This Light of Mine, Jesus Let it Shine"

Foundational Elements

1. Sermon Title: "This Light of Mine Jesus Let it Shine"

2. Text of Sermon: Matthew 5:14, John 12:46, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 1:5

3. Subject: Light of Jesus

4. Central Idea of the Text (CIT): Jesus is the light of the world, guiding and illuminating the path for believers.

5. Proposition: Jesus' light guides us and dispels darkness in our lives.

6. Objective: Hearers will seek to let the light of Jesus shine in their lives, reflecting His guidance and truth.

7. Main Point of the Sermon (MPS): Understanding the light of Jesus and our role in reflecting it.

Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Welcome to week three of our series "Flip the Switch." Over the past few weeks, we have been exploring the transformative power of light in our spiritual lives. Today, we will delve into the heart of this series by focusing on Jesus, the true light of the world. Our scriptures for today include Matthew 5:14, John 12:46, 2 Corinthians 4:4, and 1 John 1:5. We will examine how Jesus’ light not only dispels the darkness but also serves as the essential guidance we, as Christians, need in our daily walk with God. Let us open our hearts to understand and embrace the light of Jesus, allowing it to illuminate our paths and transform our lives.

As we journey through these scriptures, let us open our hearts to understand the depth of Jesus' light and the transformative power it holds

I. Jesus as the Light of the World (John 12:46)

John 12:46 “I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.”

Explanation:

John 12:46 states, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." Jesus declares His purpose as bringing light to a dark world. With Jesus' entry into the world, a new covenant was established, bringing new hope for us sinners.

Argumentation:

I. Jesus as the Light of the World (John 12:46)

Explanation:

Argumentation:

· Discuss the context of Jesus' declaration and its implications for believers:

Context:

· This declaration was made during Jesus' public ministry, where He performed miracles, taught about the Kingdom of God, and prepared His disciples for His eventual crucifixion and resurrection.

· The Jewish people were living under Roman occupation, experiencing both political and spiritual oppression. They longed for a Messiah who would bring liberation and hope.

· Jesus used the metaphor of light to contrast the spiritual darkness that prevailed due to sin and ignorance of God's truth.

Implications for Believers:

A. Spiritual Illumination: Believers are called to step out of spiritual darkness and embrace the light of Jesus, which reveals God's truth and guidance.

B. Hope and Redemption: Jesus' coming signaled the dawn of a new covenant, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. This covenant promises forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.

C. Guidance and Direction: Just as light guides our physical steps, Jesus' light guides our spiritual journey, leading us towards righteousness and eternal life.

D. Transformation and Witness: Believers are transformed by Jesus' light and are called to be witnesses, reflecting His light to the world around them.

Highlight the Contrast Between Light and Darkness in Biblical Terms:

· Light as Goodness, Truth, and Life:

· Creation: In Genesis 1:3-4, God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. This signifies that light is associated with goodness and God's creative power.

· Jesus as the Light: John 8:12 - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

· God's Nature: 1 John 1:5 - "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." This highlights the purity and holiness of God.

· Darkness as Evil, Ignorance, and Death:

· Sin and Evil: Proverbs 4:19 - "But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

· Ignorance: Isaiah 9:2 - "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."

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

Application:

Encourage believers to embrace the light of Jesus, stepping out of spiritual darkness. Illustrate with testimonies or stories of transformation through Jesus' light.

Reflect on the hope and new life found in Jesus through the new covenant.

Having understood Jesus as the light of the world, let's explore how this light shines through us, His followers.

II. Delivers as Reflectors of Jesus’ Light(Matthew 5:14)

Matthew 5:14 ““You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden.”

1. Explanation:

o Matthew 5:14: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

o Jesus calls His followers to be visible reflections of His light.

A. Visible Reflections of Jesus' Light:

B. Living Out the Gospel: By living according to the teachings of Jesus, believers demonstrate the transformative power of His light. This includes showing love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility.

C. Acts of Kindness and Service: Engaging in acts of kindness and service to others reflects Jesus' love and light. This can be through helping those in need, volunteering, and being a source of support and encouragement.

