NEW SERIES BEGINS MARCH 11, 2018

"God" is not His only name. 

You are probably known by different names. Those names reflect both your character and your relationships with those around you. For example, people who know me professionally call me Dr. Hemphill, yet others who know me personally call me Ken. My children call me Daddy and my grandkids call me Papa. 

Not surprisingly, God has also been known by many names throughout the centuries. 

The many names of God revealed in Scripture tell us much about His character. Those names invite us to know Him in a growing, intimate relationship. Knowing these names is important for three reasons: 

• God’s name is inherently great. “LORD, our Lord, how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!” (Ps. 8:1). Understanding the names of God will enable us to praise and worship Him more effectively.                                                                                                          
• God’s name protects and benefits us. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower” (Prov. 18:10). God’s various names can be a tremendous aid to effective and specific prayer.                                                                                                                                                                                                       
• We represent God’s name and must bring honor to it. God gave Ten Commandments, and one of those Commandments has to do with His name: “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God” (Ex. 20: 7). This command means far more than avoiding its use in vulgar or slang expressions. It means the people of God must reflect His name or character in their lives. 

The names of God are a love gift to us. God reveals Himself fully so that we might experience His fullness. As we look at six of those names, we’ll discover truths about the lovely character of our God.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

We’ve all made decisions to take on a daunting task, but it can be especially difficult when someone else makes that decision for you. The soldier who is “volunteered” for an assignment. The employee who is transferred to a new task or city. The student who is called on by the instructor to show the rest of the class how to solve “x.” In those moments, our minds can be dominated by a single thought: How am I going to do this?

A few years ago, my wife, Paula, and I chose to move closer to our extended families. That might not seem like a hard decision, but things didn’t fall together the way we expected. To make it even more challenging, my wife was diagnosed with cancer in the midst of the transition. We moved ahead, though, choosing to trust God and not our circumstances. We trusted and God provided.



When we look back, we can see God’s hand at work. Our home has given us a quiet retreat—a wonderful healing place for Paula. God provides what we need, when we need it. Abraham knew this too. God truly is our Provider, and Abraham saw God’s provision as he trusted Him during a great test of his faith.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 

Genesis 22:1-2 

1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 

Abraham is commonly seen as a great example of someone who exercised strong faith. (See Heb. 11:8.) But Abraham’s journey wasn’t always easy. In fact, there were moments when he faltered:

In his fear, Abraham claimed Sarah was not his wife—twice! (See Gen. 12:12-13; 20:1-3.)

In his doubt, Abraham attempted to “help” fulfill God’s promise through having a son by Sarah’s slave Hagar. (See 18:1-3.)

In Genesis 22, Abraham faced his greatest test of faith. Verse 1 begins with an interesting phrase that is easy to overlook: “After these things.” Moses, the writer of Genesis, wanted us to think back over Abraham’s long journey that had led him from Ur of the Chaldeans to this very conversation with God.

God called to Abram when he was 75 years old (see Gen. 12:4), instructing him to leave his land, his relatives, and his father’s house—everything that was familiar and comfortable. In return, God promised to bless Abram by making him into a great nation that would bless all the nations of the earth. (See v. 2.) This was problematic because Abraham had no children and his wife, Sarah, was barren. Even so, “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness ” (15:6).

Abraham eventually did have a son, Isaac, although it took 25 years for God’s promise to be fulfilled. (See 21:1-7.) Genesis 22 took place several years after Isaac’s birth.

What’s your initial reaction to these verses?

Given Abraham’s story, God’s command in verse 2 is difficult to understand: “Take your son … your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

Notice God’s detailed description of Isaac: “your son … your only son Isaac, whom you love.” This wasn’t simply “a son” God required of Abraham. It was his only son. It was Isaac, the son whom you love. This son was not only dear to Abraham, he was essential to God’s promises concerning the blessing of the nations—yet he was about to be offered as a sacrifice.




Genesis 22:3-10 

3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son. 

How do Abraham’s actions in these verses demonstrate faith?

