We left off our study at verse 7. It serves as a conclusion to our last study as well as a commencement of our new study. God’s people are to put distance between themselves and the ungodly. We are not to be linked with the world in our actions, our thoughts or our dispositions. How do we separate ourselves from the world? Just what is it we are to avoid? Such questions have caused a lot of discussion and dispute between believers. However, there is rather a simple “ answer to such a controversy. Rather than listing things which are to be avoided, let us note that we are told to walk the path of light. It will take us away from the ungodly and stop us partaking with them in sin. The Word of God is the agent of holiness, verses 8, 10.
1.WHAT WE WERE BEFORE THE WORD OF GOD CAME TO USFor ye were sometimes darkness, verse 8. We were the very opposite to God! God is light, and in him is no darkness at all, 1 John 1:5.
1. This something God would have us ever remember. What a promoter of humility, trust and thanksgiving is the perusal of our former state. Ye were. . . ye are. Sometimes (one time) . . . now.
2. The change God has wrought puts an absolute difference between us and the unconverted. It is not a mere surface difference or one of a divergence of opinions. No we belong to two distinct spiritual realms. That of darkness and light. 2 Cor 5:17- a new creature.
3. Nothing contrasts more than darkness and light. They are more than mere contrasts they are absolute opponents! Even oil and water will mix to a certain degree but not light and darkness. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor 6:14.