Book Study · Week 5 of 6

Out of the Dark

Ephesians 4:17-5:21

Living as children of light

Main Point

You're not who you used to be — so stop living like it. Put on the new self and walk in the light.

Application Ideas

What 'old self' behavior are you still wearing? Identify one thing to put off and one thing to put on this week.

Discussion Questions

What does 'putting off the old self' look like practically? How does Paul connect being 'filled with the Spirit' to everyday life?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Ephesians 4:17-5:21

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 14:12; Psalm 26:8; Isaiah 60:1-3

Big Idea: Reject the darkness of worldly patterns and walk in the light of Christ, letting His influence transform your choices.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

Paul shifts into practical ethics: 'So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.'

The ancient world had patterns of thinking and living that led nowhere spiritually. Paul challenges believers not to be conformed to these patterns but to be transformed.

The main point: Walk out of spiritual darkness by rejecting worldly patterns and embracing the light of Christ in every area of life.

I. Out of Darkness (Ephesians 4:17-32; Proverbs 14:12)

'Their minds are darkened, and they are separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.'

The world's patterns are rooted in spiritual blindness. Not just mistakes, but fundamental orientation away from God.
Paul catalogs the outcomes: 'Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.'
'Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.' Truth replaces deception. Community replaces isolation.
Proverbs 14:12 warns: 'There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.' The world's way feels right but leads nowhere.

Coming out of darkness means rejecting the patterns that once defined you: anger, malice, theft, deception, greed.

II. Into the Light (Ephesians 5:1-14; Isaiah 60:1-3)

'Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.'

You're called to imitate God. Not in your power or knowledge, but in your love. Christ's self-giving love becomes the standard.
'But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed... Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.'
'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light... the light makes everything visible.' Walking in light means transparency, honesty, clarity.
Isaiah 60:1-3 proclaims: 'Arise, shine, for your light has come... See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light.'

You're not meant to blend into the darkness. You're meant to shine. Your transformed life becomes a witness.

III. Filled With the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21; Psalm 26:8)

'Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.'

Living carefully means being intentional. Not drifting. Not following impulse. Evaluating choices in light of God's purpose.
'Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.'
Being filled with the Spirit means yielding control to God's direction. It means your actions flow from His influence, not your impulses or culture's pressures.
'Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Psalm 26:8 states: 'Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.' Walking in light is about loving where God's presence is and making space for that in your life.

Conclusion & Appeal

The world offers patterns that feel right but lead to death. Christ offers transformation into light, truth, and love.

Where are you still conforming to worldly patterns? Where are you still walking in darkness even though you claim to be in the light?

The invitation: Step fully into the light. Make intentional choices about what you allow into your mind. Reject the patterns that oppose God. Be filled with the Spirit. Walk as a child of light, and let your transformed life shine as a witness to the world.