We can hear Abraham’s faith in his instructions to the young men: “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you” (emphasis added). How could he be so confident? The writer of Hebrews gave us insight into Abraham’s thoughts as he took his son to Mount Moriah: “He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking” (Heb. 11:19). Abraham was convinced that God, who had already performed one miracle by putting life into a barren womb, could raise Isaac from the dead. In short, Abraham had arrived at a point in his faith journey where he was confident he could trust God with his most valued possession: his only son.

The text gives us no clue as to how much time passed between verses 8 and 9. Having arrived at the place God designated, Abraham built the altar and arranged the wood in preparation for the sacrifice. This work might have taken considerable time, and I’ve often wondered if any additional dialogue passed between Abraham and Isaac. The text is silent. We are only told with utter simplicity that Abraham “bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood,” and then raised his knife to kill his beloved son.

Just reading the account leaves us nearly breathless. There’s no doubt Abraham was committed to obey the command of God. Yet we should understand that Abraham’s actions were based on his understanding of God’s character. Our circumstances never test the faithfulness of God; they only test our understanding of His character and purpose.

When have you experienced a time of testing?

Genesis 22:11-14 

11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.” 

This place of divine encounter became sacred for Abraham, and so he called it “The LORD Will Provide.” This is the literal translation of the name Jehovah Jireh. The Hebrew word jireh can be translated “to see.” We may wonder what the connection is between “seeing” and “providing.” We can make the connection with the English noun “provision,” a compound made up of two Latin words which when taken together mean “to see beforehand.” God’s pre-vision leads to His provision. God knew before Abraham ever reached Moriah that he would need a sacrifice; therefore, God personally provided the ram.

This is an amazing picture of salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God had prior vision of man’s sin and rebellion. Seeing our need, He made provision for our redemption by providing a lamb of sacrifice—Jesus, “his one and only Son” (John 3:16).

Notice that it was Abraham’s obedience that unleashed God’s blessings in his life. (See Gen. 22:16-18.) For us as well, obedience is the key to growing faith. James spoke to this issue with great clarity when he compared those who hear God’s Word and refuse to act with those who hear and do act. The latter will be blessed in what they do. (See Jas. 1:23-25.)

If you desire to unleash God’s blessing in your life—if you want to discover that God is your Provider— then obey His Word. Obey immediately and without reservation, and see all that God will provide.

How can our actions and attitudes demonstrate that we serve the God who provides? 

LIVE IT OUT

God will use challenging circumstances to lead us to a deeper understanding of His ability to provide for our needs. How will you apply these truths this week? Consider these suggestions:

• Identify your Isaac. What circumstance, person, or thing are you having the most difficulty placing in God’s care? Pray this week for the faith necessary to let go.                                                                   
• Place your Isaac on the altar. Abraham had to first gather the resources necessary to make a sacrifice before he could find God’s provision. Identify concrete steps you can take to place your “Isaac” in God’s care.                                                                                                                                  
• Look for God’s provision. Write down the ways God provides for you this week. Make known to others the good things God is providing in your life. 

You can experience a breakthrough in your faith walk when you are willing to trust God with those things you hold most precious. Make that decision today and trust Jehovah Jireh, the God Who Provides.

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Teacher's Notes

"God" is not His only name. 

You are probably known by different names. Those names reflect both your character and your relationships with those around you. For example, people who know me professionally call me Mr. Ballinger, yet others who know me personally call me David or Dave. My children call me Dad and my grandchild now, will call me Papa. 

God has also been known by many names throughout the centuries.

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide / Jehovah Rapha – The Lord Who Heals

Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner / Jehovah Shalom – The Lord Is Peace

Jehovah Rohi – The Lord Is My Shepherd / Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Is Our Righteousness

Video: Abraham & Isaac

Our tendency is to live by what we can see. We believe what we can touch. We’re confident when what we need is right in front of us. But life does not always hand us easy answers and quick solutions. A life in Christ is a life of trust – trusting Him to provide what we need even when we don’t readily see the answer. Abraham showed us that God truly is our Provider.

Genesis 22:1-2

1 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. 2 “Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”

In Genesis 22, Abraham faced his greatest test of faith. Verse 1 begins with an interesting phrase that is easy to overlook: “After these things.” Moses, the writer of Genesis, wanted us to think back over Abraham’s long journey that had led him from Ur of the Chaldeans to this very conversation with God.

