The Light We Follow

Notes
Transcript
Handout
12 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.”
Here are three learning objectives for the sermon “The Light We Follow”:
1. Recognize Jesus as the Ultimate Source of Spiritual Light and Hope
• Hearers should understand how Jesus illuminates the path to salvation and exposes the truth, guiding believers away from spiritual darkness.
2. Understand the Importance of Walking in the Light of Christ
• Hearers should learn what it means to follow Jesus’ teachings and embrace a lifestyle of trust and obedience that reflects His guidance.
3. Embrace Their Role in Reflecting Christ’s Light to Others
• Hearers should grasp their responsibility as followers of Jesus to share His light with the world through their actions, words, and love, helping others find the path to faith and hope.
Introduction:
Imagine being lost in a vast, dark forest. The canopy above blocks every trace of moonlight, and each step forward is filled with uncertainty and fear. Then suddenly, in the distance, you see a soft, glowing light—a lantern held high, offering a clear path out of the darkness and into safety. How desperately would you long for that light? How quickly would you move toward it? This image is not so different from the experience many of us have in life—stumbling through the shadows of confusion, pain, and sin, longing for something to guide us.
Why does this matter to us today? Because that light—the saving, guiding light—is Jesus Christ, and His light is what breaks through the deepest darkness in our lives. We wrestle with moments of uncertainty, fear, and brokenness. We experience feelings of being lost, wondering how to move forward. But in Jesus, we find clarity, purpose, and hope. Just as light reveals the path ahead, He illuminates the way to salvation, drawing us closer to God and transforming our lives step by step.
Today, our message, “The Light We Follow,” invites us to see Jesus for who He is—the light of the world. Throughout this sermon, we will explore three key truths that will change our perspective and deepen our walk with God. First, we’ll understand how Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual light, exposing truth and offering grace. Second, we’ll learn what it means to walk in His light, separating us from the darkness of sin. And finally, we’ll be inspired to reflect His light into the world, fulfilling our call to bring hope to others.
Our foundation for this message is Jesus’ powerful declaration in John 8:12, where He says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” These words are not just poetic; they are a promise—a lifeline to those searching for hope. Over the following moments, we’ll uncover the depth of this truth and explore together how following the light of Jesus transforms our lives and the lives we touch.
Before we begin, I want you to reflect on this question in today’s message: Where are you seeking light in your life right now? Are you turning to fleeting sources or ready to enter the eternal light Jesus offers? Open your hearts, lean into His truth, and prepare to encounter the brilliant light that changes everything.
Outline:
1. Jesus, the Light of the World
1. Jesus, the Light of the World
Explanation: Jesus declared Himself as the light in a world darkened by sin. His light exposes sin, brings truth, and guides us to eternal life.
Supporting Scriptures:
John 1:4-5 – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Jesus is the light of the world because in Him was/is Life. Mankind walks in darkness without Jesus. Darkness has not comprehended the life that Jesus is.
The darkness believes life is:
Prosperity
Health and Wealth
Earthly Power and Status
The absence of trouble and or struggles
A world without consequences where every person does what is right in their own eyes
Isaiah prophetically pointed to the time that mankind would follow a great light…
Isaiah 9:2 – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
Application: Reflect on how Jesus’ light has illuminated your life and brought hope.
2. Following the Light
2. Following the Light
Explanation: Following Jesus requires trust and obedience. His light leads us on a path of righteousness, away from spiritual confusion and despair.
Supporting Scriptures: Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Illustration: Share a story or example of how someone’s life changed after deciding to follow Jesus’ light.
Application: Encourage the congregation to walk daily in Jesus’ teachings, embracing His guidance even in uncertain times.
3. Sharing the Light with Others
3. Sharing the Light with Others
Explanation: As recipients of His light, we are tasked to reflect that light into a dark world, offering others the hope we’ve found in Christ.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world.”
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Philippians 2:15 – “Shine among them like stars in the sky.”
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Illustration: Use the analogy of a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore.
Application: Challenge the congregation to share their testimony, love, and good works to point others to Jesus.
Takeaway Message:
Jesus is the guiding light that illuminates the path to hope and faith. When we follow Him wholeheartedly, we not only find clarity and peace in our journey but also empower others to find their way out of the darkness.
Call to Action:
Ask the congregation to reflect on areas where they need Jesus’ light to shine brighter and commit to leading others to faith by sharing the hope they’ve found in Him.
Study Questions
True or False:
Jesus calls us to be His ambassadors, shining His light through our actions and words.
Answer: True
2. The phrase “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” means that small acts of faith and hope can significantly impact a shadowed world.
Answer: True
Multiple Choice:
3. According to the sermon, what does “shine your light” mean?
A) To seek personal recognition for good deeds
B) To embody the gospel and reveal Christ’s presence in your life
C) To judge others who are in spiritual darkness
D) To remain quiet about your beliefs
Answer: B
4. What should guide our confidence as faithful ambassadors of Jesus?
A) Our accomplishments
B) The certainty that Jesus is with us and shines through us
C) Encouragement from others in the church
D) Fear of judgment if we fail
Answer: B
5. What is one practical step the sermon encourages individuals to take this week?
A) Reflect on areas where Jesus’ light needs to shine brighter in your life
B) Focus on personal success and confidence
C) Confess only in private rather than sharing faith with others
D) Wait for someone else to take the first step in spreading hope
Answer: A
6. What is the primary goal of being a light for others, as explained in the sermon?
A) To gain admiration for ourselves
B) To guide others toward the Savior and share His hope
C) To replace worldly systems with religious systems
D) To achieve a place of honor in the church
Answer: B
Short Essay:
7. Reflect on the phrase, “Your light matters—it can dispel hopelessness and guide others toward the Savior.” How can you practically apply this teaching in your daily life? Give examples of how you might embody Christ’s light and share His hope with others.
Answer: (Sample response can include personal examples of kindness, sharing scripture, volunteering, or openly discussing faith with struggling people.)