Lesson 70 September 28,2003
There was a philosophy that had its roots in the first century, that would become quite influential from the 2nd century on that held that such practices as Paul has condemned here were totally irrelevant to one's spiritual life.
This system is gnosticism.
Another prominent problem of the day, another teaching that amounted to empty, vain words having no substance was the idea that now that we're Christians we're free from the law and therefore free to sin without consequences!
Any teaching or philosophy that promotes in any way a permissiveness in these areas of sin is deceiving those who buy into it and setting them up for God's wrath;
which Paul says "comes upon the sons of disobedience."
5:7 We have a conclusion!
"Therefore do not be partakers with them;"
- "partakers"
summe,tocoj joint relationship with, a partner with;
- Paul is saying to fellowship with those who are practicing the old life of disobedience is to participate in their sins and the punishment connected with it.
5:8-10 Here is the reason for not being partners with them!
- Here in this context Paul introduces us to two new metaphors to convey the contrast between what we were and what we now are!
First emphasis is on the positional aspect:
* Here he is not saying that as an unbeliever that they lived in darkness, although there is a sense that they did; but that they were darkness!
* Conversely as a believer they do not live in light; they are light!
- Darkness really is descriptive of who we were in Adam!
Secondly, the Obligation (the experiential): "walk as children of light" [pres imp]
** Point is Let your position in Christ overflow into your practice; Become imitators of God as beloved children! 5:1
Observations on Light and Darkness
1. Just how dark is the world, the country, the city, the family that the light of God's word has not illuminated?
2. What were we before we responded to the gospel? were Darkness?
Eph 5:8; "but now" contrasts our present state.
3. Light represents absolute perfection, darkness represents everything that has been tainted by sin. Light represents the absolute righteousness of God.
4. Therefore Light and darkness are absolutes. You are either light or darkness and you either walk in light or walk in darkness. You can't be walking with one foot in both. Why not? " What fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Cor. 6:14.
5. Implications of darkness: being in a state of darkness:
a. You are unable to see the reality of what surrounds you! not able to comprehend spiritual reality at all.
b. Any movement within a sphere of darkness is uncertain, ability is impaired, or may cause one to stumble.
c. When in darkness one who is familiar with the surroundings has the potential of manipulating you. (Satan and false teachers)
- reason for the warning not to be deceived by empty words.
d. The only sure way of conquering darkness is to have a source of light.
6. The only source of light for the spiritual darkness of the world is Jesus Christ. John 8:12; 1:4-5;