Children of the Light
Introduction
There’s a big difference between living in the dark and living like the light. This week in our Thrive Together series, we stepped into Ephesians 5:6–14 with a clear reminder. We used to be darkness. But through Christ, now we’re light. So live like it.
It’s not just about morality. It’s about identity. And the question we’re left to wrestle with is this. Are you still making excuses? Or are you finally ready to light up the world around you?
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. Wake Up. Eph 5:6-8
· If you stay asleep, you’re going to miss out on all that God wants for your life.
II. Rise Up. Eph 5:9-11
· God has a way of taking your faithfulness, as messy and imperfect as it may be, and creating something beautiful and world-changing out of it.
III. Light Up. Eph 5:12-14
· To light up means to shine so brightly in your faith that others can’t help but notice.
Study Questions
1. What thing or routine do you need every morning that helps you wake up? Are you a morning person or not?
2. In Ephesians 5:6-8, Paul warns about being deceived and reminds us that we were once in darkness but are now in the light. What ways do people get deceived by darkness? How can we create routines to help us stay “awake” and in the light?
3. Reread Ephesians 5:9. Paul calls these things the “fruit of the light.” How have you seen these qualities demonstrated by others in your life? What makes it challenging to keep these things as a conscious way of living?
4. In Ephesians 5:10, Paul says to “test what is pleasing to the Lord.” How does this free us from the false idea that we have to be perfect? Read Philippians 3:12-15. How do these passages relate to each other?
5. Last week, Pastor Keven said, “God has a way of taking your faithfulness, as messy and imperfect as it may be, and creating something beautiful and world-changing out of it.” How does this impact the way you think about being ready or qualified to be obedient? How can this serve as motivation and encouragement to do something bold for God?
6. Verses 11-12 say that we are to have nothing to do with darkness but to expose it to the light. What does it look like to “shine” in a way that brings hope and not judgement or criticism? How can we enter dark areas with our light without being tempted to return to the darkness?
7. CALL TO ACTION: Memorize Ephesians 5:8. Ask God to show you one way you can “wake up,” “rise up,” or “light up” for him. Share your plans with a friend or small group for encouragement and accountability to make it happen.