Let It Shine – Sep. 7th, 2025

Introduction:

[The Hook]

On a moonless night, a man in a small house lights an oil lamp so he can see. Then, inexplicably, he puts that lamp under a clay jar and crawls into darkness. Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? No one in their right mind would hide the only light they have – especially when that light is crucial to see and live by. Yet, imagine from heaven’s perspective how often God must see us do something just as absurd: He kindles the light of truth in our lives… and we promptly cover it up or set it aside. This scenario is what Jesus aims to correct with a simple illustration. He takes an everyday reality – lighting a lamp – to reveal an eternal reality – how we handle God’s truth. This picture grabs our attention because it’s both relatable and ridiculous, making us ask, “Am I doing that? Am I, in any way, hiding the light God gave me?”

[Felt Need]

We live in a world that sorely needs light. People around us grapple in spiritual darkness, longing for hope, direction, and authenticity. At the same time, we Christians face pressures: the pressure to privatize our faith (“keep it under wraps”), the temptation to harbor secret sins (“no one will know”), and the tendency to become passive listeners rather than active doers of the Word. Jesus’ teaching in Luke 8:16–18 hits these very struggles. We need this word today because it speaks to our calling and our accountability. It’s as if the Great Physician is holding up a spiritual X-ray of our hearts, showing whether His light is shining out healthy and strong or whether we’ve concealed it, diminishing our impact. Deep down, we all desire a faith that shines brightly, a conscience that’s clear in God’s sight, and a heart that grows closer to God day by day. But how do we get there? Jesus gives us the prescription in these verses.

[Purpose]

The purpose of today’s message is to encourage and challenge each of us to (1) openly display the light of Christ in our lives, (2) live with the integrity and urgency that come from knowing God will reveal all, and (3) cultivate a responsive, obedient relationship to God’s Word. In short, God wants us to shine, to be sincere, and to steward His truth faithfully. If we embrace what Jesus teaches here, our personal lives will be more holy and honest, our witness will be more vibrant, and our understanding of God will deepen continually. We will move from just surviving as Christians to truly shining as Christians.

[Context]

To briefly set the scene: Luke 8 finds Jesus in the height of His Galilean ministry. Great crowds gather to hear Him. He has just told the Parable of the Sower – you remember the four soils representing different heart responses to God’s Word. Afterwards, His disciples asked for an explanation, which He gave. Now, still speaking to His disciples (and any close listeners), Jesus continues with further teaching. It’s as if He’s saying, “Alright, you’ve been given the mystery of the Kingdom – now here’s how you must handle it.” He talks about a lamp, about hidden things being revealed, and about careful hearing. These were not disconnected sayings; they drive home the point that receiving the Word must lead to transmitting the Word, and that how we respond to Jesus’ message has serious consequences. Mark’s Gospel confirms Jesus said this as part of that teaching session by the sea (Mark 4:1, 10, 21). Additionally, Matthew’s Gospel includes the lamp image in the Sermon on the Mount – indicating Jesus likely taught this principle multiple times. For our focus, Luke 8:16–18 encapsulates it succinctly. Think of these verses as Jesus’ marching orders for anyone who has ears to hear: let your light shine, because God’s light will triumph, and listen well so that you may be entrusted with more.

[Transition]

Jesus presents three fundamental principles here – we might call them “Laws of Light” for the Christian life. They address our mission, our motive, and our measure of response. Let’s examine them one by one in the text. First, in verse 16, we learn about the purpose of light and our calling to shine.

I. A Lamp’s Purpose: Shining Openly (Luke 8:16)

Luke 8:16 KJV

16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.

