The Light Of The World Series

The Light of the World

Matthew 5: 14-16

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount. This is the longest recorded message we have that our Savior preached. It was given to the disciples, the followers of Jesus, and reveals much practical application to the lives we live.

In our last study we dealt with the words of Jesus that proclaimed we are the salt of the earth. Salt has characteristics that react with other elements. Once applied, salt penetrates and permeates; it produces change in the substance to which it is applied. Light is vastly different than salt, but it too has characteristics that interact with other elements. Just as with salt, it also has the ability to penetrate and permeate the darkness. When light is introduced, darkness has to flee. Darkness and light cannot inhabit the same position. There are times when barriers prevent light from reaching darkness, but once it does, the darkness is gone.

Light is one of the characteristics of our Lord. God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. John 8:12 – Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. As believers we know that we are to be like our Lord. If we are to represent Him as we should, then we must show forth His light. As we continue our study I want to consider the details Jesus reveals as we think on: The Light of the World.

I. This Light is Personal (14a) – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. We have the light within us; we are the channel by which the light is revealed. Every born- again believer has a light that needs to shine. Jesus doesn’t reveal that we have potential for light; He declares that we are the light of the world! 2 Cor.4:6- For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Phil.2:15 – That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 1 Thes.5:5 – Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Much of the darkness we face today is a result of Christians who have failed to let their light shine. Would you not agree that society is worse morally today than it was ten years ago? What has happened? It is simple, we have failed in letting our light shine and standing for truth! We have an obligation to this world and our Lord to shine for Him. It is possible that if your light doesn’t shine some will have no light.

I can let my light shine, but I can’t let your light shine. Many times we have an effect on each other. When our light grows dim, then others tend to allow theirs to grow dim also. The truth is the church has failed in providing light to a dark world. There are enough professing Christians to make a difference. There is an urgent need as never before in our day to be a light for Christ!

II. This Light is Powerful (14a) – Ye are the light of the world. The church is to be the channel of Light to this dark world. The light shines through us, but we are not the source of that Light. We are merely the instrument, the bulb or candle revealing the light. Jesus is the Light of men.

We have been given the light of Christ. What a powerful light that is. It is able to conquer the darkness of sin. There is no darkness so dark that light can’t conquer. A single match in a dark room will dispel the darkness.

Do you remember the time that you walked in darkness and the light of Christ opened your eyes so you could see? There is no greater power in all of creation than the power of Christ. His power is revealed through His light.

This world is deceived and desperately needs the light of Christ. He can take a life that is gripped by sin and make it whole again. This world has tried for thousands of years, but the Light remains.

III. This Light is Projected (14b-15) – A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. When light is being produced, it cannot be removed; it can only be covered or shut out. I can flip the switch and turn off the light, but as long as it is on, I can do nothing to remove the light. Light has properties that cause it to radiate all around its source.