1 john

Walking in the Light

Ephesians 5 does not just tell us what to leave. It shows us how to live. God calls us out of darkness and into a bright, clear way of life.

Paul writes:

“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…” (Eph. 5:7–8)

You once were darkness. Not just in darkness. You were part of it. Now, in Christ, you are light in the Lord. This change calls you to start walking in the light.

Walking in the Light as Children of God

Notice Paul’s words. He does not say, “Try to become light.”
He says, “You are Light in the Lord.”

Your new identity sits in Jesus. You shine because He shines in you. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). Later He says to His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).

When you came to Christ, God took you out of the kingdom of darkness and placed you into the kingdom of His Son (Col. 1:13). So now you live as a “child of Light.” That means your life should match your new home.

Walking in the light means you:

  • Bring hidden things into the open before God.
  • Refuse to join others in works of darkness.
  • Let your choices reflect God’s goodness.

The Fruit of Walking in the Light

Paul explains what this light looks like:

“(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth)” (Eph. 5:9)

Three key traits grow when you walk in the light:

  1. Goodness – You act for the true good of others. You help, serve, and bless, even when no one sees.
  2. Righteousness – You do what is right according to God’s standard, not culture’s mood.
  3. Truth – You speak and live with honesty. You do not fake it. You stand on God’s Word.

As you practice these, people around you notice. They may not like it at first, but they cannot deny it. Light always makes things clear.

Walking in the Light Means Testing What Pleases God

Paul adds:

“trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:10)

You do not live on auto-pilot. You test by asking, “Does this please Jesus?”

Ask that about:

  • What you watch.
  • How you date.
  • How you handle money.
  • What jokes you laugh at.
  • How you treat enemies.

Romans 12:2 says we should not be “conformed to this world,” but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, “so that you may prove what the will of God is.”

You learn what pleases God as you soak in Scripture and obey what you read. Each act of obedience trains your heart to know His voice.

Exposing Works of Darkness

Paul does not stop at personal holiness. He writes:

“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.” (Eph. 5:11–12)

Darkness produces “unfruitful” deeds. Sin looks fun at first. In the end, it leaves you empty. It bears no lasting fruit.

Walking in the light means you do not join in. You also expose dark works, not by harsh pride, but by shining a different way. Your clean life, pure speech, and steady love bring hidden things into view.

Verse 13 says:

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

Light reveals. Once you bring a thing into God’s light, He can heal, cleanse, and change it. That is why confession matters. When you confess your sins, you agree with God about what He already sees.

1 John 1:7–9 ties this together:

“if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin… If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive…”

So you keep short accounts with God. You do not hide.

A Different Way to Love the World

Walking in the light does not mean you hate people in darkness. It means you refuse to bless the darkness that hurts them. You remember that you once walked there too.

1 Corinthians 6:11 says, “Such were some of you.” You came out only by grace. So you show that same grace. You do not stand above sinners. Instead, you stand beside them and point to the Savior.

You love, serve and tell the truth. Also, you invite and you pray.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). As you walk in the light, you reflect that same heart. You refuse to call evil good. But you also refuse to give up hope on anyone.

One day, the end will come. God will judge every life. Until then, He calls you to shine. He calls you to wake up, step out of the shadows, and live as a clear, bright sign that Jesus is real.

This is your call today: rise up, start walking in the light, and let the world see Christ in you.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.

How to Be an Imitator of God in Everyday Life

We all wake up every day. We crawl out of bed, grab coffee, check our phone, and start our routine. But God calls us to a deeper wake-up. He calls us to wake up spiritually.

In Ephesians 5:1–2, Paul writes:

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (NASB)

So what does being an imitator of God really look like? How can simple people like us live this way?

Being an Imitator of God Starts with Identity

Paul does not say, “Imitate God so He will love you.”
He says, “Imitate God as beloved children.”

You already stand loved in Christ. That is your starting point. God sees you in Jesus. He calls you His child (1 John 3:1). You do not earn that place. You receive it by faith.

Because of this, being an imitator of God flows out of who you are, not who you try to be. You act like your Father because you belong to your Father. Children copy what they see at home. In the same way, you copy what you see in God.

