But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Ephesians 5:13

Well, we’ve come to the halfway point in our look at this portion of Ephesians 5. You’ll notice that most of this portion of the passage is focused on warnings, instructions, and the reality that our lives, as Christians, are to be different. Here are some of the key words and phrases from Ephesians 5:6-13: “Let no one deceive you,” empty words, the wrath of God, the sons of disobedience, “do not be partakers with them,” you were formerly darkness, now you are Light in the Lord, “walk as children of Light, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord,” “do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, even expose them,” and disgraceful things done in secret. You get the idea. Our lives, as Christians, should be starkly different than those who are without Christ. But don’t worry, the latter half of this passage will deal primarily which what our lives, in Christ, should look like. There will still be some warnings and instructions but we will eventually turn to the positive and exciting part of living the Christian life. But before we do, we have to look at Paul’s declaration that, “all things become visible when they are exposed by the light.” 

Those outside of Christ, will not see, through spiritual eyes, what is actually going on in our world. Wars, rumors of wars, strife, lawlessness (even promoted by lawmakers), loud, angry, demanding demonstrations, the normalizing of sinful, depraved behavior, the confused, chaotic thinking of many, and a general sense of unrest in our culture are just a few examples…all because of sin and the deception of the enemy. But Jesus has overcome the world and for those of us who belong to Him, we can rest assured and easy as the world continues down this road because our home is not here rather our home is with God and Christ in heaven. But while we are here, we should be using our time wisely, making disciples of all nations and preaching the gospel to all creation. And when it comes to all of the sin and corruption in which people are engaged, well that, when brought into the Light of Christ, will all be exposed for what it really is. Consider this passage from Jesus regarding the Light:

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

        John 3:19-21 (NIV)

Three points: 

First, Light (Jesus) has come into the world but people loved darkness instead of the light because their deeds were evil. This is the reality of why everything is disjointed and many people can be found in a state of chaotic, distorted thinking. If we even made use of only one of the truths found in Scripture and applied it to every situation in which we find ourselves, locally, state-wide, nationally, and world-wide, we would see an immediate change…and it would be a change for the better. What one truth? Let’s see…how about this one, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Yes, those are the words of Jesus. And yes, they are words from the Bible! Think about it for just a moment. Watch the news and asked yourself the question, “How would that situation be different if this biblical truth was applied to those circumstances?” We all know the answer. It would be remedied and made much better and workable…instantly! But this kind of behavior can only come forth from a life surrendered to Christ, something the masses reject either because of ignorance, apathy, or flat out rebellion against God. Nevertheless, biblical truth always brings a solution to the world’s problems and issues. These issues are not political and will never be solved through political means. They are spiritual problems and can only be alleviated by a changed heart and a soul dedicated to Christ. But Jesus reminds us, “but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” This is what is wrong with our world and everyone of us…a sin nature that we inherited from one transgression of Adam (Romans 5:18). But just as the problem stemmed from one transgression, Jesus’ one act of righteousness on the cross provides the solution (Romans 5:18). God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, has given us His Holy Spirit to live on the inside of every born again believer in Jesus, and He has given us His Word. It’s not that we don’t have the necessary resources and opportunities to move from death to life, it’s simply that people prefer to live in spiritual darkness and do life their way…a way that will never lead to life. 

Secondly, “everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.” There are two types of people, in the eyes of God, those who belong to Christ, are filled with the Spirit of God, and possess eternal life and those who do not. Jesus’ words remind us of this reality. And for those who prefer darkness and spiritual death, they hate the light and will not come into the light out of fear that their deeds will be exposed and become obvious that they are rooted in evil. I remember Paul telling us in the Ephesians passage to avoid such people and behaviors and to even expose them. Makes perfectly good sense in light of what Christ is telling us. 

Thirdly, is the behavior of those who reject spiritual darkness and walk (live) in the Light of the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). Jesus says, “but whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” Those that love Jesus, love living in the Light, and enjoy fellowship with God daily are those who want to come into the Light. And they want everyone to know that what they are doing with their lives is done by the power of God’s Spirit within them. Christians love to see others come to this same realization and spiritual transformation. With more and more people coming to Christ, the world’s problems will still exist but there will be so many more people ready to address the problems at their root, the sinful nature with which we are all born and offer the only solution to the problem, a new life in Christ! 

“All things become visible when they are exposed by the light.” This is Paul’s reminder to all of us. And this is the reality we can all observe when the deeds of darkness are faced with the truth of the light of God’s Word. I have even seen “wailing” at what can be only explained as the demonic. Watch people’s reaction when the name of Jesus is brought into the conversation. Watch people’s reaction when biblical truth is quoted or mentioned in conversation. We are all in a spiritual war, even those that do not even recognize it (Ephesians 6:10-17, 1 Peter 5:8). But the deeds, hidden motives, and intentions of the human heart will all be exposed when brought into the Light of Christ! And that will be a day that all of us, as believers, should be anticipating and one in which we should be looking forward!

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Ephesians 5:6-13