Let Your Light Shine
12/13/09 PM
Text: Matthew 5:14-16
INTRODUCTION
There are many lessons in which we examine what is necessary to become a Christian, the Gospel of Jesus, the lessons of God’s grace and His salvation. This is considered the work of Christ’s Church, to preach and teach the gospel but we also have the responsibility to show the gospel to the world. Matthew 5:14-16 ( NASB ) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
The text of our lesson tonight speaks to our lives after salvation, something that is required of every child of God: Let Your Light Shine.
I. We Are Not The Light Source
A. The light is given to us (reflect the Son)
1. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
a. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
b. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light
c. Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
B. We must let the light shine
1. We can shield the light by our actions and attitudes.
a. Matthew 5:14-15 ( NASB ) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
2. Light shines a great distance in the dark. Consider the stars in the sky. Ill: The flare of someone lighting a cigarette on the deck of a ship at sea, visible from more than 4000 yards.
a. It is difficult to block light as it can go through or may even bend around objects.
b. It takes effort to block out light but it can be done.
3. What can stop the light from entering our lives? Our own heart!
a. Remember, to block light you must have something that is thick, solid and impenetrable.
b. We can make our hearts like this so that God's light will not penetrate our lives.
c. Jesus said concerning the Pharisees, Matthew 13:15 “For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.”
d. The character of the Light within us is such that only we can limit the action it may take in our lives.
4. V16 Let your light shine before men…
a. Atheist philosopher Nietzsche made the statement that if he saw more redeemed people he might be more inclined to believe in their redeemer.
i. If we are not walking in the light, letting our light shine, we face a credibility gap.
ii. If my car is a fume spewing wreck, you would not give much stock in my recommendation of my mechanic.
iii. If I am constantly ill, you would not be inclined to put faith in my physician.
iv. What good does it do to tell people the good news of Jesus if they cannot see Him in our lives?
b. Philippians 2:15 “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,…”
c. Our light is meant to be seen. Our Christianity should be as evident in our workplace, in our schools, on the golf course, everywhere in our lives, as it is when we assemble together.
d. Jesus did not call us the light of the Church; he called us lights of the world. The world needs to see our light.
5. …in such a way that they may see your good works…
a. It is not sufficient to have light; we must walk in the light, and by the light.
b. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
c. Our whole conduct should be a constant comment on the light we have received, and a constant proof of its power and truth.
6. … and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
a. It is possible to shine the light on ourselves rather than on the Father.
i. We are warned not to follow the example of the Pharisees who paraded their brand of righteousness as a way to garner the praise of men.
ii. We must guard ourselves from our own egos and shine in humble service to the Father.
b. We can also wield the light into the eyes of the lost, blinding them rather than guiding them.
i. Holier than thou attitudes, passing judgment, not showing the love which has been shown to us.
CONCLUSION
Acts 13:47 “For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’”
Let your light Shine
Invitation