• In his fear, Abraham claimed Sarah was not his wife—twice! (See Gen. 12:12-13; 20:1-3.)
• In his doubt, Abraham attempted to “help” fulfill God’s promise through having a son by Sarah’s slave Hagar. (See 18:1-3.)

What’s your initial reaction to these verses?

Since God knows what we will do in advance, why did He test Abraham in this way?

When have you been tested to trust that God would provide what you needed when the provision wasn’t apparent?

Why did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?

• God was testing the level of Abraham’s faith. Genuine faith is connected with obedience (James 2:21-24). Abraham did what God told him to do. 1. “On the third day” – Evidently it was a long journey to the place where God commanded Abraham to make the sacrifice. Abraham told his servants, “We will…come again to you.” He knew God could bring Isaac back from the dead if He so chose (Hebrews 11:17-19). One thing is certain: Abraham knew God was in control.

How did Abraham respond to God’s command to sacrifice Isaac? 

• With immediate obedience.
• Obedience led to provision -- the provision of Jehovah Jireh. God did not provide the lamb until Abraham had shown His willingness to be obedient to God regardless of the cost to himself.

Some years ago, James Dobson wrote a book titled When God Doesn’t Make Sense. He talked about things in life that put our faith in God to the test. If your faith has never been tested, chances are you haven’t been a Christian for very long. We still live in a fallen world, and as believers we’re not immune to its unfairness. When tragedy strikes – such as the death of a loved one, or a financial setback, or some other type of injustice – we’re often tempted to ask God, “Why?” If God truly loves us, why does He allow us to experience such heartache? 

We can only imagine what went through Abraham’s mind when God commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Hadn’t God promised to bless Isaac’s descendants? How could God bless his descendants if Isaac was going to die so young? This command did not make a bit of sense, but Abraham obeyed it anyway. This episode gives us some important lessons about trusting God in all circumstances.

I. Our Faith Will Often be Tested

God tested Abraham, not to trip him and watch him fall, but to deepen his capacity to obey God and develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to extract precious metals, God refines us through difficult circumstances. Over the years Abraham had learned many tough lessons about the importance of obeying God. Obeying God is often a struggle because it may mean giving up something we truly want. We should not expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally. We may have life experiences that God either orchestrates or allows to test the depth of our faith. Our commitment to God is to exceed anybody or anything that we consider most precious to us.

Identify your Isaac. What circumstance, person, or thing are you having the most difficulty placing in God’s care? Pray this week for the faith necessary to let go.

Genesis 22:3-10

3 So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you.” 6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac. In his hand he took the fire and the knife, and the two of them walked on together. 7 Then Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father.” And he replied, “Here I am, my son.” Isaac said, “The fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Then the two of them walked on together. 9 When they arrived at the place that God had told him about, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.

How do Abraham’s actions in these verses demonstrate faith?

• We can hear Abraham’s faith in his instructions to the young men: “Stay here with the donkey. The boy and I will go over there to worship; then we’ll come back to you”. How could he be so confident? The writer of Hebrews gave us insight into Abraham’s thoughts as he took his son to Mount Moriah: “He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking” (Heb. 11:19). Abraham was convinced that God, who had already performed one miracle by putting life into a barren womb, could raise Isaac from the dead. In short, Abraham had arrived at a point in his faith journey where he was confident he could trust God with his most valued possession: his only son.
• The text gives us no clue as to how much time passed between verses 8 and 9. Having arrived at the place God designated, Abraham built the altar and arranged the wood in preparation for the sacrifice. This work might have taken considerable time, and I’ve often wondered if any additional dialogue passed between Abraham and Isaac. The text is silent. We are only told with utter simplicity that Abraham “bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood,” and then raised his knife to kill his beloved son.

When have you experienced a time of testing?

An uneasy conversation. As they made their way up the mountain, they had what must have been a very awkward conversation. Isaac asked why they didn’t have a lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham did not give a direct answer but assured his son that God would provide the lamb. Evidently Isaac was satisfied with this reply. It is noteworthy that Isaac carried the firewood, not Abraham. Abraham was an old man when Isaac was born, and Isaac was probably in his teens by this time. Since Abraham could not have put Isaac on the altar by force, Isaac must have really trusted him. Do you trust God in all circumstances? Do your children know that you trust God in all things? During times of financial stress. When tragedy strikes the family. Pastors, do your church members know that you trust God? When things aren’t going well in your ministry. When your church lacks resources. During times of spiritual warfare. 

