What can we say about this picture? (Tim Tebow)
What can we say about this picture? (George Washington)
A picture is worth a thousand words. This is why 2000 years ago teachers would tell their students to picture something, then give a lesson based on that picture; these word pictures with a lesson are called parables. Jesus taught His followers about faith in God and in Him, and He used many parables. Today, we will learn from the simple illustration of turning on a light.
Please open your Bibles to Luke 8…..
Before reading our passage, let us pray our commitment to God’s Word….
Read along with me Luke 8:16-18….
A parable is a word picture with a lesson.
What is the simple word picture which Jesus used to teach a lesson in this passage?
A lamp lit should be placed on a stand! Today, we have all sorts of lamps and each has a purpose. And so, let us make sure we understand what type of lamp Jesus is talking about here. Of course Jesus was talking about this type of lamp back then (show picture); but for our purposes today, this electric lamp on a stand will do.
In preparation for the lesson, let us note a few things about a lamp lit and placed on a stand:
a. What’s the purpose of lighting a lamp??
A lamp is lit because it is dark!
b. Why place the lit lamp on a stand??
A lit lamp is placed on a stand so it can be seen and be of help for those in the dark!
And so, the thought which Jesus wanted His disciples to note was simple; You don’t hide a lamp. You light a lamp and you put it high so it can be seen and be a help to those in the dark.
Now, many preachers and teachers will focus on this principle about putting the light on a stand, light represents truth, which is God’s Word, especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Hide under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!
This is of course a Godly principle because God speaks about this truth in many other Scriptures. But if we look carefully, the main point of our passage this morning is Luke 8:18, not evangelism.
In context, what were the lessons which Jesus wanted to teach? What does v17 tells us……..
In other words, Whether in the dark or in the light, nothing can truly be hidden.
You can ignore and hide things but in the end the truth will be revealed!
Remember this principle? This light from this lamp is shining. If I turn my back to it, so I don’t see the light anymore, does it mean the light is no longer shining? – of course not! Light will always be light no matter how we respond to it and truths will always be truths no matter how we respond to them!
How will we respond to truths?
The most important part of this passage is in v18! It starts with the word therefore; I’ve said this many times because it is important to note that whenever you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, you need to ask yourself, “What is therefore there for?”
The word therefore in the Bible is a hinge word between facts and a call to action. If we can summarize the facts before v18, it is this: Truths will always be revealed! We really can not hide anything from God!
And what is the call to action?
Consider carefully how you listen!
What is Jesus trying to say here? When truths are being shared, are you truly listening to have an understanding for taking action or ignoring what is shared? Nothing can stop God in revealing truths. Do not ignore what God reveals! Truly listen and have an understanding for taking action in what God says!
And why should we listen carefully? The rest of v18 tells us.
1. The more one understand truths and take action, more will be given.
2. Those who ignore truths will lose everything!
Be careful of being a “know it all”! God is always revealing truths and we are to be continually learning these truths! God is not looking for “know it alls – KIAs”, God is looking for “FIATs”, Faithful, Inquisitve, Available, Teachable people!
Why did Jesus give this parable about a light on a stand? In context here, it is not about evangelism.
Jesus has been talking about faith and growing faith in Luke 7 and 8. Faith is based on God’s truths! The “light” – God’ truths will always be revealed! God knows everything and all lies will eventually be disclosed! Jesus’ desire for every Christian is to grow in faith and produce godly harvest!!
How then do we apply this parable to our lives?
Simply, always listen carefully to what God says! In other words, hear and understand what God says and live accordingly; for the more you live God’s way, the more God will reveal His glory to you! And remember, if we choose to ignore what God says, the more we will be confused about the truths and life itself.
We are to be practical Christians! Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Daily practice what you believe! Be a F-I-A-T for Christ!
1. Am I listening to God everyday?
Daily pray, read Scripture, read or listen to a Biblical message!
Are we really doing this? If we do this, we will remind ourselves that we cannot hide from God. God sees everything we do; so why not just talk to Him about everything?
2. Am I understanding God’s message?
Ask questions and talk to other Christians about God’s Word!
Make sure you really understand what God is saying.
Meet with other Christians regularly. Put to godly use your phone and the Internet. If you’re on Facebook, join the new All Nations Bible Church Network!
3. Am I actually ignoring what God is saying?
Here’s a simple example: Do you just throw away the Sunday Bulletin?
Review the Message during the week!
4. Am I really living according to God’s Word?
Ask Jesus often, “What would you want me to do Lord?” – then do it!
What would Jesus want us to do right now? I believe Jesus wants us to pray right now about what we heard from Luke 8:16-18. Take a moment right now to quietly pray to Jesus, ask Him what you should be doing, then make a commitment to do it! Remember that Jesus will not ask us anything we cannot do. God will empower us to do the right thing! Talk to Him and yield to Him.
