WALKING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT

WALKING AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:8-10

Key Verse: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” — Ephesians 5:8 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12; Romans 13:12-14; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:14-15; 1 John 1:5-7.

Description: This message teaches believers how to live daily as people transformed by Christ, demonstrating His light through holiness, righteousness, truth, and godly character.

INTRODUCTION

Light is one of the Bible's most powerful pictures of God's presence, truth, holiness, and life. Darkness, on the other hand, often represents sin, ignorance, deception, and separation from God. When Paul writes to the Ephesian believers, he reminds them that they were once darkness, but now they are light in the Lord. This is not merely a change in religious identity; it is a transformation of their spiritual condition through Jesus Christ.

Paul's instruction, “walk as children of light,” shows that salvation must affect the way we live. A person who has received Christ is called to demonstrate a new lifestyle that reflects the character of God. Our thoughts, conversations, relationships, decisions, and private conduct should increasingly agree with the truth of Scripture. We are not saved by our good works, but God's saving grace produces a life that desires to please Him.

Walking as children of light is especially important in a world where ungodly values are often celebrated and biblical convictions are sometimes rejected. God has not called us to blend into the darkness but to shine for Christ. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can live differently, influence others positively, and demonstrate that the light of Jesus still transforms lives today.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST

Paul begins by reminding believers of their former condition and their present identity. They were once darkness, but now they are light in the Lord. The change happened because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Their past no longer had to determine their future, because God had given them new life.

Understanding this identity is essential to Christian living. When believers forget who they are in Christ, they may return to old habits or accept the world's definition of success and happiness. But when we understand that we belong to Jesus, we can make choices that honour our new identity.

a) You Have Been Delivered From Darkness (Colossians 1:13)

The Bible declares that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Salvation is a spiritual transfer from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of Christ.

Although believers may still face temptation, they no longer need to live as slaves to sin. Jesus has provided forgiveness, freedom, and the power to begin a new life. We must therefore stop treating our former sinful lifestyle as though it still has authority over us.

Practical Application: Reject every habit that contradicts your new life in Christ, and depend on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome temptation.

b) You Are Light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8)

Paul does not say that believers are light because of their natural goodness or personal achievements. He says that they are light “in the Lord.” Our light comes from our relationship with Jesus, who is the Light of the world.

This means that we must remain connected to Christ if we want our lives to reflect His character. Just as a lamp depends on its source of power, our spiritual lives depend on fellowship with the Lord.

Practical Application: Maintain a daily relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and obedience.

c) You Are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature. This newness begins in our relationship with God and progressively affects our character and behaviour. We may still need to overcome certain habits, but we are no longer without hope or divine help.

The enemy may remind you of your past failures, but your past does not have to define your present identity. In Christ, you can grow, change, and live in a way that honours God.

Practical Application: Do not allow past mistakes to control your future. Receive God's forgiveness and take practical steps towards a transformed life.

d) You Are Called to Represent Christ (1 Peter 2:9)

Peter explains that God has called believers out of darkness into His marvellous light so that they may show forth His praises. Our new identity comes with a responsibility: to reveal God's goodness through our conduct and testimony.

People may not read the Bible, but they observe the lives of Christians. Our conduct should help others understand the love, holiness, and truth of the God we serve.

Practical Application: Let your behaviour at home, at work, in church, and in public reflect the character of Jesus.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-22)

Paul, formerly known as Saul, persecuted the followers of Jesus. After encountering Christ on the road to Damascus, his life and mission changed. The man who once opposed the Gospel became one of its boldest preachers. His story shows that when Christ transforms a person, that person can become a powerful witness to His light.

2. WALK IN HOLINESS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

Walking as children of light requires a life that agrees with God's holy nature. Holiness means being set apart for God and refusing to make peace with sin. Righteousness involves living according to God's standards in our thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions.