Why does God test us?

When we ask why God tests us or allows us to be tested, we are admitting that testing does indeed come from Him. When God tests His children, He does a valuable thing. David sought God’s testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and see that they were true to Him (Psalm 26:2; 139:23). When Abram was tested by God in the matter of sacrificing Isaac, Abram obeyed (Hebrews 11:17–19) and showed to all the world that he is the father of faith (Romans 4:16). In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” mean “to prove by trial.” Therefore, when God tests His children, His purpose is to prove that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows all things, but He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His children, and that no trial will overcome our faith. The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. This is why James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). The testing of faith can come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials that God allows.

The account of Job is a perfect example of God’s allowing one of His saints to be tested by the devil. Job bore all his trials patiently and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22). However, the account of Job’s testing is proof that Satan’s ability to try us is limited by God’s sovereign control. No demon can test or afflict us with beyond what God has ordained. All our trials work toward God’s perfect purpose and our benefit.

There are many examples of the positive results of being tested. The psalmist likens our testing to being refined like silver (Psalm 66:10). Peter speaks of our faith as “of greater worth than gold,” and that’s why we “suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6–7). In testing our faith, God causes us to grow into strong disciples who truly live by faith and not by what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When we experience the storms of life, we should be like the tree that digs its roots ever more deeply for a greater grip in the earth. We must “dig our roots” more deeply into God’s Word and cling to His promises so we can weather whatever storms come against us. Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle by His power. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). “That is why,” Paul said, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

II. Trust God to Provide What We Need

Place your Isaac on the altar. God did not want Isaac to die, but He wanted Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart so it would be clear that Abraham loved God more than he loved his promised and long-awaited son. God was testing Abraham. The purpose of the testing is to strengthen our character and deepen our commitment to God and His perfect timing. Through his obedience, Abraham learned about God’s ability to provide.

Faith in God is to be seen as a serious matter, not an easy path. 

Faith is the readiness to answer God even when we do not completely understand.

Genesis 22:11-14

11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He replied, “Here I am.” 12 Then he said, “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13 Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: “It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.”

This place of divine encounter became sacred for Abraham, and so he called it “The LORD Will Provide.” This is the literal translation of the name Jehovah Jireh.

An unexpected conclusion. Abraham was about to go through with it, but God stopped him. God explained that the sacrifice was only a test. His willingness to sacrifice Isaac proved that he wanted to honor God above all things – even his own son. God renewed His promise to Abraham. Abraham saw a ram caught in a nearby thicket. God had provided a lamb for the sacrifice, just as Abraham had said He would. Abraham offered the ram in Isaac’s place. Many people see this sacrifice as a “type” of Jesus. While we must be careful not to read things into Scripture that aren’t there, we can definitely see some parallels! Abraham named the place “Jehovah-jireh”, which means, “the Lord will provide”. Do you trust God to provide for all your needs? This does not mean Christians shouldn’t work to provide for their families (2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8). When we seek God first, we can trust Him to take care of all our other needs (Matthew 6:25-34). He also provides emotional strength to face life’s trials. Do you trust Him enough to obey Him in all things, even when you don’t understand? 

What was the connection between Abraham’s obedience and God’s provision?

• Notice that it was Abraham’s obedience that unleashed God’s blessings in his life. (See Gen. 22:16-18.) For us as well, obedience is the key to growing faith. James spoke to this issue with great clarity when he compared those who hear God’s Word and refuse to act with those who hear and do act. The latter will be blessed in what they do. (See Jas. 1:23-25.) If you desire to unleash God’s blessing in your life—if you want to discover that God is your Provider— then obey His Word. Obey immediately and without reservation, and see all that God will provide.

How is Jesus the ultimate demonstration of God’s provision for us?

What breakthrough are you trusting God for this week?

