Living out your Faith in a Broken World. Matthew 5:14-16
Good Morning.
Stand with me and lift your Bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am what it says I am.
Today I will learn more of the Word of God.
The indestructible, neverending, living Word of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus name.
Amen?
Before you are seated, say “hello” to someone you have never met.
Living Out Your Faith in a Broken World
Matthew 5:14-16
As followers of Christ, we are called to be lights in the world, sharing God’s love and truth through our actions and words. Despite the challenges, God empowers us to make a difference.
The World Needs Hope and Light
We live in a world filled with darkness and brokenness.
People are searching for hope, purpose, and love.
As believers, God calls us to step into the world as carriers of His light, bringing His truth, love, and grace to those around us.
Today, we’ll talk about what it means to live out our faith boldly, even when it’s difficult, and how our lives can impact others for God’s Kingdom.
Let’s explore what Jesus says about being “the light of the world” and how we can live out this calling with courage and love.
Turn with me in your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5 and say, “Amen” when you are there.
1: You Are the Light of the World (Matthew 5:14-16)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our Identity as Light:
Jesus calls us the “light of the world.” This is both a privilege and a responsibility. Our purpose is to reflect Christ’s light, pointing others to Him.
Visibility Matters: Just as a city on a hill is visible to everyone around, our faith should be evident in our words, actions, and attitudes. We’re not meant to keep our faith hidden but to share it openly.
Good Works as a Witness: Jesus says that our “good deeds” bring glory to God. When we serve, love, and live according to God’s Word, people see Him through us, and our lives become a testimony to His love.
Take a moment to consider how your actions, words, and attitudes are reflecting God’s light. Ask God to show you how you can be more intentional in sharing His love and truth in your daily life.
2: Shining Without Grumbling or Complaining
Turn to Philippians 2:14-16.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
Our Attitude Matters:
Paul challenges us to “do everything without grumbling.” Our attitude can either reflect God’s joy or turn others away. A complaining spirit dims our light, while a spirit of gratitude and joy amplifies it.
Becoming Blameless and Pure:
By living with integrity and love, we stand out in a world where selfishness and negativity often prevail. Living blamelessly requires that we put others first and reflect Christ’s love, even when it’s hard.
Holding Firmly to the Word of Life.
The Word of God is our foundation. As we live according to His Word, we shine “like stars” in a dark world, becoming a source of hope to those around us.
Reflect on how you can be a positive example through your attitude and actions. Make a commitment to approach challenges without grumbling, asking God to help you be a light that others can look to for hope.
3: Making a Lasting Impact Through Love and Service
When we step out in faith to serve others, we are following in Jesus’ footsteps. Serving with humility and love speaks powerfully to a world that desperately needs to know God’s heart. It’s through simple acts of kindness and compassion that we make a real difference.
Living as Christ’s Hands and Feet:
Jesus modeled love through service. As we serve others, we reflect His love and make God’s presence real in people’s lives.
Seeing Needs and Meeting Them:
Part of living out our faith is being aware of the needs around us and being willing to step in, whether it’s through encouragement, practical help, or simply showing compassion.
Impacting Lives for Eternity:
Our faith in action can open doors for others to come to know Christ. When people see genuine love, kindness, and humility, they’re drawn to the source of that love—Jesus.
Ask God to give you opportunities to serve others this week. Whether through a small act of kindness or a word of encouragement, let your faith be evident in all you do.
Years ago, a young man named Edward Kimball decided to live out his faith by teaching a Sunday school class for boys. One of the boys, a teenage shoe salesman named Dwight, was uninterested in church. But Kimball didn’t give up; he prayed for Dwight daily and eventually shared the gospel with him.
That young man, Dwight L. Moody, went on to become one of the most impactful evangelists in history. His ministry led thousands to Christ and inspired generations of believers.
What’s remarkable is that it all started with Kimball’s simple decision to love and share the gospel with one boy. His small act of faith had an eternal impact, reaching millions through Dwight’s ministry. Kimball didn’t know the full outcome, but he trusted God with his efforts and let his light shine.
This story shows us the power of small acts of faith. Kimball’s willingness to serve and share his faith transformed not only Dwight’s life but the lives of countless others.
Like Kimball, we may not see the full impact of our actions, but God can use our faithfulness to make a lasting difference.
Embracing Our Role as Light Bearers
Jesus calls us to be lights in a world that desperately needs hope and truth.
We may feel small or insignificant, but God can work through even our smallest acts of faith.
When we live boldly, serve with love, and refuse to hide our faith, we become part of God’s transformative work in the world.
Remember that God has equipped and empowered you to make a difference.
You are the light of the world, and He has placed you where you are for a reason.
Step out boldly, trusting that He will use you to bring hope, love, and His presence to others.
As we close, I want to invite anyone who feels the call to let their light shine brighter. Maybe you’ve been holding back, unsure of how to share your faith, or perhaps you’ve been struggling to live out your faith in a way that impacts others.
God is calling you to step out boldly. He wants to use you as a vessel of His love and truth, to bring hope to those who are lost, hurting, and searching.
If you’re ready to be a light, come forward for prayer. Ask God to fill you with boldness, compassion, and love, so you can make a difference in the lives of those around you.
If you feel led to serve others but need God’s strength, come forward. Ask Him to give you a heart of service and the courage to love and reach out, even in small ways.
If you haven’t yet accepted Jesus into your heart, this is your opportunity. He is the source of true light and hope, and He invites you to know His love and to be transformed.
“Lord, thank You for calling us to be lights in the world. We acknowledge that we need Your strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our faith boldly. Help us to reflect Your love and truth in everything we do. For those who are ready to step out in faith, empower them with boldness and compassion. For those seeking Your love and forgiveness for the first time, draw them close and reveal Your presence. We surrender to Your calling and ask You to use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
