The Joy Of Shining For Jesus Series

Series: Joy in the Journey

The Joy of Shining for Jesus

Philippians 2:15

July 3, 2011 AM

Subject: Light

Central Theme: Why Christians should shine as lights in the world.

Objective: Every person should get saved because of the Light Jesus brings.

Introduction: Our series through Philippians has been good. Today I am going to focus in on just one verse that I have already talked a little bit about. Let me read it to you.

READ Philippians 2:15

PRAY - Turn off the lights so that it is very dark.

Setting the mood:

Before there was something there was nothing. Before God spoke “Let there be light” there was darkness. Finally, God did speak and spoke light into existence, but shortly thereafter, sin came into the world and darkness reigned yet again. This darkness was not an absence of the sun, but a spiritual darkness. Humanity had a broken relationship with its creator. Spiritual darkness was upon every human. The darkness lasted 100 years. Then a thousands of years went by of spiritual darkness. Suddenly, light was found in the world again. That light was coming from a manger in Bethlehem. Our savior, Jesus was born. He is the light of the world. He has brought spiritual light to this very dark world. This spiritual light must be received to be seen. On faith we believe, and God saves us and gives us eternal life.

The darkness is thick, but the light of Jesus can penetrate anything; even your hard heart.

God spoke and said, “Let there be light.” [Turn Lights On] and there was light.

I. God Created Light

Ephesians 3:8-9 ESV To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (9) and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,

A. Light was the first creation

1. Sun, moon, and stars came on day 4.

B. Light is still mysterious.

1. Is the speed of light constant?

a. Some say no, some say yes.

2. Is light waves or particles

a. It behaves like both

C. God did not eliminate darkness completely

1. He simply created light and divided things between darkness and light.

II. God is Light

1 John 1:5 ESV This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

A. God is still mysterious to us.

B. He is everywhere all the time

C. Light is invisible until it is reflected off of something.

1. We have seen the light of God reflected off His creation and His redeemed.

III. Jesus Is Light

A. While on earth, Jesus was the light of the world.

John 8:12 ESV Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

1. Jesus is light

2. Jesus brings light to others

3. Jesus gives light to the church

IV. Christians are the Light of the World

1. Jesus is no longer physically on earth

2. His people are.

3. We are told to shine in the midst of

a. The crookedness of people

b. Twistedness of people

V. How do Christians Shine in this World?

A. You need to be a Christian in order to shine like one.

B. We go back and see what the chapter says:

1. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit,

2. in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

3. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others

4. Have the mind of Jesus among yourselves

5. Do all things without grumbling or questioning,

VI. Conclusion

Turn To Revelation 21:23-27

Before there was anything there was darkness

God created the light, not eliminating the darkness

The world quickly became dark again because of sin.

Jesus came and was the light of the world.

Christians are told to shine as lights in this world.

READ Rev 21:23-27

In Heaven there is no darkness at all. The problem of sin has been dealt with. There is no sin in heaven.