III. God Provides

Look for God’s provision. Write down the ways God provides for you this week. Make known to others the good things God is providing in your life. It is difficult to let go of what we deeply love. What could be more proper than to love your only child? Yet when we do give to God what He asks, He returns to us far more than we could dream. 

The God who sometimes tests us always provides for us. 

God meets the needs of everyone who trusts Him.

What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Jireh?

“Jehovah-Jireh” is one of the many different names of God found in the Old Testament. “Jehovah-Jireh” is the KJV’s translation of YHWH-Yireh and means “The LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14). It is the name memorialized by Abraham when God provided the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac.

The story begins with a strange command from God to Abraham, instructing him to offer his “son of promise,” Isaac, as a burnt offering. Early the next morning, Abraham packs wood and a knife, and he and Isaac travel to Moriah, the place God had specified. As they near the site, Isaac questions Abraham concerning the intended offering: “Where is the lamb?” With great faith and foresight, Abraham responds, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:1-8). The New Testament tells us that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). Upon reaching the place God had chosen, Abraham demonstrates his faith and obedience by building an altar, binding Isaac, and placing him on the wood. Before Abraham can finish the offering, the Angel of the Lord calls to him from heaven, and Isaac’s life is spared. Then, “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son” (Genesis 22:13). Abraham names the place “Jehovah-Jireh” because of God’s gracious provision of a substitute for Isaac. Immediately afterwards, God reconfirms His covenant with Abraham (v 17-18). Centuries later, King Solomon would build the temple in the same location (2 Chronicles 3:1).

The account of Abraham on Mt. Moriah thus becomes more than a dramatic illustration of faith and obedience. It is a presentation of the Lord’s eternal grace, continual provision, and all-encompassing wisdom. Jehovah-Jireh is not “The LORD Did Provide,” but “The LORD Will Provide.” In other words, the name does not simply memorialize a past event; it anticipates a future action.

Likewise, the statement “on the mountain of the LORD it will be provided” (verse 14) refers to more than Mt. Moriah—it also refers to a hill called Calvary, where God “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Abraham’s faith-filled statement that “God himself will provide the lamb” is a companion to John the Baptist’s exclamation, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). 

Jehovah-Jireh provided a sacrifice to save Isaac, and that action was a foreshadowing of the provision of His Son for the salvation of the world.

Join us this Sunday as we begin this new series, GOD IS ...

Hope to see you!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson March 4, 2018

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE 

Ever wondered why a moth is attracted to a light? If so, you’re not alone. Scientists have long pondered this, but they don’t know either. At least, they don’t know for sure. They’ve come up with several hypotheses, but they end up poking holes in each one. So, we’ll just keep wondering—while the moths keep flying to the light. 

Interestingly, people are also attracted to light. We’d rather enter a well-lit room than one that’s dark. We’d rather walk the dog during the daytime than after dark. When we do go out at night, we prefer evenings with a full moon. We even consider it romantic. 

Perhaps over the last century, we’ve gradually taken light for granted. Flip a switch and we have light. Our ever-present smartphones have lights that outshine any flashlight. If we choose to do so, we can be in perpetual light. 

People also continue to be drawn to the light of Christ. But how do they see His light? They see His light through His followers. We, the people of God who make up His church, are the light of Christ.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 

Ephesians 5:8-10 

8 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 of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 

What makes a person great? Throughout history, great women and men all have shared a common characteristic: they refused to be molded and shaped by the world around them. Rather than adopting the thinking of their peers, they decided to transform the world in their own way. We can be thankful for the inventors, scientists, and physicians who chose to think outside the box. Others chose to act with great courage and conviction—those like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr.—and turned the tides of history. 

Those of us who are children of God—those who follow Jesus Christ—are to act differently as well. Why? Because we are different! In Ephesians 5, Paul reminded us that we used to be darkness, but because we are in Christ, we are now light. We are not just in the light; we are light. Basic science teaches us we can’t be light and darkness at the same time, and that fact applies to our lives in Christ. We are to “live as children of light.” 

How do we make that happen? Paul offered several suggestions: 

• Live lives full “of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” These are more than just outward characteristics. A life of goodness, righteousness, and truth begins with the things we pour into our minds. As Paul told the Philippians: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). 

What are some words that describe 

your life 

before you encountered Christ?

