I am the light of the world

- John 8:12 “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

INTRODUCTION

After living in our old home for more than 12 years I was used to where everything was. I could walk around with the lights off and knew where everything was. Now we are living in a new home I have had to find my way around but I can’t do that unless I am walking in the light. It is the same for when you have Jesus in your life. Even though you have dark moments Jesus is able to bring light to your life.

1. Jesus is the light that I walk in.

John 1:4-5 - "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

One of the first acts of creation what that God brought light to the world. (Gen 1:3)

In new birth Jesus offers light and life.

A. We are delivered from Darkness through Jesus Christ.

The greek word for “overcome” literally means to be hostile or to understand. The darkness tried to destroy Jesus (the light) but it would fail.

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."

In order for freedom to come light must expose what is hidden.

There is freedom from the darkest parts of our lives but we must allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to expose areas that no one else knows are there.

B. That Light Leads to Life

Jesus proclaims that by having the light that He provides, we have the light that leads to life.

John 12:46 - "I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."

C. Life in Jesus means:

Freedom from the sinful things that once controlled me.

Freedom from guilt and condemnation of sin that I once carried.

The ability to see how my old life was destructive.

Compassion for those who are still bound by a life of sin.

Desire to love and serve God passionately.

Hunger for the things of God.

2. I am a reflection of whatever I follow?

- John 3:19 “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”

A. When people are in spiritual darkness, they don't want Jesus, who is called the "light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5), to show them the way.

Evil and darkness try to fight against Jesus and bring Him down, but they can't put out His light (John 1:5).

Those who refuse to believe in Jesus continue to live in darkness (compare with 13:30) and stumble because they can't see (11:10). But in the end, their sins will be shown to everyone (5:28–30; Rev 20:11–15).

B. Whatever you love more you will follow and whatever you love least you will ignore.

You prove what you love by the actions that you take.

A man came home one day to find his wife waiting in the living room with a suit case packed. He looked at her with a bewildered look and asked, “Where are you going?” To which she responded, “I am going no where, you are going to what you love more than me.”

Matthew 6:23 “But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!”

The eye is a lamp that reveals the quality of a person’s inner life.

A healthy eye (clear vision) suggests loyal devotion to God, while a bad eye (impaired vision) connotes moral corruption.

3. Are you a reflection of that light?

Genesis 1:3–4 “Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.”

Amplified Bible Chapter 6

17 So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor,

A. Unbelievers are those who profess to know God but by their actions deny him.

Have nothing to do with them.

He says be separated from the darkness that is in them. Don’t desire to be around what can draw you away from God’s presence and from your relationship with God.

B. The Holy Spirit empowers the light within us to shine in darkness.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

The power of the Holy Spirit helps us to bear witness (be a light) in the darkness.

When the power of God in dwelling in you it is hard to hide it.

Jeremiah 20:9 “But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

If Jesus is that Light and we are a reflection of Him we will naturally reflect the light he has shined in us.

C. The Holy Spirit

- Matthew 5:14 “YOU are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”

CONCLUSION