D. Sharing the Gospel: Being open about one's faith and sharing the message of Jesus with others is a powerful way to reflect His light. This involves being a witness to the truth and hope found in Christ.

E. Integrity and Righteousness: Living a life of integrity and righteousness, even when it is challenging, shows the difference Jesus makes in our lives. It means standing firm in our values and making choices that honor God.

Argumentation:

o Discuss the responsibility of believers to shine their light in the world.

• Being Visible: Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden, our faith and the light of Jesus within us should be evident to others.

• Witnessing Through Actions: Our actions should reflect the teachings of Jesus. This includes showing love, compassion, and kindness to others, which in turn points them to Christ.

• Sharing the Gospel: We are called to share the good news of Jesus with others, spreading His light to those who are in spiritual darkness.

• Living with Integrity: Our lives should be marked by integrity and righteousness, showing that we are different because of the light of Christ in us.

• Impacting the Community: We should seek to make a positive impact in our communities, being agents of change and hope.

o Examine the metaphor of a city on a hill and its visibility.

3. • Visibility and Influence: A city on a hill is easily seen by all around. It is prominent and visible from a distance. In the same way, our lives as Christians should be visible and influential, reflecting the light of Christ to those around us.

4. • Guidance and Direction: A city on a hill serves as a landmark, guiding travelers to their destination. Similarly, our lives should guide others toward Jesus, showing them the way to truth and life.

5. • Beacon of Hope: In ancient times, cities on hills were often fortified and provided safety. They were places of refuge and hope. As believers, we are called to be beacons of hope, providing spiritual refuge and pointing others to the safety found in Christ.

Application:

o Challenge the congregation to live out their faith openly and boldly.

o Share practical ways to reflect Jesus' light in daily interactions.

As we reflect Jesus' light, it is essential to understand the source of this light and its purity.

III. “The Source and Purity of the Light” (1 John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:4)

1 John 1:5 “Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 “In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Argumentation:

• Explore the Purity of God's Light and Its Contrast with Spiritual Blindness:

o Purity of God's Light: God's light is pure and unblemished, representing His holiness, righteousness, and truth. In 1 John 1:5, it is stated, "God is light; in him, there is no darkness at all." This signifies that in God, there is no sin, no deceit, and no evil.

o Spiritual Blindness: Spiritual blindness refers to the inability to perceive spiritual truths and the reality of God's light due to sin and the influence of evil. 2 Corinthians 4:4 highlights that "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

• Discuss the Impact of Spiritual Blindness and the Role of the Gospel in Revealing Jesus' Light:

o Impact of Spiritual Blindness:

 Separation from God: Spiritual blindness leads to a separation from God, as individuals are unable to recognize their need for His grace and salvation.

 Living in Darkness: Those who are spiritually blind continue to live in the darkness of sin, making choices that lead to destruction and death.

 Moral and Ethical Confusion: Without the light of God's truth, spiritually blind individuals are often confused about moral and ethical issues, leading to a society that strays from God's intended path.

o Role of the Gospel:

 Revealing the Light: The gospel reveals the light of Jesus to those who are spiritually blind, offering them a way out of darkness and into the light of truth and salvation.

 Transforming Lives: Through the gospel, individuals are transformed as they accept Jesus as their Savior, allowing His light to shine in their lives and dispel the darkness.

 Guiding to Truth: The gospel provides guidance and direction, helping believers to live according to God's will and reflect His light in a dark world.

Application:

Urge believers to seek purity in their walk with God, avoiding the darkness of sin.

Provide examples of overcoming spiritual blindness through faith and the gospel.

Conclusion

Summarizing Statement: In conclusion, we have seen that Jesus is the light of the world, and as His followers, we are called to reflect this light in our lives. This light is pure and untainted, guiding us through the darkness and leading us toward righteousness.

Final Exhortation:

Let us commit today to let the light of Jesus shine brightly in our lives. May we be beacons of hope, love, and truth in a world that desperately needs His light. As we go forth, remember the words of Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus as the light of the world. Help us to reflect His light in all that we do, guiding others to Your truth and love. May our lives be a testament to Your glory, shining brightly in the darkness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.