"Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, 'I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.'” (John 8:12 NLT)
Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, "...they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity." (Ephesians 4:17b-19 NLT) How did Paul describe those who walk in darkness? How do you see this in the world around you? How do you see this in the lives of people you know and love?
In Ephesians 4:22-5:7 Paul also described a life living in the light, a life following Jesus: Light of the World. Going through each verse from Ephesians 4:22-5:7, write down one word or phrase on what it means to live in the light.
Seem overwhelming at all to live in such a way? Why is that?
Paul went on to say, "For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true." (Ephesians 4:8-9 NLT) What good news do you find in these verses? How are you equipped to actually live as a person of light?
While Jesus called Himself the Light of the World, He also said of those who follow Him, "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)
Taking all of the above into account, how is it that we introduce Jesus: Light of the World to those in walking in darkness?
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