Dispense Light
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
God created Adam in His image.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
So that the whole earth would be filled with the image of God. Image bearers.
Then sin entered the world. Corrupted our ability to represent the image of God, marred the reflection of God.
God did not leave us in this state…
Jesus heals our purpose.
So many people frustrated, disillusioned, and lost.
Jesus gives us a better way.
Jesus Has Illuminated You.
Jesus Has Illuminated You.
Matthew 5:14a
Jesus begins this section with a propositional statement of a transformation.
Light is a major theme of Isaiah.
“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Light to the kosmos (vs earth w/salt). Systems. Culture.
Bring hope to your culture.
A couple of ways to see this:
Be involved in your community.
Where you live. Yes, eastern Oklahoma County or the OKC Metro. But your street or neighborhood. Your family. Your workplace.
Be present in the lives of those you come into contact with.
Influence your culture towards hope.
We have plenty of people who are spreading darkness. Chaos. Distress. Anxiety. Division. Hatred.
Do your conversations point people to hope or despair?
Ultimately towards the Gospel.
Light Cannot Hide.
Light Cannot Hide.
Matthew 5:14b-15
Jesus gives two illustrations:
First, a city on a hill.
An experience we don’t quite experience because of light pollution.
Cheyenne vs Denver in Shawnee. Seeing both Amarillo and OKC.
For Jerusalem, a similar situation. Out in the wilderness, but enough light from the candles and torches and fires, and being elevated, able to find your way home.
Why this phrase literally starts with “It is not possible for it to be hidden.” Stronger language.
Light cannot be camouflaged.
The hope and truth that you brings cannot blend in to the world.
Second, a candle under a basket.
The goal of lighting a candle is to provide light, so why would you restrict the light?
Add to that, the lack of oxygen will lead to a candle being snuffed out.
A small light can cast powerful illumination.
Doing homework by an oil lamp.
In the same way, you may feel like you are one of only a few believers in your school, workplace, family.
Yet, your light can make a difference.
Be What You Are.
Be What You Are.
Matthew 5:16
Since you are a Christian, be Christlike.
“In the same way…” Not hidden in any way.
Two consequences:
Good works serve as proof.
Yes, confirmation for yourself, but the emphasis here is on how others see your good works.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Your transformation confirms the Gospel.
As they see your life change, the way you treat others, speak, spend your time, prioritize Jesus, this serves as confirmation of the truth of the Gospel.
Good works are evangelistic.
This same “they” who saw your life transformation are transformed themselves into worshipers of God.
The power of light - it is effective in directing people’s eyes.
Staging lights for productions. Plays or concerts or gatherings like this.
You naturally look where there is light.
As we live our Christian faith, we shine a light on God and others will look to Him.
Conclusion
Conclusion
“Illumination of the Temple”
Massive candelabra with huge torches and 65 liter bowls of oil. As tall as the temple walls.
Served as a reminder of the flame that was the presence of God as Israel was in the wilderness for 40 years.
It was the morning after this massive celebration that Jesus, in the very place where this celebration was held, he makes this statement:
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Words He also uses here to talk about you. “You are the light of the world.”
References the imagery of
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Because of this we can…
for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
You are light.
Go be light.