JANUARY 21, 2024

CALLED

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Out of Darkness into Light

 

Conversation Question: What are some things you’d rather do with a little light?

 

Main Focus: We are called to the purpose of sharing the light.

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Ephesians 4:1

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your

calling, for you have been called by God.

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1 Peter 2:9-12

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1. We are Called by the Light to Shine the Light

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V.9 “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy

nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God,

for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

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Exodus 19:6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message

you must give to the people of Israel.

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V.10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people.

Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

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Ephesians 2:3-5 3  All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and

inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like

everyone else. 4. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  5  that even though we

were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only

by God’s grace that you have been saved!)

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2. The Light Changes our Perspective

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V.11 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from

worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”

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Ephesians 5:7-8 Don’t participate in the things these people do.  8  For once you were full of

darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  9  For this light

within you produces only what is good and right and true.

 

3. We Have a Purpose Through the Light We Shine

 

V.12 “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they

accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor

to God when he judges the world.”

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Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together [a]  for the good of

those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.