Main Point: As we walk along the “way of love,” we walk from darkness into light. When the “way of self” encounters the “way of light,” we see the shadows that exist in our soul.
The Way of Love
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- The way of love is a special way designed by God to bring transformation to our own lives and the live around us
- The way of love is a way of sacrificing our “own way” and our “own selfish desires” in order to focus on those things that tether us, tie us, join us together
The Way of Self
Ephesians 5:3-7 NIV
“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. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 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. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore, do not be partners with them.”
- The way of self must be sacrificed for the way of love
- Every time we turn toward God in prayer for forgiveness and repentance, we allow Jesus to expose the disobedience and darkness that exists within our self
- We all have a ‘shadow side’ and this ‘shadow side is revealed in the light’
The Way of Light
Ephesians 5:8-9 NIV
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)”
- Light reveals shadows…shadows with no light is darkness
- Exposing darkness to light transforms darkness into light
- God uses the things that were in darkness to become light
Genesis 50: 19b-21 ESV
“Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.”
Isaiah 60:1-3 NIV
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn”
- The most powerful thing that we can give the world is ‘our light’ and ‘our story’
When our story is brought into the light,
our story becomes God’s glory
Conclusion:
Bring to mind areas of darkness in your life, areas of impurity, areas of greed, areas of dishonesty, areas of insecurity-now, declare over these things, “I bring my shadow self into the light this morning and I declare I’m going to see a victory over this battle”
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