• Test “what is pleasing to the Lord.” As we fill our minds with the things of God and live in His goodness, righteousness, and truth, we’ll come to know more and more what pleases Christ. Paul told the Romans: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). 

We are to live our lives as children of light because that’s what pleases the Lord. Don’t conform to the darkness. Light up the darkness! Jesus Himself gave us that command: “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). 

As a teenager, I told myself: “It’s impossible to look different, talk different, and live different without being considered some kind of outcast or reject.” So I made it my mission to live as a Christian who was also one of the coolest, most popular, well-liked people in my school. Years later, I realized I’d made my reputation at school more important than my relationship with the Lord. I’d cared more about what people thought about me than what God thought about me. I wanted the best of both worlds. I wanted to be a friend of God, but also a friend to the world. I wasn’t willing to sever myself from the world for the sake of Christ. 

James had something to say about my attitude: “You adulterous people! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the friend of the world becomes the enemy of God” (Jas. 4:4). 

Sooner or later, all of us have to grow up and make a decision. Will we choose God, or will we choose the world? God doesn’t allow us to straddle the fence on this one. Mediocrity is unacceptable to God. Will we choose to live in the light or will we remain in the darkness? 

How do we actively test 

what is 

pleasing to the Lord and what is not?

Ephesians 5:11-14 

11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: “Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

If you feel like the world around you is drifting away from God and what God values, you’re not alone. And you’re not wrong. 

Modern culture is certainly drifting away from biblical principles. Our nation has continually moved away from the light and is pushing toward the darkness. We’re now living in a day where immorality has risen to the surface of society. People are living sinful lifestyles without shame, without fear of public disapproval, and without concern for divine consequences. Sadly, we live in a world driven by political correctness and biblical compromise. And the more godless our world becomes, the more we tend to lose our sensitivity to the evil that seeks to engulf us. 

Because we live in a permissive world, we must be quick to reject everything that is evil—and even those things that give the appearance of evil. If we aren’t constantly on guard, we can be molded by our culture and shaped by a society that ignores the principles laid out in God’s Word.

The fact that so many ungodly things have become acceptable in our culture doesn’t change the unchanging truth. God’s Word and His view of sin have never changed—and they never will. He will not allow evil to go unpunished. In His Word, God gave us His wisdom and direction; He defined right and wrong. Therefore, if God says something is wrong but the world says it’s OK, we stand with God’s Word. 

Paul gave us the proper response: “Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them.” What does it mean to expose things in the darkness? We should see sin the same way God sees it; then we should respond to sin like God responds to it. In other words, if something is sinful or ungodly, we shouldn’t laugh at it, watch it, participate in it, or be around it. To expose the darkness means to bear testimony against it. 

Light exposes everything in the darkness. The apostle John described believers as those who “walk in the light as he himself is in the light” (1 John 1:7). When we are in the light and walking in relationship with Jesus, we expose darkness by boldly shining the light of Christ. 

Our task is not simply to expose the things in the darkness. God calls us to bring people from the darkness into the light of Christ. You may be familiar with the old children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine.” You probably even remember the words: 

This little light of mine; I’m going to let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine.

Won’t let Satan blow it out! I’m going to let it shine.

Let it shine till Jesus comes; I’m going to let it shine. 

We sang these words as children. We should live them as adults. As God’s children, let’s not conform to the darkness. As light, let’s transform the darkness to the glory of God. 

As Christians, what are the right motivations and goals for exposing darkness in the world?

Where do you see opportunities 

to shine 

the light of Christ in your community?

LIVE IT OUT

How will you shine the light of Jesus this week and in the future? Consider the following suggestions: 

• Evaluate. Pray and ask the Lord to expose any darkness in your life. Agree to see sin the same way God sees it. Choose to repent from that darkness and pursue the light of Christ. 

• Write a note. Sometimes our circumstances will lead us into dark seasons in life. Think about a person you know who is in a season like that. Write a personal, hand-written note this week, encouraging the person in the Lord Jesus. 

• Serve. In every community you can find opportunities to serve and shine the light of Christ in dark corners. Make a commitment to serve in your community this week and ask the Lord to shine His light brightly through you as you respond in obedience. 