Explanation:

Jesus begins with a commonsense illustration. Everyone in His audience knew the usefulness of an oil lamp (the “candle” here). A lamp in those days was a small clay dish with a wick, filled with oil. One would place it on a stand or high shelf in the one-room house to maximize its light. Jesus states the obvious: nobody lights such a lamp only to immediately cover it with a vessel (a jar or bowl) or stash it under a bed. Doing so would be counterproductive—why light it at all if you’ll hide it? The only reasonable action is to put it on a candlestick (lampstand). In a poor home, that might be a niche in the wall or a hanging shelf. The result: “they which enter in may see the light.” The lamp was for everyone’s benefit in the house, not just for the one who lit it. What is Jesus really talking about? The lamp represents the light of God’s truth and salvation. Earlier in Luke, aged Simeon prophesied that the Christ child would be “a light to lighten the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). Jesus now essentially says: that light has been lit! He is the light; His message is light. And when He lights the lamp of His Word in someone’s heart (like these disciples), it’s not meant to be hidden. The absurdity of a hidden lamp is meant to mirror the absurdity of a disciple who keeps their faith entirely private or ineffectual. God’s Word illuminated your life so that through you it might illuminate others. “That they which enter in may see the light” – God wants those who come into contact with you to glimpse His light.

Notice Jesus says “no man” does this hiding. It’s just not done. Yet it’s a sad reality that at times we do the spiritual equivalent. How might we cover our lamp? Possibly with the vessel of fear—fear of ridicule or rejection if we live openly as Christians. Or under the bed of complacency—being spiritually lazy and thus effectively hiding our light under the covers of inactivity. We might hide the light through silence when we should speak up, or compromise that dims our distinctiveness. The text implies these responses are foolish and unnecessary. After all, whogave us the light? God did. And He didn’t give it for us to smother. In fact, Jesus emphatically said to His followers in Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world.” He followed with the same image of a candle on a candlestick. Then He commanded, “Let your light so shine before men”(Matt. 5:16). So here in Luke, though phrased as an observation, the implied command is identical: Christian, shine your light!

Word Study & Background:

The word “covereth” in Greek (kalýpti) means to conceal or veil. It’s used elsewhere of hiding a city (which is impossible) or covering one’s face. Spiritually, it points to deliberate concealment. The “vessel” (skeuos) Jesus mentions would typically be a clay jar used for holding grain or water – roughly the size of a bucket or bushel basket. If you inverted it over a lamp, not only would you block the light, you’d snuff out the flame from lack of air. What a picture: to cover our witness not only hides light, but can actually quench the flame of our zeal. The “bed” likely refers to a low wooden frame with matting, or simply a mat on the ground. Either way, sliding a lamp under there is equally pointless and dangerous (fire hazard!). So Jesus picked two inappropriate locations (under a bowl, under a bed) to contrast with the right location: on a stand. The lampstand lifts the lamp up; it gives it prominence in the room. By analogy, we should elevate God’s truth in our lives, giving it prominence, not tucking it away in a corner. Historically, lamps were precious—oil cost money, and light was valued. Likewise, the truth we have in Christ is precious; to hide it betrays a misunderstanding of its worth. Also, homes in that era often had few openings and would grow dark quickly after sunset. One lamp could make the difference between a house of darkness and a house of warmth. Think of that in terms of your surroundings: you might be the only lamp in your family, your workplace, your classroom. If you shine, there’s light. If you hide, darkness prevails. That is exactly why Jesus says no one lights a lamp to hide it—God’s intention is for the lamp to dispel darkness.

Illustration:

Consider the function of a lighthouse on a treacherous coast. A lighthouse keeper in old times would diligently ensure the lamp was lit each night and rotated out over the sea. Imagine if that keeper, on a whim, shuttered all the windows of the lighthouse tower, blocking the beam. Ships would wreck, and the blame would squarely fall on that keeper for hiding the light meant to save lives. Brothers and sisters, we are keepers of a light far more vital than any coastal beacon. There are souls around us navigating in the dark. Hiding our light isn’t just a personal loss; it can have eternal consequences for others. D. L. Moody, the famous evangelist, once said something akin to: “The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.” In other words, shine the light of truth; its presence will reveal error for what it is. We don’t have to be obnoxious or forceful, just visible and genuine. Much like a lamp just quietly shining changes the whole atmosphere of a room, a Christian who consistently lives out their faith can change the atmosphere of a home or office. I recall a true story of a man who worked many years in a factory. He was gentle, honest, always ready to lend a hand or speak an uplifting word. He didn’t participate in the crass jokes or gossip. At first, co-workers didn’t understand him and maybe thought him odd. But over time, when crises hit, guess who they turned to for advice or prayer? That man – because his light had been shining steadily, proving itself trustworthy. By the time he retired, several colleagues had come to church and even to Christ, drawn by the light in his life. He simply did what Jesus said: put the lamp on the stand.

