07.13.2025 Let It Shine

Let It Shine

Eph. 5:8-12 NIV

 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

1.      Where does darkness need to become light?

Eph. 5:13-14 NIV  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Matt. 5:16 NKJV  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

John 1:4-5 MSG  “What came into existence was Life,
    and the Life was Light to live by.
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness;
    the darkness couldn’t put it out.”

2.      Kill the copperheads!

Eph. 5:15-17  NIV 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

3.      Are you singing your song?

Eph. 5:18-21 NKJV  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Questions for discussion/reflection:

1.      Share an area of your life that transitioned from darkness into becoming a light.

2.      Have you seen your light shine to influence others? (Have you let it shine or kept it hidden?)

3.      What helps us bring something shameful that we want to keep hidden into the light?

4.      Do you ever feel tempted to just let your hair down, to be casual, comfortable?  Stop worrying about what people might think… does that sound relaxing? 

5.      Why, as believers, is it not an option for us to “relax” in our interactions with others?  Why do we have to stay careful in how we live?

6.      Share example of things in our lives (other than alcohol) that we can surrender control to, that can become leading influences in our decision making