Ephesians 5:8-11

Walking As Children of Light

The Ephesian brethren had been involved in the wicked ways of darkness before they obeyed the truth. In Christ, they were light because sin had been put away. So, Paul admonished them to live like the children of light they had become (5:8; Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6). Light is a necessary ingredient of plant growth and fruit bearing. It is also important for a Christian to stay in the light so he can bear the fruits of goodness, righteousness and truth (5:9).

Walking in the light will cause a Christian to be living proof of what is "well-pleasing" (A.S.V.) to the Lord. Such proof will result from careful prayer, study of God's word and the transformation of mind that comes from such (5:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 12:1 -). Nothing good, in the spiritual realm, is grown in darkness, thus no good fruit is produced there. Those in Christ cannot be in partnership, or have anything in common, with such works but must expose them (John 16:8-11). This can be done through preaching and living as God would have one live (5:11; 2 Timothy 4:15; 1 Peter 2:11-12).