Expose the Works of Darkness

Responding to Darkness

(Ephesians 5:11)

Even in the church, there are those who follow the flesh lusts and publicly and intentionally harm the church. How should we respond to those who carry out works of darkness?

1. Distorted Love
Some say that we should embrace and love them. But is it truly love to tolerate and overlook works of darkness? Paul, while emphasizing love, stated that love does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth. The Lord commands, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them!”

2. Confusing Standards
Unfortunately, many fail to distinguish between what is unrighteous and what is true. As a result, when they encounter works of darkness within the church, they often talk about them casually for amusement or even participate in them. This reflects a lack of both opposition to sin and the ability to overcome the enemy, often resulting from insufficient teaching of the Word. In some cases, they are unable to cut ties with evildoers due to personal connections. The problem lies in that tolerating evil unknowingly leads to being contaminated by it, and those who observe this develop a distorted perception of evil.

3. The Right Approach
Rebuking church members is a role entrusted exclusively to the shepherd, and it is a responsibility he cannot neglect. What others should do is not rebuke but avoid participating in works of darkness, thereby leading evildoers to feel shame. When we love the church with truthful hearts, the intentions of those who seek to exploit it will be exposed. When we sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of the saints, the evil of those who incite others will be revealed. Let us not associate with those who intentionally commit evil but instead act as children of light. Let us provide opportunities for those who are darkness to recognize their evil deeds before the light and be exposed.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim