But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light
Truth to Learn
God’s light exposes sin for what it is.
Behind the Words
The Greek word translated “exposed” is elegchō, which we learned back in verse eleven means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”
“Are made manifest” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”
“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In today’s verse the definite article (the) is included with “light.” Therefore, it is a specific light, it is the light.
Meaning Explained
Two verses back Paul said that we are not to have any close relationships with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, we are to stand against and expose such evil actions. But then, in yesterday’s verse he told us that it is disgraceful or shameful to even talk about such things. On the surface that looks like a paradox. How are we supposed to expose and resist the works of darkness if we aren’t supposed to talk about them?
In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “exposed” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things which are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.
What does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4).
Now let’s put this all together. Going back to verse eleven we see that instead of having close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose them (with the light). There are times when we encounter the works of darkness, either because we see them or because we are invited to join-in by others. Instead of joining in with such deeds or approving them, we need to recognize them for what they are and bring God into the picture. We need to be a witness to those doing these deeds. This is the time to remember Bible verses that talk about such sinfulness and quote them. This is the time to talk about the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life that God offers. But – we need to shed the light in love and with grace, then walk away, having no close fellowship with the deeds or those who practice them.
Application
Quoting the Bible is an effective way of exposing sin for what it really is. However, if you can’t think of what to say, then let your own life be an example of what God is like. If you live what you believe, others will see God in you.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