Application:

What does it mean for you to put your lamp on its stand? It could mean publicly identifying with Christ even when it’s unpopular. For a student, it might mean saying “I’m a Christian” kindly but firmly when pressured to join in wrongdoing, or starting a Bible study group at school. For someone at work, it could mean refusing to laugh at that unethical suggestion and instead gently explaining a principled stance, or being the one who offers to pray for a colleague in need. For all of us, it means our Christianity isn’t hidden in a Sunday-morning-only compartment. We don’t conceal our faith during the week. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been effectively hiding your light? Perhaps with a particular group of friends you never mention your relationship with God because you fear their reaction. Perhaps at family gatherings you dim your convictions to avoid conflict. Or perhaps personal fear of not living perfectly has made you hide—thinking, “I don’t want to be seen as a hypocrite, so I’ll just keep quiet.” Jesus says don’t hide the lamp.Better to humbly admit we’re not perfect but still shine than to use imperfection as an excuse for silence. It’s also possible to hide the light by neglect—if we fail to fuel our lamp with oil (time in the Word and prayer), our light may flicker. So to shine brightly, we need to stay close to the Light source (Jesus), through regular fellowship with Him. Then, fueled and aflame, we consciously let it be seen. That could mean something as simple as grace at meals in public, or a visible joy and peace that leads others to ask, “What’s different about you?” Peter writes, “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). People will ask when they see hope’s light in you. Don’t hide it.

On a corporate level, church should equip us to shine out in the world, not just gather our lights under a bushel of a building. We come here to trim our wicks and fill up on oil, but then scatter to shine in the community. If we only shine inside these four walls, we’re essentially putting a bowl over our collective lamp. The candlestick Jesus speaks of can also symbolize the church (Revelation refers to churches as lampstands). First Baptist Church, Westminster – our candlestick is meant to hold up the light of Christ to this city. May we never become an exclusive club where light is kept “in here.” Rather, let’s hold it high through outreach, missions, service, and personal evangelism “out there.”

Transition:

Jesus’ first principle is clear: Illuminate, don’t obscure. But someone might wonder, “Lord, what about things that are hidden now? What about opposition or those who seem to reject the light?” This brings us to the next verse. Jesus assures us that ultimately, all will be revealed. That leads to our second principle from verse 17: the inevitability of revelation and our call to integrity.

II. The Inevitability of Revelation: Living with Nothing to Hide (Luke 8:17)

Luke 8:17 KJV

17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

Explanation:

Here Jesus gives the reason why a lamp shouldn’t be hidden: because hidden things don’t stay hidden forever. This is a sweeping statement of God’s omniscience and the certainty that He will bring truth to light. In context, Jesus may partly be referring to His teaching and the gospel itself. At that moment in His ministry, some truths were veiled (He taught in parables; He hadn’t yet publicly announced Himself as Messiah to all). But He wanted the disciples to know that in God’s plan, all of it “shall be made manifest” in due time. The gospel would be preached openly (after His resurrection, He told them to proclaim it to all nations). So, from a Kingdom perspective, Jesus is saying: God’s truth will break out; the secret things of the Kingdom will be made manifest to the world. Therefore, you can confidently shine it now, even if reception is mixed, because God’s light is destined to fill the earth.

But there’s also a personal, moral dimension: “nothing is secret” in our lives that will not be revealed by God’s light eventually. The term “come abroad” means “come into the open, made public.” This is a principle woven throughout Scripture: God sees everything done in secret (Heb. 4:13 “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him”), and He will judge the secrets of men (Rom. 2:16). For Jesus’ immediate listeners, this truth would guard them from hypocrisy and motivate sincere discipleship. Consider the Pharisees in that day: outwardly very religious, inwardly full of hidden sin; Jesus could be alluding that such secrets won’t remain forever—indeed, history has exposed the hollowness of their legalism. For the disciples, it is both warning and reassurance: God will reveal all truth and all falsehood.