Holiness is not merely an outward appearance. A person may appear religious while harbouring pride, dishonesty, bitterness, or immorality in the heart. God desires inward purity that produces outward obedience. Through the grace of Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit, believers can grow in godliness.

a) Reject the Works of Darkness (Romans 13:12)

Paul urges believers to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. This instruction requires decisive action. We cannot continue to protect sinful practices while claiming to desire a life of holiness.

Some works of darkness are obvious, such as immorality, drunkenness, and dishonesty. Others may be less visible, including envy, secret resentment, pride, and a desire to harm others. Whatever dishonours God must be brought under the authority of His Word.

Practical Application: Identify one area of conduct that needs correction, and take a definite step to turn away from it.

b) Keep Your Heart Pure (Matthew 5:8)

Jesus said that the pure in heart are blessed because they shall see God. Purity begins within. What we entertain in our thoughts can eventually influence our actions, so believers must guard their inner lives.

A pure heart does not mean a person has never faced temptation. It means that the person sincerely desires to please God and refuses to nurture sinful desires. When wrong thoughts arise, we must reject them and turn our attention to what honours the Lord.

Practical Application: Guard your thoughts, reject impure imaginations, and meditate on what is true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.

c) Practise Righteousness in Daily Life (1 John 3:7)

The Christian life must demonstrate a growing commitment to what is right. Righteousness should be visible in our business dealings, family relationships, leadership, finances, and treatment of others.

A believer cannot justify cheating, lying, exploitation, or corruption simply because such practices are common in society. Our standard is God's Word, not the behaviour of the people around us.

Practical Application: Be honest in every transaction, fulfil your responsibilities, and treat people fairly even when nobody is watching.

d) Depend on the Holy Spirit for Holy Living (Galatians 5:16)

Paul commands believers to walk in the Spirit so that they will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. God has not left us to fight temptation through human determination alone. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to resist sin and cultivate godly character.

Walking in the Spirit involves listening to God's Word, responding to His conviction, and choosing obedience when temptation arises. Spiritual growth requires daily dependence on Him.

Practical Application: Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide your choices and strengthen you to resist temptation.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:7-12)

Joseph was tempted to commit sexual immorality with Potiphar's wife, but he refused. He understood that sin would be wickedness against God. Even when obedience placed him at a disadvantage, he chose righteousness. His example teaches us that children of light must remain faithful to God even when nobody is likely to applaud their decisions.

3. WALK IN TRUTH AND INTEGRITY

Light exposes what is hidden and makes things clear. In the same way, children of light must be people of truth and integrity. Our words should be trustworthy, our promises should matter, and our actions should agree with our professed faith.

Integrity is especially important in a time when deception can be excused as cleverness and dishonesty can be defended as a means of survival. Christians must demonstrate that truth is still valuable and that obedience to God is worth more than temporary advantage.

a) Speak the Truth at All Times (Ephesians 4:25)

Paul commands believers to put away lying and speak the truth with one another. Truthfulness builds trust, protects relationships, and reflects the character of God.

Lying can appear convenient when we want to escape responsibility or gain an advantage. However, falsehood eventually damages credibility and can create further problems. Children of light should be known for honesty, even when telling the truth is uncomfortable.

Practical Application: Speak honestly, avoid exaggeration, and correct any false impression you have deliberately created.

b) Keep Your Promises (Psalm 15:1-4)

Psalm 15 describes the character of someone who may dwell in God's holy presence. Among the qualities mentioned is keeping one's word even when doing so is costly.

A promise should not be treated as an empty statement. When we make commitments carelessly and fail to fulfil them, we damage trust. If circumstances genuinely prevent us from keeping a commitment, integrity requires honest communication rather than excuses or concealment.

Practical Application: Make promises carefully, honour your commitments, and communicate honestly when circumstances change.

c) Reject Dishonest Gain (Proverbs 11:1)

The Bible condemns dishonest scales because God delights in fairness and integrity. This principle applies to business, employment, ministry, and every area where people handle money or exercise authority.

