Daily Worship (Aug 17)

Ephesians 5:8–11 (NIV)
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 in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

Devotional Thought
Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of their transformation: they were darkness, but now they are light in the Lord. This is not about trying to become something we’re not. It’s about living out what Christ has already made us through His death and resurrection. Before knowing Jesus, we were blind to God’s ways, stumbling in sin’s shadows. But through the gospel, God turned the lights on in our hearts, giving us new life and direction.
The call to “live as children of light” is a call to visible faith. Just like Jesus said in Matthew 5:14–16, our light is meant to shine in ways that others can see. That means showing goodness in how we treat people, choosing righteousness over compromise, and speaking the truth in love. It also means being willing to “expose” deeds of darkness—not to shame people, but to reveal what is harmful and point toward what is life-giving.
In a world where lies and fear often dominate public conversations, we shine brightest when we act with grace, justice, and mercy. Our everyday choices—whether in friendships, work, community service, or even politics—are a chance to show the reality of Jesus’ light. This is not about drawing attention to ourselves, but about helping others see the One who changed us.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Paul’s earlier teaching in Ephesians 4 about putting off the “old self” help explain this passage?
• Observation: What three qualities in verse 9 describe “the fruit of the light”?
• Meaning: What does it mean that believers are light “in the Lord,” not just carrying light?
• Main Idea: How can living as children of light both attract people to Jesus and challenge the darkness around us?
• Application: Where in your life do you need to replace secrecy or compromise with light-filled living this week?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing me out of darkness and into Your light. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your goodness, righteousness, and truth. Give me courage to engage with my community and wisdom to point people toward You. May my life shine so that others see Your love and glorify You. Amen.

Colossians 4:5–6 (NIV)
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Devotional Thought
Paul’s words here give a perfect picture of what “salt of the earth” living looks like. He’s talking about how believers interact with people who don’t yet know Jesus. Being “wise” toward outsiders isn’t about being clever—it’s about living thoughtfully, aware that our words and actions reflect the gospel we believe.
Making the most of every opportunity means we’re alert and ready. We don’t wait for perfect moments to share the love of Christ—we look for open doors in everyday life. “Grace” in conversation means showing kindness, patience, and humility. And “seasoned with salt” means our words should have flavor and impact—they should make people want more, not push them away.
This ties directly to Jesus’ call in Matthew 5:13–16. Salt preserves and enhances; it keeps things from decaying and brings out their best. In the same way, gospel-shaped conversations bring life and hope into spaces where there might be bitterness or emptiness. Whether we’re talking about faith directly or just sharing in normal life, our words can carry the aroma of Christ.
Every interaction is a chance to bless, encourage, and point people toward God. If we live wisely and speak graciously, people will notice—and some will want to know the source of our hope.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does this passage fit within Paul’s final instructions to the Colossian church in chapters 3–4?
• Observation: What two qualities should mark our speech according to verse 6?
• Meaning: What does it mean for a conversation to be “seasoned with salt”?
• Main Idea: Why does Paul connect wise living with gracious, impactful speech when talking about outreach?
• Application: How can you make your words more gracious and “salty” in your next conversation with someone who doesn’t know Jesus?

Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me opportunities to speak Your truth. Help my words to be full of grace and life, seasoned with the hope of the gospel. Give me wisdom in my interactions and courage to share about Jesus when the moment comes. Let my life and speech point people to You. Amen.

1 Peter 2:11–12 (NIV)
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Devotional Thought
Peter’s words echo Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” He reminds us that as believers, we are “foreigners and exiles.” This world is not our final home, but it is our mission field.
Because of that, we are called to live differently—not by withdrawing, but by actively engaging in ways that show the beauty of God’s kingdom. Peter is realistic: sometimes people will misunderstand us or even accuse us of wrongdoing. But our consistent, visible good works can be a powerful testimony.
The goal is not to win popularity but to point people to God. When our lives overflow with kindness, justice, service, and integrity, we make it harder for critics to dismiss the truth of the gospel. Even if they resist it now, Peter says there will be a “day” when they will recognize God’s work in us.
Public witness is not optional for Christians—it’s the natural overflow of being changed by Jesus. As salt and light, we live in such a way that the community around us gets a taste of God’s goodness and a glimpse of His glory.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does Peter’s earlier call to holiness in chapter 1 set the stage for this passage?
• Observation: What two identities does Peter give believers in verse 11?
• Meaning: How can living as “foreigners and exiles” help us stay focused on God’s mission?
• Main Idea: How do good deeds function as a form of public witness that brings glory to God?
• Application: What is one specific “good deed” you can do this week that might help others see God’s goodness?

Prayer
Lord, help me remember that I am an exile here, sent to live for Your glory. Give me strength to resist sin and courage to live in a way that shows Your love to my neighbors. Let my good deeds be a light that draws others to You, even if they misunderstand me at first. Amen.