Illustration (Biblical):

There are numerous biblical examples of this principle. Achan (in Joshua 7) tried to hide forbidden loot under his tent – but God brought it to light, and it cost Achan his life. King David thought he had hidden his sin with Bathsheba successfully – but God sent Nathan to say, “Thou art the man,” and David’s deeds, though done secretly, were made manifest, recorded for all time. In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira attempted to secretly deceive the apostles about their giving; the Holy Spirit exposed it immediately (Acts 5) as an example that nothing can be hidden from God. Jesus Himself said in another context, “There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known” (Luke 12:2). It’s almost verbatim of our text, showing He really wanted us to grasp this: one way or another, truth will out.

Word Study:

“Secret” in Greek (kryptón) gives us words like “cryptic” or “crypt.” It means concealed or private. “Manifest” is phanerōthḗsetai – to be made visible or clear (like turning on a light in a dark room to reveal what’s there). “Hid” (apókruphon) intensifies the hidden idea – completely concealed. “Known” (gnōstḗsetai) implies not only seen, but understood. “Come abroad” (eis phaneron elthē) literally “come into [the] manifest [light].” The use of future tenses (“shall be”) indicate this revelation is certain to happen under God’s timing. In many cases, it may happen in this life – often our sins find us out (Num. 32:23). But certainly at the Last Judgment, all accounts are settled openly. For believers, this reminds of the Bema (Judgment Seat of Christ) where our works, good or bad, will be brought to light and rewarded or burned (1 Cor. 3:13, “the fire shall try every man’s work… and the fire shall make it manifest”). For unbelievers, the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:12) will open the books on their lives. No one “gets away” with anything before God. Every secret whispered in the ear, Jesus said, will be proclaimed from the housetops (Luke 12:3).

Theological Insight:

This truth highlights God’s justice and omnipotence. It is meant to instill the fear of the Lord (a reverent awareness that we answer to Him). It also conveys that reality is not ultimately determined by what we see now. There may be hidden saints doing mighty prayer in closets – God will reward them openly (Matthew 6:6). There may be concealed wickedness that goes unpunished for a season – God will expose and punish it. Knowing this, we can be patient and not envy evildoers; their day of exposure will come. And we can faithfully persevere in doing good even if unacknowledged; God’s recognition will come. As one commentary noted, in the kingdom of God the hidden will become visible: hidden sin will be revealed in judgment, and the hidden work of God (like the growth of the seed, or the gospel now veiled) will bloom forth for all to see. Thus, this verse has a double edge – comfort for the faithful and conviction for the wayward.

Illustration (Everyday):

Have you ever been in a completely dark room and then someone flips on a bright light? It’s jarring – suddenly everything is visible, even things you didn’t expect or want to see (like the mess on the floor!). When Christ, the Light, returns, it will be like all the lights coming on in the theater of the world. The show of pretenses will be over; reality will be seen as it truly is. In the meantime, think of conscience and God’s Word as a searchlight. Occasionally, we see news of a criminal cold case solved decades later through DNA or a new witness – something hidden was finally uncovered, and justice can be served. In a far more perfect way, God’s holiness ensures every case will be solved. There’s a true story of a Christian man who, under deep conviction from God, confessed to an unsolved crime from his youth some 25 years after it happened. Why would he do that? He had prospered outwardly, no one suspected him, yet his conscience and the Word worked on him until he realized he’d rather face human punishment than live any longer with that secret before God. He said he wanted to be right with God and men before Judgment Day. That’s taking Jesus’ words seriously – choosing to manifest a secret now in repentance, rather than have it exposed later in condemnation.

