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Title: Correct Exposure
Intro:
Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
Dave Guzik:
1. Instead of associating with ungodliness, we expose the unfruitful works of darkness.
2. However, we do not do this for the purpose of merely talking about them (which is shameful), but for the purpose of educating ourselves enough to avoid them.
3. Christians must guard against a prurient interest in the works of darkness, even in times of testimony or research.
4. Paul was careful to say that we should avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, not the people who are in darkness.
One: Instead of associating with ungodliness, we expose the unfruitful works of darkness.
What does it look like to expose the unfruitful works of darkness?
- Do not be afraid to call a spade a spade.
- PUSH BACK against the “wisdom of the day”, especially with our children.
- Examine the end game. Paul calls these things “unfruitful”. Do any of these philosophies, causes, changes in society make any difference when these people stand before God in judgment?
Two: However, we do not do this for the purpose of merely talking about them (which is shameful), but for the purpose of educating ourselves enough to avoid them.
- What are examples of merely talking about these works (which is shameful) with no real intent toward education?
- What does it look like to talk about these sins in a righteous way, with intention of education so as to avoid them?
(outhouse example of renting a video)
Three: Christians must guard against a prurient interest in the works of darkness, even in times of testimony or research.
“prurient”
Definition: marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire especially: marked by, arousing, or appealing to sexual desire
- What might such interest by a Christian look like? (will anyone dare to answer this?) Perhaps the latest salacious fad in writing, TV, film, where the believer just want to know “what all the fuss is about” (50 Shades of Grey, Bridgerton, or anything that might qualify as a “guilty pleasure”)
- Are there any legitimate “times of testimony and research” in this regard? If so, how can we safely research these things?
Four: Paul was careful to say that we should avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, not the people who are in darkness.
Though it’s not part of this text, this is a salient point from Guzik. Verse 11 tell us to not participate in the “useless deeds of darkness”, but does not call the people who practice these things useless.
Remember: a non-believer does not have the enlightenment of the spirit, wisdom of scripture, or standard and accountability of the Church when making decisions on what to participate in.
So let’s say we have a non believing friend, how/where do we draw the line? Many of us have had this issue, I’m genuinely curious how you navigate this.
Closing:
(For me, the most terrifying verse in scripture)
Hebrews 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.
Some ground rules on research into secular practices:
- NEVER do it in secret.
- Bathe the research in prayer.
- Do it with accountabiity.
- Be honest in your follow up assessment on whether it was worth it.
Q&A