You’re not a moth. But you are rightly attracted to the light of Jesus. Better yet, you are a living testimony of that light in this dark world. 

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Teacher's Notes

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Once upon a time a little candle stood in a room filled with other candles, most of them much larger and much more beautiful than she was. Some were ornate and some were rather simple, like herself. Some were white, some were blue, some were pink, some were green. She had no idea why she was there, and the other candles made her feel rather small and insignificant. When the sun went down and the room began to get dark, she noticed a large man walking toward her with a ball of fire on a stick. She suddenly realized that the man was going to set her on fire. "No, no!" she cried, "Aaaaagghhh! Don’t burn me, please!" But she knew that she could not be heard and prepared for the pain that would surely follow. To her surprise, the room filled with light. She wondered where it came from since the man had extinguished his fire stick. To her delight, she realized that the light came from herself. Then the man struck another fire stick and, one by one, lit the other candles in the room. Each one gave out the same light that she did. During the next few hours, she noticed that, slowly, her wax began to flow. She became aware that she would soon die. With this realization came a sense of why she had been created. "Perhaps my purpose on earth is to give out light until I die," she mused. And that’s exactly what she did.

God created you and me to produce light in a dark world. Our purpose on this earth is to let our lights shine so that God may be glorified.

Turn with me this morning to Ephesians chapter 5 and let read what Paul has to say about this.

Ephesians 5:8-14 

8 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 of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said: “Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

I want you to consider for a moment the times we live in today and the times twenty, thirty, or forty years ago. Would you agree that what we see, hear, tolerate, and accept today would not have been acceptable a generation ago. 

Paul makes it clear here that believers are to stand in stark contrast to the pagan world. 

The city of Ephesus, was noted for moral corruption. The temple of Artemis offered ritual prostitution as part of its "worship." Sexual promiscuity was commonplace. So, it was imperative for the church to be distinct from this corrupt culture that was facing God's judgment. 

So, Paul introduces 4 ways we are to be light to a pagan world.

1. Live as children of light 

(vv. 8-9). The theme of light and darkness is prominent throughout the Bible. Darkness symbolizes Satan's evil domain and the wicked deeds of those who do not obey God. It also represents the spiritual ignorance of those whose sin has blinded their eyes from the light of God's truth (Eph. 4:18; 2 Cor. 4:4). The word light paints a picture of the knowledge of the truth that comes when God shines into our lives. Verse eight is also a beautiful picture of our conversion. Coming to Christ is like walking from the darkness into a room filled with blazing light. But once you come out of the darkness, you see things you never saw before. When you lived in the darkness, you did whatever you wanted to do. But now in the light, you must put off the deeds of darkness and put on a lifestyle fitting for the children of the light. Being children of light implies that this profound change comes from God's power in the new birth. Our purity is not human-made or self-made; it's God-given. His light in us shines through us and out from us. It makes us distinct. Just because we are children of light does not guarantee that we will live that way. 

What does Paul say are the signs that we are living in the light?

• Being good. Goodness is one of God's attributes, so to be good is to be like God. The word goodness is a broad term for behavior that benefits others ahead of oneself. A good person is concerned for the well-being of others, both spiritually and in every other way. Good, therefore, shows how we deal with others. 

• Being righteous. The word righteousness refers to conformity to God's righteous standards, as outlined in His Word. A righteous person is upright before God and before others. He is just or fair in how he treats others. Righteousness, therefore, embraces a new commitment to obey God’s commands 

• Being truthful. In this context, truth stands in contrast to deceived unbelievers (4:22; 5:6). We are to be people of our word, maintaining integrity in all things. We shouldn't have anything to hide because we walk in the light. We are people of all truth. Truth, therefore, demands a deep commitment to living with integrity. 

2. Discern what is pleasing to God 

(v. 10). We do not determine what pleases the Lord by our feelings, which fluctuate, or by what the world or other Christians say or think. We don't even decide it by our conscience, in that our conscience may be improperly informed. Rather, we learn what pleases the Lord through growing to understand His Word. Living to please the Lord is a fundamental difference between the believer and the unbeliever. An unbeliever may be a good man and even be somewhat righteous or upright, at least outwardly. He may be truthful. But, he does it all out of selfish motives, for his self-respect, or so that others will think highly of him. But, only believers live to please the Savior. We have a new personal relationship with this One who snatched us out of a horrible pit. We now evaluate everything we do to the question, "Does this please the Lord, who loved me and gave Himself for me?" 