A Christian should not exploit another person's ignorance, manipulate accounts, or take what does not belong to him. Financial success obtained through dishonesty cannot be considered a testimony of godliness.

Practical Application: Conduct your business and financial affairs honestly, and refuse profit that requires you to compromise your convictions.

d) Let Your Yes Be Yes (Matthew 5:37)

Jesus taught that our communication should be straightforward and dependable. A person whose words are consistently trustworthy does not need elaborate excuses to prove sincerity.

Children of light should avoid making statements merely to impress people or escape difficult conversations. We should speak carefully, accept responsibility for our words, and let our conduct support what we say.

Practical Application: Think before you speak, avoid careless assurances, and let your actions confirm your words.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:3-5)

Daniel served in a position of responsibility under a foreign government. His opponents searched for grounds to accuse him but could find no corruption or negligence in his work. They eventually targeted his faith because they could not establish a legitimate charge against his integrity. Daniel demonstrates that a life of truth and faithfulness can stand firm even under hostile scrutiny.

4. PRODUCE THE FRUIT OF LIGHT

Ephesians 5:9 explains that the fruit of the Spirit, or the fruit associated with walking in the light in this passage, is found in goodness, righteousness, and truth. The genuineness of our walk with God is demonstrated not only by what we avoid but also by the good character we develop.

A tree is recognised by its fruit, and a Christian's life should reveal the influence of Christ. Our words, attitudes, relationships, and decisions should increasingly reflect the goodness of God. This fruit develops as we remain close to Christ and obey the Holy Spirit.

a) Produce the Fruit of Goodness (Galatians 6:10)

Goodness involves doing what is beneficial and right. It includes kindness, generosity, compassion, and a willingness to help others. Children of light should not live only for themselves; they should seek opportunities to bless people.

Goodness is especially meaningful when it is shown to those who cannot repay us. Helping the needy, encouraging the discouraged, and supporting those in difficulty can reveal the practical love of Christ.

Practical Application: Look for someone you can encourage, assist, or bless this week without expecting anything in return.

b) Practise Righteousness (Philippians 1:11)

Righteousness is not merely a religious appearance. It is a life that increasingly agrees with God's standards. The believer must seek to do what is right in public and in private.

This requires consistency. We should not behave like Christians in church and abandon our convictions elsewhere. God desires a life in which worship, work, family responsibilities, and personal conduct are all submitted to Him.

Practical Application: Examine your conduct in private and public, and correct anything that contradicts your Christian confession.

c) Walk in Truth (3 John 1:4)

John rejoiced when he heard that believers were walking in truth. Truth must become a way of life, influencing our decisions and relationships. It is not enough to know biblical statements; we must put God's truth into practice.

Walking in truth also means remaining teachable. When Scripture corrects our assumptions or exposes our errors, we must be willing to change rather than defend our mistakes.

Practical Application: Study God's Word with an open heart and apply what it teaches, even when it challenges your preferences.

d) Grow in Love and Compassion (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Children of light are called to imitate God and walk in love, following the example of Christ's sacrificial love. Holiness without love can become harshness, while love without truth can become compromise. God calls us to demonstrate both.

Our light shines when we forgive, show patience, care for the vulnerable, and treat others with dignity. Such conduct makes the Gospel visible in practical ways.

Practical Application: Forgive someone who has offended you, show patience to a difficult person, and choose compassion over revenge.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

The Good Samaritan saw a wounded man and responded with practical compassion. Unlike those who passed by, he gave his time, resources, and attention to someone in need. Jesus used this account to teach that love must be demonstrated through action. Children of light should likewise make goodness visible in their everyday relationships.

