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Shining Light On, To & In-Introduction-John 8:12, Matt 5:14-16, Eph 5:8, 1 John 1:7-The story of Dan Winkler at the FHU Lectureship singing “This little light of mine”-We do need to be a light in this dark world. And, we need to make that light shine.-Light in Scripture—that which is right, true, righteous, holy—in accordance with God’s will. Darkness in Scripture—that which doesn’t fit into the category of light.-Shining a Light ON the World-Ephesians 5:1–12-v. 11 – “expose” (ESV, NASB, NI, NKJV); “reprove” (KJV, ASV)-So, which is the best fit—expose or reprove?-reprove – (m-) – includes “to express disapproval of, correct, refute, convict”-v. 13 – This seems to provide support for the idea of exposing. If you are in the dark and you shine a flashlight on something—you reveal it—expose it—can see it.-Yet, when you look at other uses of the same word, we see it is used beyond simply exposing:-Luke 3:19 – John’s interaction with Herod-1 Tim 5:20 – rebuke-Titus 1:9, 13 – convince, rebuke-Rev 3:19 – rebuke-Perhaps the closest parallel in usage is found in John 3:16-21.-“The verb suggest not only exposure but shame and conviction…[W]hile the lover of darkness shuns the light for fear of exposure, shame and conviction, the lover of light does not prance forward to parade his wares with cocky self-righteousness, but comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” [D. A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (PNTC; Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1991), 207-8.-So, we as “children of light” (Eph 5:8)—those who strive to walk in the light—desire the light—love the light—are to “shine a light” on darkness.-In so doing, we are saying, “That is not ok. I’m not going to go along with that or approve of it.”-Rom 1:28-32 - We should not approve of darkness nor seek neutrality on it. We should expose it for what it is—error, a violation of God’s will.-Yet, this world is bombarding us with a completely different message. If/when we expose darkness, we are labeled as judgmental, hateful, self-righteous, etc. However, please notice, that is the world talking, not the Scriptures.-God’s truth—His Word—stands as the objective standard of right and wrong. If we don’t take the Inspired Word of God for what it says, then what is there?1. Judging that something in either right or wrong based upon God’s truth is not wrong.-Isa 5:20, John 7:242. It is not unloving. Obviously, John 3 is a passage which emphasizes the incredible love of God for all mankind. Yet, God wants us to abide in his truth.-John 14:15, 15:12-143. It is not self-righteous. John 3:21 – “deeds carried out in God”-Not only is it ok to stand against darkness and for light, it is exactly what we should do.-It is ok to say, “That’s not ok.” -We need to shine light on the world.-Light TO and IN the World-Being children of light does not mean we should simply/only sit back and cast accusations at the darkness.-Yes, we want to separate ourselves from the ways of darkness—Eph 5:6–11. Yet, we do not want to be hard-hearted toward or disinterested in those in darkness.-Remember Eph 2:1. We were in darkness and transitioned to light. Now, we need to help others do the same.-John 3:17, John 1:9-Sadly, far too many in this world choose darkness over light.-Yet, there are those in darkness who will search for light.-Be a light to the world. Let people see evidence of the fact you are a child of light. Let people see you are different.-Many in darkness may criticize you—misunderstand you—misrepresent you. Some will appreciate you. And, perhaps, a door of opportunity will be opened.-Closing-“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”-We don’t want to hide it. We don’t want darkness to extinguish it.-We want it to shine on the world, to the world and in the world.-What are some things you can do to accomplish these things? What are some things you can work on (need to work on) to brighten your light and to expand that light?-Invitation ................
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