Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- In your group, discuss what you think Paul means by ‘darkness’ and ‘light’ in this passage.
- How can we go about exposing the ‘unfruitful works of darkness’ Paul mentions in verse 11?
- Why do some people manage to live apparently happy and successful lives whilst totally ignoring God. How would you present the claims of Christ to them?
Use the programme which can be found on the link ‘discipleship challenges’. The ‘worksheet’ will help you follow through anything you feel is right to take up. The following notes are for your interest and consideration.
Personal comment: I was taken by the word in the first sentence of this text which is ‘deceive’. In my own experience, many people have been led astray in their faith by deception. Either the voices of the world have proved to be too powerful or the teaching they have received in church upon which they base their faith has been less than helpful. Unless people are built up in faith through the preaching and teaching of the Word, they will have few tools to resist the enemy!
Ideas for discipleship programme
- Take the phrase ‘walk as children of light and discern what pleases the Lord’ and memorise this, quoting it book, chapter and verse. When you say it to yourself, apply it to the circumstances of your life at the time.
- Discuss in your family or with the people with whom you live, how you can banish some of the ungodly or worldly attitudes, words and habits people develop which compromise the evidence of the true Faith in your home.
Almighty God; I give You my all in the journey of my life, so take the little I have to offer and use me. Change me into the person that You would have me be, and give me hope as I catch sight of Your glory. Thank You, Almighty God. AMEN
