This Little Light Of Mine

Bible study for Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

To get a full understanding of verse 16 we should begin the study where Jesus first says the disciples are to be light. In verse 14 He says, they are the light of the world & being placed on a hill they cannot be hidden. A disciple should not conceal the righteousness of the gospel message like a city should not hide it's glow at night. Verse 15 goes on to say that no one hides a lamp under a basket to shade the light it gives but they put it on the lamp-stand for “all who are in the house”. The phrase “all who are in the house” is referring to everyone who is in the world. Christ's ministry is intended for all people. We should all have access to the God's light.

Jesus has now shown the importance for all to have the light that the gospel offers. He begins verse 16 by referencing verse 15 when He says, “In the same way”. Just like the light in the previous verses are to be placed on the lamp-stand & not hidden, Christ's followers are to do the same & let our light shine for the world to see.

Let your light shine before others – The ultimate light is God's light provided to man through the gospel message. His Word was clearly communicated to the world through the lives of Christ & the disciples. The light of Christian followers should shine as a natural glow in a dim world & be obvious to all. Those of the world should not be able to avoid noticing the glory of this light. We are to be the light of life! Jesus' followers should be living in a way that others will witness their Christian characteristics such as forgiveness, grace, mercy, & love.

that they may see your good works – These should be works that those who are in the world will see as a sincere effort to do the will of the Lord. When we do these things with integrity, diligence, & courage those who are lost & on a different path will notice. They will see our faithfulness & the joy that comes from devotion to honoring Christ & the truths found in God's Word. They will come to realize that these things are good for the soul & good for the spirit. They will then desire to have these blessings. It is not sufficient for only the believer to have the light, we must walk in & by the light & share it with others. Our whole being should be a testimony & example of a member of the family of God! We have to be careful not to boast when showing this light. We cannot claim we are better than others because of it. Taking credit for it ourselves would be an act of pride. It is only by the grace of God that we are able to do these good works. He is the ultimate source of Light.

and give glory to your Father in heaven – When the gospel message is shared, the minds of those who see it will be illuminated to the blessings that will come from the Lord when you follow His will. These people will realize the reason for this big change & give credit to God & glorify Him. They will also desire to share what they have with others & bring more & more souls into God's kingdom fulfilling the Great Commission. Their light will shine not to praise themselves but the One who created it; God.

One way we can let God's light shine in the wicked world is by looking at difficulties through God's eyes & determine the reason behind these events. When we are saved God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) When we go through hardships take a step back to find ways to glorify God even in these challenging conditions. Show the world how He has been with you & helped you get through this trial. God has allowed this to happen for a reason. He didn't necessarily cause it to happen but He did permit it. The lost will see the joy you have & want the same. You have joy because joy is not dependent on circumstances; but on having a relationship with Christ. By expressing joy you are letting your “light shine before others”.

The lost will see these this light & look closer at what you are doing in spite of your hardship. When following God's will blessings will follow & others will recognize that you are doing His “good works”. When they see how you have taken the bad situation & used it to help others & bring glory to God they will try to do the same.