3. Avoid people and circumstances that would lead to sin 

(vv. 11-12). No doubt Paul had in mind the various rituals associated with the Temple of Artemis (also called Diana) located in Ephesus. Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, it drew worshipers and tourists from many distant lands. Temple rituals combined overt idolatry with every sort of sexual excess. When Paul spoke “what is done by them in secret” (v. 12), he meant a vile form of evil that goes beyond ordinary acts of rebellion. It describes evil that is gross, unnatural and perverted. Indeed, this applied to various acts of sexual immorality associated with the idol worship at the Temple of Artemis. The light of the gospel exposes evil for what it is. For example, if you are planning to buy an expensive diamond, you will want to view it in the brightest light possible before you make the purchase because the light will expose the hidden flaws in the stone. Shadows hide the flaws, but light reveals all of them. Similarly, when the gospel enters a family, the hidden secrets will be revealed. When the gospel invades a community, corruption will come to light. 

4. Expose unfruitful works of darkness 

(vv. 11-14). Paul repeatedly admonishes the believer to expose shameful acts (vv. 11, 13). The God’s Word translation restates verse 13: “Light exposes the true character of everything.” It's not hard to understand this principle. When a little child cries in a dark room, his mother turns on the light, and the tears quickly vanish. The coming of the light shows him there is no reason to be afraid. The monsters of his imagination disappear when she turns on the light. Apply this to the spiritual realm. Sexual sin often done in secret seems pleasurable precisely because of the secrecy. But let those emails and text messages be made public, and suddenly the romance fades as light enters the room. A wise counselor often told his clients, "You're only as sick as your secrets." You can't get better until you begin to speak the truth to yourself. As long as you live a double life, with one foot in the light and one foot in the darkness, you will be forever torn, double-minded and unhealthy because your heart is divided. 

This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine

Shine (v): To give off or reflect light 

What does it mean to shine?

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. —Philippians 2:14-16, ESV (emphasis added)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is called “the true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Throughout the New Testament, the followers of Jesus are called to be lights in the darkness. 

So, what does it mean to shine? It means:

• Being counter-cultural. We live in a dark world, full of lies, hate and confusion. But God’s Word tells us to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). While others are chasing after physical pleasures and selfish gain, we’re commanded to live a different way—to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14).

• Putting yourself out there. Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16a). He explained that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. A lamp is meant to be placed on a stand to give light to everything around it. Whether you’re timid or outgoing, you’re called to be a light to the people around you. That’s only possible if you’re taking time to interact with people and cultivate relationships. 

• Always pointing back to the light source. When Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others,” that wasn’t the whole sentence. He went on to give the reason why it’s important to shine: “so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Our goal should never be to bring recognition to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. There’s a fine line between being a light and putting on a show to get attention. It’s a matter of the heart.

What keeps people from shining? 

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? –Matthew 7:3, ESV

It’s easy to see the shine of a new diamond ring from across the room. But over time, that shine can dull as dust collects on it. In the same way, sin can dull our shine as lights for Jesus Christ. Our lives which once sparkled with the joy of Christ can become clouded with a love for things of this world. Before you can be a light to others, take a look at your own life. Has sin dulled the evidence of Christ in you? Maybe it’s time to stop, take a moment and ask God to reveal any sins you might be ignoring. If there’s a sin you repeatedly struggle with, write it down and pray over it continually. Ask God for His forgiveness and help in changing your heart. We’ll never be perfect, but we need to address our sin—partly because it impacts others.

So how exactly do you shine? 

Do not be conformed to this world … Romans 12:2a, ESV

“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it’s also a little abstract. How exactly do you become this brilliant beacon to people around you? 

Here are 4 practical tips:

1. Be careful what you say. 

The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). 

2. Consider your entertainment. 

Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.

3. Use social media wisely. 

People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.

4. Think of others. 

Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

This is the close of our series, "Made for Something More."

Hope to see you on Sunday! 

In His Love, 

David & Susan