So the first step is simple: stay close to Him. Open your Bible. Talk to Him. Watch how Jesus acts in the Gospels. That is how your Father looks.

Being an Imitator of God Means Walking in Love

Paul links imitation of God with love:

“…walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us…” (Eph. 5:2)

Love defines how God acts. John tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Jesus shows this love when He gives Himself up on the cross. True love gives. It serves. True love costs something.

You walk in love when you:

  • Forgive people who wrong you (Eph. 4:32).
  • Speak words that heal, not words that crush (Eph. 4:29).
  • Show kindness when others show anger.
  • Choose to do good when no one thanks you.

This kind of love does not feel easy. Many days it feels like death to self. Yet that is the point. You love “just as Christ” loved you. He did not wait for us to improve. He loved us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8).

Ask this in each hard moment:
“Right now, what does love look like?”

Then do that. That is what it means to walk in love.

Holiness Makes Our Witness Strong

Paul moves from love to holiness:

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Eph. 5:3)

Sexual sin, impurity, and greed break trust. They harm people. They confuse the message we preach.

Egypt in Scripture often pictures the world (Lev. 18:3). God told His people not to live like the nations around them. In the same way, we live in this world, but we do not copy its ways. Jesus calls us to be “perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). Peter echoes this:

“Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (1 Pet. 1:15–16)

Holiness here does not mean fake perfection. It means a life set apart. It means we say “yes” to God in every area. People see our choices. They listen more when our lives match our words.

When you choose purity, you speak loudly, even if you say nothing with your mouth.

God Uses Flawed Imitators

You might say, “I can’t do this. I fail too much.”
Look at Peter.

He spoke out of turn, was bold and then fearful, and then he denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54–62). Yet Jesus restored him (John 21:15–19). Peter preached at Pentecost, and about 3,000 people came to Christ (Acts 2:41).

God did not pick Peter because he was perfect. God saw what Peter would become when filled with the Spirit. And God sees you the same way.

1 Corinthians 1:8 says Jesus will “confirm you to the end, blameless.” He holds you, shapes you, and He finishes what He starts (Phil. 1:6).

So do not give up. Keep repenting, trusting and walking.

Imitate God in Speech and Conduct

Paul even mentions how we talk:

“there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting…” (Eph. 5:4)

Filthy talk, foolish jokes, and crude humor do not fit a child of God. Words reveal the heart (Matt. 12:34). Your speech should show light, not darkness.

Ask:
“Would I say this if Jesus stood in the room?”

If not, then do not say it. Instead, give thanks. Speak life.

As you do, your neighbors, coworkers, and friends will notice. They may not know what changed. But they will see something different. That “something” is Someone. They will see Christ in you.

This is the call: wake up, and live being an imitator of God. One choice at a time. One word at a time. One act of love at a time.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.

Results from Our Gifts: How Spiritual Gifts Shape a Healthy Church

Results from Our Gifts: What Happens When We All Do Our Part

When God gives gifts, He expects results. He does not pour grace into our lives so that nothing changes. In Ephesians 4:14–15, Paul shows the results from our gifts when we all use them the way God plans.

Ephesians 4:14–15 says:

“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,
by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

So what should happen when the church uses its gifts well? Three big things:

  1. We stop being spiritual children.
  2. We stand firm in truth, not lies.
  3. We speak the truth in love and grow up into Christ.

Results from Our Gifts: No More Tossed Around

Paul says we should not act like “children, tossed here and there by waves.” Picture a tiny boat on a huge ocean. Waves slam into it. Wind pushes it. The boat has no control.

Many believers live that way. A new trend comes. They follow it. A clever teacher talks. They believe him. A friend shares a new “revelation.” They chase after it.

But the results from our gifts in a healthy church look very different. Mature teaching anchors us. Solid relationships steady us. Strong leaders guard us.

Colossians 2:8 warns us:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception,
according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

False teaching always sounds deep. It often sounds kind. But it moves you away from Christ. It puts your hope in feelings, in signs, in money, in self, or in some leader.

