Lamps For Christ! (Hix)

Matthew 5:14-16-“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus uses two great illustrations of what the Christian is.

1-Salt-To prevent decay and corruption, to flavor to living, to bring healing.

2-Light-To dispense and disperse light to a dark world!

The tiniest beam of light can brake through darkness, any amount of darkness!

Psalm 119:105-Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:130-The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

The definition of who we are — "You." (The You is you….You have to be the light even if no ones else is!)

The definition of what are we — "Light." (This a Christian's character and function.)

The definition of what our task is— "Light of the world." (This our responsibility)

You are the light - Not "a" light, but "the" light. God has left each of us here, to shine for Him, to shine His Gospel for His Kingdom and for His glory.

Luke 8:16-“No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light

The words that Jesus used to illustrate these great truths, are so important to examine their deeper meaning:

The word….Bushel or basket represents the business of this world, or busyness of this world. (I was so busy at work today)

The word…Bed represents leisure (I’m just going to lay in bed all day)

Jesus is basically saying is, “We can get so busy that we don’t let our light shine, or we can be so lazy that we don’t let our light shine!”

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Our sins dishonour Him, but our obedience glorifies Him.

Candles are not lit to be looked at, but that something else may be seen by them. Men may see God through our works.

A true Christian life can not be hid…Let me repeat…Can not be hid!!

A man returning from a journey brought his wife a matchbox that would glow in the dark. After he gave it to her, she turned out the light, but it could not be seen. Both thought they had been cheated. Then the wife noticed some French words on the box and asked a friend to translate them. The inscription said:

"If you want me to shine in the night, keep me in the light."

I think that’s the problem with us many times, the reason we don’t shine, is because we have not spent enough time the light…The light of His Word, the light of His presence!

I’d rather see a sermon

than hear one any day.

I’d rather one would walk with me

than merely tell the way.

The eye’s a better pupil

and more willing than the ear.

Fine counsel is confusing

but example’s always clear.

The best of all the preachers

are the men who live their creeds.

For to see good put in action

is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it,

if you’ll let me see it done.

I can watch your hands in action,

your tongue too fast may run.

The lectures you deliver

may be very wise and true.

But I’d rather get my lessons

by observing what you do.

For I might misunderstand you

And the high advice you give.

But there’s no misunderstanding

how you act and how you live.