CHILDREN OF LIGHT

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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Jesus Christ taught that his disciples are something special. In fact, Jesus taught that those who wore his name were the light of the world, like a shining city on a hill that cuts through the darkness. To be a follower of Jesus is to become someone special. 

The more that we know about our true identity as those who are children of God thanks to the work of Jesus Christ, the more that we should desire to live our lives in keeping with this truth. According to Jesus, we are the representatives of his light, his glory, and his grace. As such, we have a special calling to move past the darkness of the past and instead live as a child of light.

This is the point made in the following passage: 

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater —has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

(Ephesians 5:3-8 NIV11)

Not a hint

As those who are included in the saving work of Jesus Christ, we are called to live this life in keeping with the heart and character of the Lord. We find expressions of our Creator’s nature, will, and character in his commands, teachings, and examples. 

If we desire to live as those who have truly been made new in Christ, then we should see the wisdom in the challenge to rid ourselves of even a hint of that which brings dishonor and shame to the name of the Lord. 

No inheritance

What does it mean for us to be warned that those who willfully ignore the call of God to pursue their true nature as children of God will not be included in the gift of God’s kingdom?

Does this mean that any person who struggles with sexual immorality, greed, or even course joking is somehow then excluded from the gift of salvation based on their status as sinners? If so, then this teaching would fly in the face of the cross of Christ where our sins were forgiven by the broken body and spilled blood of Jesus. 

Idolater

Let me point you back to the conclusion drawn in verse 5. Such a disobedient person is characterized as an idolater, meaning that they are not in relationship with Jesus Christ because they are busy worshiping another god. 

So to the nervous Christian who wonders what all of this means let me ask, are you an idolater? Are you knowingly worshiping anything or anyone other than the biblical God as expressed in the work and person of God the Son, Jesus Christ?

If yes, then now is the time to confess your faith in Christ, turn from your old ways, and submit your heart and eternal future to the Lord of Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Struggling

If you are not worshiping false gods, but merely struggling with the temptations, habits, and patterns of the old self, then let me remind you of the conclusion of this message as heard in verse eight, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

You and I were once addicted to darkness, slaves to sin, enemies of God, and self-worshiping rebels. That is what we were before we submitted our lives to Christ. Now, we are no longer children of darkness, but children of light. 

Let me encourage you to let go of your old habits and old ways. They are not part of your new self, and new identity in Christ. 

Today

Today, as you face down your old addictions and patterns of sinful thinking, remember the truth about who you really are now that you belong to the Lord Jesus. 

Listen again to what Jesus has said about your true self:

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

(Matthew 5:14-16 NIV11)

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Works at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.

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