God gave gifts so that the church teaches truth, tests error, and holds to Christ alone.

Truth in Love: The Mark of a Growing Church

Verse 15 gives a short line that many people quote but few obey:

“but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.”

We need both parts:

  • Truth without love feels harsh.
  • Love without truth feels sweet but kills slowly.

Real love cares enough to tell the truth. Real truth cares enough to speak with tears, not with pride.

Sometimes people think love means never saying, “This is sin.” But silence never saves. If your friend walks toward a cliff, love does not smile and wave. Love shouts a warning.

At the same time, truth should not crush the person. Galatians 6:1 gives wisdom:

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;
each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”

Gentleness does not hide the truth. Gentleness brings the truth in a way the heart can hear.

Unity, Not Uniformity

Some people think unity means we all look the same, talk the same, think the same on every detail. That is not what Scripture teaches.

Psalm 133:1 says:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”

Unity comes when we share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one gospel (Ephesians 4:4–6). We may have many different styles, backgrounds, and cultures. We may disagree on small issues. But we stand together on the core truths of the faith.

Uniformity just copies the world’s system or a group’s style. Unity comes from the Spirit of God as we gather around the Word of God.

1 John 2:15–16 warns us again:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life,
is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

The world calls evil good and good evil. It wants the church to bless every lifestyle. The world wants us to “love” but never “repent.”

But we follow Christ. We hold His Word, speak with tears and we warn with love.

Growing Up in All Things Into Christ

Paul says we “grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.” That means Jesus shapes every part of life:

  • Your mind: what you believe.
  • Your heart: what you love.
  • Your body: what you do.
  • Your time: how you spend your days.
  • Your gifts: how you serve the church.

As you sit under sound teaching, as you serve, as you speak the truth in love, you change. Slowly, deeply, steadily, you start to look more like Jesus.

Psalm 32:10 draws a sharp line:

“Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.”

The world’s path looks free, but it ends in sorrow. God’s path looks narrow, but it overflows with love.

So lean in. Listen. Test what you hear. Use the gifts God gave you. The results from our gifts will show in a stable, loving, truth-filled church that points a broken world to a real Savior.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.

Understanding the Riches of God’s Grace

Unveiling God’s Grace: A Journey Through Redemption and Abundanc

Have you ever considered the word “grace” and what it means? Grace is receiving something wonderful that you don’t earn or deserve, like an unexpected treat or surprise. In Ephesians, Paul teaches us about the riches of God’s grace, a gift too big to imagine. Ephesians 1:7-8 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us.”

Understanding the Riches of God’s Grace

The riches of God’s grace start with forgiveness. We all make mistakes. We’ve all done things we wish we hadn’t. But guess what? God doesn’t hold that against us! Jesus paid the price to wipe away our sins. Imagine you broke a friend’s toy, but they forgave you and even let you play with it again. That’s a glimpse of God’s grace.

God’s Lavish Gift

Paul reminds us that God didn’t skimp on this grace—He poured it out lavishly! Picture your favorite ice cream being piled high—more than you can eat! God’s grace is more generous than we can imagine and it’s available every day. It sets us free from guilt and shame because Jesus took those on Himself.

Now, you might wonder, “Why would God do this for me?” Simple—He loves you immensely. 1 John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” Every time you feel sorry or sad, remember you are a beloved child of God. The riches of God’s grace whisper this truth into our hearts.

Using Grace Wisely

God gives us grace not just to keep for ourselves but to share. Forgive when it’s hard. Love those who might not love back. Show kindness to someone having a rough day. The more you give grace, the more people see God’s grace in you, making it easier to become friends with Him.

Conclusion

These riches of God’s grace are yours to embrace every day. It’s a gift that doesn’t run out or spoil. It covers our past and gives us hope for the future. Together in Christ, these riches are what make us truly wealthy, allowing us to face anything! So, next time life seems tough, remember the riches of God’s grace. They are there to lift you up and reassure you that you are deeply loved!

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

To view on YouTube, CLICK HERE.

Read more in the Core Truth blog when you CLICK HERE.