"Let There Be Light"|Light Your "World" |Matthew 5:14-16

Introduction & Background

The writer of Matthew chapter five tells us the location and the environment where Jesus spoke of a New World -within the world. He is seated on a mountain or a hill(Jhn.6:3) with his disciples and a crowd. The new "World" Jesus teaches about ushering in a new civilization of blessings from the button-up. These blessings are called the be-attitudes of the citizens. In this new world, Jesus speaks about the poor in spirit being blessed(happy) and the humble having an inheritance.

As Jesus continues to enlighten the hearts and minds of the crowds, He uses everyday symbols to illustrate the spiritual reality of this New World: Light, candle, house, and world. The crowd could relate to these everyday symbols. We can also relate to these illustrations today.

The Main Text: Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the Light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives Light to all who are in the house.

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."

LAMPS

Lights was not an advanced technology compared to the twenty-first century, where you can light a city block instantly. A lamp was a simple clay, bronze, or glass lamp with oil and a wick. The Light was confined to the house. Remember that the oil was the Source that generated the Light and burned the wick or piece of cloth/fabric.

The ARENA OF SIN("WORLD"

To understand what the New Testament means by the "world," let's turn to John 3:16-"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The world is an arena dominated by sin that alienates or isolates people from God.

God's love for the people of the arena of sin by giving Jesus the means to come out of the gate and enter into the NEW WORLD lighted by Christ. Secondly, the NT also views the world(the arena dominated by sin) as a mission field. Example: When Jesus prays for his disciples in John 17:15-He asks God not to take them out of the world but to protect them from satan(evil).

HOW TO LIGHT YOUR WORLD?

*How can anyone, anywhere, light it up? - Believe In Jesus Christ, the Light. In John 8:12, Jesus boldly declares: “I am the Light of the world. (arena of sin-darkness under the power of satan) Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

*What does it mean to be a Light in your world? - to be faithful to your calling, to the way of life prescribed by Jesus Christ. To manifest Christ-like qualities/characteristics, not religious behavior but Jesus Christ

You are the Light- personal and specific to a location/environment such as a house, family, or friends.

Your Light within can not be turned off but can be covered up and overshadowed by darkness.

To light your world is to stand out and stand up. Be different from the world or arena of sin.

So someone in your world may be influenced to follow your path or direction. And also become Christ’s followers.