you shall know the truth: Challenge darkness

We are sure you have noticed the difficulty of humanity to live together peacefully. It impacts nations, societies, homes, and each individual. Why? Some contend that it is a lack of knowledge, if people were better educated, then we would be better and safer. Other people blame the forces of society, the lack of opportunity, the failure of family, or the erosion of morality, a lack of discipline, or another part of our society. While there is some truth in each of these things, it does not answer the question: Why can’t we love one another better? Or help each other more? In our series, You Shall Know the Truth, the sermon this week is Challenge the Darkness. In our entitled, self-centered society, we are blind to the darkness of the human spirit and it is compounded by our inability to see the darkness in our own hearts. Even if we see the darkness, how can we challenge it? This week we turn to Ephesians 4:20-32. The Apostle Paul is very clear with these new believers that their lives needed to change. Even though they had come to the light of Jesus, their actions were filled with darkness. He reminds them: That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:20-21 (NIV)) The truth of Jesus not only sets us free but it empowers us to find the strength to walk out of the darkness into the marvelous light of God’s peace and hope! The Holy Spirit used these words to help the early believers to be transformed into the image of Jesus, but they can transform us too. Are you tired of struggling with the darkness of your broken life? Let this passage show you the path to God’s grace and love. Our sincere prayer is for the light of hope to fill your heart as you read Ephesians 4:20-32. 

Ephesians 4:20 – 32  You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.  ²¹ Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  ²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.  ²⁸ He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  ²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  (NIV)