The Definitions of the Word Illuminate
Matthew 5:15-16
I want to present to you a word that has had great impact on me personally. – Youth Name
When I started to do some research on the word, I found some very interesting things that follow that directly relate to how as Christians we are supposed to be
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin illuminatus – meaning to light up.
1. The Noun
il-lu-mi-nate: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
John 1:1-5 (NLT)
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
So here we have the starting point for Christians; we are different, because we have been given a special illumination in a dark world.
John 8:12 Jesus says, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."
We now know that there is something better than the world has to offer!
Making decisions in the dark can lead to some regrettable consequences. Back in the days before electricity, a tightfisted old farmer was taking his hired man to task for carrying a lighted lantern when he went to call on his best girl. “Why,” he exclaimed, “when I went a-courtin’ I never carried one of them things, I always went in the dark.” “Yes,” the hired man said wryly,” and look at what you got!”
Ephesians 4:17-24 (NLT)
With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
So here we have a very clear picture from Paul as to what those ensnared in the world have become bound to without Christ’s Light in their life.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
As Christians we are not of the world any longer! The bible tells us that we have undergone a Spiritual Renewal!
We have been saved through the blood of Jesus, and to an unknowing world, that’s unusual! Not only that, we have the privilege of being able to look back at our sin and realize that we have been saved, we have been forgiven!
But that is also a call. We are called to stand out, to truly be set apart.
Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV)
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.
We all have gifts and abilities, now we need to start using them for God’s glory.
We have the enlightenment, but we’ve also been given more: talents, abilities and gifts
2. The Adjective
il-lu-mi-nate: brightened with light; intellectually or spiritually enlightened
Matthew 5:14 (NLT)
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
When I light a candle, you know its lit why? – Because of the light!
In the same way, when you are truly following after God, using your talents, gifts and abilities for him you are illuminated! You can’t help it, and people will notice it!
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
I know what you’re thinking, that’s a tough act to follow. It’s true, but when you truly break it down, it’s a matter of acting in the manner God would in each situation. Paul goes on to contrast again:
Ephesians 5:3-5 (NLT)
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Think of it like this. For someone who looks at you outside the church building, which passage do they see? Do they see the sweet aroma to God, or they see someone like them?
There’s a saying I grew up with:
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians! They praise God with their lips, but walk out the door and do not let on by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
We have been given this unbelievable gift of light, yet we forget that sometimes. We forget that we are to live a life that shows it!
The story is told of a lighthouse keeper who worked on a rocky stretch of coastline and who received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning. Not being far from shore, he had frequent guests. One night a woman from the village begged some oil to keep her family warm. Another time a father asked for some to use in his lamp. Another needed some to lubricate a wheel. Since all the requests seemed legitimate, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and granted them all. Toward the end of the month he noticed that the supply of oil was very low. Soon, it was gone, and the beacon light went out. That night several ships were wrecked and lives were lost. When the authorities investigated, the man was very repentant. To his excuses and pleading their reply was: "You were given the oil for one purpose -- to keep that light burning!"
When we fail to let God shine through in our lives, we are in danger of leading others to decay and death!
Galatians 6:8-10 (NLT)
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Don’t Give up. Don’t give in. It’s hard I know! But that life harvests decay and death. You might not see the rewards of living what is good, but your reward is not here!
3. The Verb
il-lu-mi-nate: to supply or brighten with light; to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT)
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Notice the position of the lamp. It’s not hidden, it is boldly placed on a stand for everyone to see!
You’ve got your light, your gifts and talents, and your call – Now it’s time to take action! Go! Illuminate!
Mark 16:15-18 (NLT)
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them."
That verse doesn’t say, One of you go, it says all of you go! And then it tells us that God’s gonna show us that we’re doing his work with signs!
As newsman Clarence W. Hall followed American troops through Okinawa in 1945, he and his jeep driver came upon a small town that stood out as a beautiful example of a Christian community. He wrote, "We had seen other Okinawan villages... down at the heels and despairing; by contrast, this one shone like a diamond in a dung heap. Everywhere we were greeted by smiles and dignified bows. Proudly the old men showed us their spotless homes, their terraced fields... their storehouses and granaries, their prized sugar mill." Hall said that he saw no jails and no drunkenness, and that divorce was unknown in this village. He was told that an American missionary had come there some 30 years earlier. While he was in the village, he had led two elderly townspeople to Christ and left them with a Japanese Bible. These new believers studied the Scriptures and started leading their fellow villagers to Jesus. Hall’s jeep driver said he was amazed at the difference between this village and the others around it. He remarked, "So this is what comes out of only a Bible and a couple of old guys who wanted to live like Jesus."
Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This is what’s called “The Great Commission”
God has called us to go and be a light in a dark place!
Video Clip: “Light” http://vimeo.com/3233711
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT)
He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
Romans 11:29 - Read
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.
Somebody say AMEN! God’s gift and calling is always there! My Summarized Calling
God will use you the easy way, or the hard way!
We’ve talked about the things we do as Christians because of fear:
- We make excuses
- We hate confrontation
- We constantly doubt
- We’re Selfish
It’s time to start living what God has called us to. Stop saying you’re a Christian and following your own rules! Start Illuminating!
Matthew 5:15-16 (NLT)
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
-Prayer