5. SHINE YOUR LIGHT BEFORE THE WORLD

God has not brought us into His light so that we can keep the blessing to ourselves. He calls us to shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. The Church must be a visible witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Shining does not mean drawing attention to ourselves. It means allowing the character and message of Christ to be seen through our lives. We shine when we share the Gospel, remain faithful under pressure, serve others with humility, and refuse to compromise our convictions.

a) Let Your Life Be a Witness (Matthew 5:16)

Jesus calls His followers to let their light shine before people. Our lives should give others a reason to recognise the goodness of God. A genuine Christian testimony involves both words and conduct.

When people see honesty in a dishonest environment, forgiveness where revenge is expected, and kindness where selfishness is common, they can begin to understand the transforming influence of Christ.

Practical Application: Let your behaviour support your testimony. Be a faithful witness through your speech, work, relationships, and service.

b) Share the Gospel Boldly (Romans 1:16)

Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation. The message of Jesus remains God's means of calling people to repentance and faith.

We should not allow fear, embarrassment, or the possibility of rejection to silence our witness. We can share the Gospel respectfully, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who hear.

Practical Application: Take an opportunity to tell someone what Jesus has done for you and explain how that person can receive salvation.

c) Stand Firm When You Face Opposition (Philippians 2:15)

Paul calls believers to live blamelessly and harmlessly in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, shining as lights in the world. Faithfulness may sometimes attract criticism, but opposition should not cause us to abandon God's truth.

Standing firm does not mean becoming argumentative or disrespectful. It means maintaining biblical convictions with courage, humility, and love.

Practical Application: When pressured to compromise, remain respectful but refuse to disobey God's Word.

d) Influence Your Generation for God (Esther 4:14)

Esther was placed in a position where her courage could help preserve her people. Her story reminds us that God can use people in different positions and circumstances to accomplish His purposes.

You do not need to occupy a pulpit to shine for Christ. God can use you as a parent, student, businessperson, civil servant, professional, or community leader. Wherever He has placed you, your life can become an instrument of His goodness.

Practical Application: Identify the people and responsibilities God has placed around you, and use your influence to promote truth, justice, compassion, and godliness.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 11:19-26)

Believers who were scattered because of persecution carried the Gospel to new places. In Antioch, many people heard the message and turned to the Lord. The disciples' lives and witness became so distinctive that they were first called Christians there. Their example demonstrates how faithful believers can influence an entire community through the Gospel.

CONCLUSION

Walking as children of light begins with receiving the new life Christ offers. Those who belong to Jesus are no longer defined by the darkness of their past. They have been called into a new relationship with God and given the responsibility to reflect His character. This new identity should be visible in holiness, truthfulness, integrity, goodness, and love. We do not earn salvation by these qualities; rather, they are the fruit of a life transformed by God's grace.

Today, make a fresh commitment to walk in the light. Reject the works of darkness, depend on the Holy Spirit, practise righteousness, and let your life become a testimony of Christ's power. Do not hide your light because of fear or pressure. Let your family, church, workplace, and community see the difference Jesus makes. May the Lord strengthen you to shine faithfully until the day you stand in His glorious presence.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me walk as a child of light, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every work of darkness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, make my heart pure before You, in Jesus name.

4. Holy Spirit, produce godly character in me, in Jesus name.

5. Lord, make my words truthful and trustworthy, in Jesus name.

6. Father, give me grace to live in righteousness, in Jesus name.

7. Lord, let my life shine for Jesus, in Jesus name.

8. Father, give me boldness to share the Gospel, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, help me stand firm when I face opposition, in Jesus name.

10. Father, make me a faithful witness to my generation, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the light of Christ every day.

2. You shall not return to the darkness of your past.

3. Your life shall produce the fruit of righteousness.

4. You shall grow in holiness, goodness, and truth.

5. Your words and actions shall honour God.

6. Your light shall shine in your family and community.

7. You shall overcome every pressure to compromise.

8. You shall lead others to the saving knowledge of Christ.

9. Your character shall bring glory to God.

10. You shall finish your race faithfully in the light of Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.