Shining Your Gospel Light

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

Vacation Bible Schools bring back fond memories that go back 50 years. 50 years ago, my siblings and I were participants in our first VBS at Resurrection Church in Richmond. We study the Word, made crafts and learn songs. The most popular song was This Little Gospel Light of Mine. The song was joyful and active. We made all the hand movements that the song and the class leader suggested. We also made the promise that our little Gospel lights would not be blown out.

Christians are the light of the world. We do not have to proclaim who we are to the world for the world sees our radiance. Yes, the world knows us by our light! Just as a city on a hill cannot be hid, an active believer cannot be hid. Our life as a Christian believer radiates joy, love, peace, hope, faith, long-suffering, and assurance. We are glass half full thinkers. We have a daily positive attitude. We glorify God through our speech and actions.

We are to be the light of the world to the world (all), to the city (neighborhood) and the home (family). You are the light of the world and cannot be hid. Live your lives as children of God by Word and by service to God and one another.

Questions:

1.     How are we like light? Mt. 5:14

2.     According to Jesus, how exactly are Christians to be like lamps? Mt. 5:16

3.     If believers live as they are supposed to live, how will others respond toward God? Mt. 5:16

4.     In light of your gifts, abilities, and interests, what specific problem in our world can you counteract as a representative of Christ?

Applications:

1.    All believers are to function as lights to world.

Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 16:8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Philippians 2:15 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

1 Thessalonians 5:5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

2.    Light figuratively designates:

·      Holiness and Purity

Proverbs 623 For this command is a lamp,
this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
are the way to life,

Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
 and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

·      Spiritual Illumination

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Ephesians 5:14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper,
 rise from the dead,
 and Christ will shine on you.”

·      The Heavenly State

Isaiah 60:19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
 nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory. 20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
 and your days of sorrow will end.

Colossians 1:12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

Revelation 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.