases the Lord
Paul gives a call that takes intentionality: “Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” The Greek word for “discern” implies testing, examining, and proving.
We aren’t just called to avoid sin—we’re called to actively pursue what brings joy to our Savior. “Is this pleasing to God?” should become one of our most frequent prayers.
🚫 Expose, Don’t Embrace the Darkness
Paul issues a warning: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
Darkness produces nothing of lasting value. Its “fruit” is shame and destruction. We must not partner with it—entertain it, laugh at it, or indulge in it. Instead, we are called to bring it into the light.
This doesn’t mean public humiliation or self-righteousness—it means living such a holy, humble life that the contrast with darkness is unmistakable. Light doesn’t fight darkness—it reveals it.
🤐 Some Things Shouldn’t Be Glorified
“It is shameful even to speak of the things they do in secret.” Paul reminds us that some acts of evil are so destructive they shouldn’t be normalized through conversation or entertainment.
In our culture, darkness is often disguised as art, comedy, or authenticity. But Paul urges caution. Some things don’t need more discussion—they need divine exposure and repentance.
☀️ Light Makes Everything Visible
“When anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” Light reveals. It uncovers what is hidden. And when truth breaks into darkness, transformation can begin.
Then Paul adds: “Anything that becomes visible is light.” When something is brought into the light and transformed by Christ, it begins to shine with His glory. That’s redemption at work.
⏰ “Awake, O Sleeper!”
Paul ends this section with a stirring call, likely quoting an early Christian hymn or poem: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
This is both evangelistic and pastoral. Some need to wake up to salvation. Others need to wake up from spiritual slumber. Either way, the solution is the same: Christ’s light shining on a heart ready to rise.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. You Are Light—Live Like It
You don’t need to create your own glow. If you’re in Christ, you are already light. Just reflect what you’ve received. Let your life shine in a dark world.
2. Holiness Is Fruitful
Living in the light isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about bearing fruit. The more you walk with Jesus, the more goodness, righteousness, and truth will flow from your life.
3. You Can’t Shine and Sleep
Spiritual drowsiness kills spiritual effectiveness. If your light is dim, it may be time to wake up. Let Christ shine on your heart again and renew your walk with Him.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 💡 Is there any area of darkness I’m still partnering with instead of exposing?
- 🍇 What fruit of the light (goodness, righteousness, truth) is most evident in my life?
- ⏰ Where might I be spiritually asleep—and how is Christ calling me to rise?
🛐 Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Help me walk as a child of the light—bearing fruit, exposing evil by truth, and seeking what pleases You. Wake me up, Lord. Let Christ shine on me and through me, so others may see Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 5:15–21 — How Do Wise Christians Live in a Foolish World?
In our next study, Paul urges believers to walk wisely, redeem their time, avoid drunkenness, and be filled with the Spirit. We’ll explore how spiritual wisdom transforms our daily life.