Application:

For us, verse 17 urges a life of integrity and confession. In practice, it means we should strive to have no dichotomy between our private life and our public image. Ask: Am I keeping any secrets from God? (We know intellectually we cannot hide from God, but sometimes we act as if we can.) Is there hidden sin or “double-living”? If so, the call is to bring it into the light of Christ through repentance. 1 John 1:7, 9 tells us if we walk in the light and confess our sins, the blood of Jesus cleanses us. Why wait until a future exposure when it could be forgiven and removed now? Living transparently under God’s gaze gives peace of mind – we become the same person in the dark as we are in the light. That consistency is a powerful witness too. Jesus’ teaching also gives us courage in witness: maybe today much of Christian truth is mocked or ignored (kind of “hidden” from the acceptance of society). Don’t be discouraged – one day it will be undeniably manifest. Every knee will bow to Jesus openly. That means the labor and sacrifice you give to share Christ or stand for righteousness is not in vain; harvest is coming. It may be hidden now, like seed underground, but it will come abroad. So keep sowing the seed of the Word; its results will show forth in time (Mark 4:22, in the parallel passage, likely refers to the growth of God’s kingdom being manifested). Another application: be patient and avoid sinful shortcuts. If you have been wronged or see evil flourishing, resist the urge to take vengeance or compromise to “fix” things. God will bring justice to light. Psalm 37 says, “Commit thy way unto the LORD… He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” In other words, trust God to clear your name or right the wrong – He can do it far better, and He promises to in His time. Rest in that. On the flip side, if you’re tempted to do something dubious “because no one will find out,” remember this verse. Whether or not any human finds out, God already has, and He may choose to reveal it at the most unexpected time. The Scriptures warn, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23). This is a deterrent for us: that private flirtation, that hidden addiction, that dishonest practice – it’s not really hidden. The light will expose it sooner or later. It’s far better to drag our sins into the open now by confession and repentance than to have God drag them out later publicly. Also, on everyday integrity: let’s practice truth-telling and openness. If we make a mistake, own up to it rather than cover it. If we struggle, seek help rather than wearing a mask of perfection. It creates a culture of light in our homes and church. Parents, for instance, if we do wrong by our kids, confess it to them; that teaches them to live in light too.

Jesus, in essence, is encouraging us: “Don’t live a double life. Don’t suppose that the darkness will cover you – God’s light is like the morning sun that will rise and uncover all.” Positively, live in such a way that you have nothing to hide. That is freedom. One of my mentors used to say: “Live with the door of your life open – nothing to fear if someone looked in.” That’s integrity: wholeness. When we inevitably fall short, we keep short accounts with God – quickly bringing those things to Him. By doing so, we are practicing for that final day, letting His light continually refine us now.

Furthermore, in evangelism, trust that God is working even when you can’t see it. You may share Christ and it seems like no result (seed seems hidden in soil) – but later God can make it manifest as new life. Many conversions happen later and come to light after faithful sowing that initially appeared “hidden.” So don’t lose heart. Light has a way of seeping under the door. You let yours shine and let God handle how it spreads and when it’s noticed.

Transition:

Having established that our lives and God’s truth are headed toward full disclosure in God’s light, Jesus gives one more crucial exhortation in verse 18. Knowing that the light we have is so important and that God will gauge our response to it, Jesus says, “So be very careful how you listen and respond.” This brings us to the third principle: responsible hearing and the law of increase or loss.

III. The Measure of Hearing: Heedful Listening Brings Increase (Luke 8:18)

Luke 8:18 KJV

18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Explanation:

Jesus moves from metaphor and principle to direct application: “Take heed… how ye hear.” The phrase “take heed” is a strong warning / command meaning “watch out, be on guard, pay attention.” And specifically “how you hear.” He’s speaking of hearing God’s message – in that moment, it was His own teaching they were hearing. For us, it’s anytime we encounter the Word of God (through Scripture reading, preaching, a godly counsel, etc.). Jesus is telling us the manner in which we listen and receive truth matters tremendously. It’s possible to hear truth carelessly or with a closed heart, and thus gain no benefit (like seed on hard or rocky soil). It’s also possible to hear with a noble and good heart (Luke 8:15) and bear much fruit. So Jesus says, effectively, “Be careful listeners.” Don’t be a half-hearted hearer or a hearer only. Approach God’s Word with reverence, faith, and willingness to act.

Why? Jesus attaches a “for” (because) to the command: “for whosoever hath, to him shall be given,” etc. This is the spiritual law of use that we’ve discussed. Let’s break it down. “Whosoever hath” – “hath” what? In context, whoever truly possesses and embraces the truth / light he’s received.It implies a person who has received something from God (understanding, faith, blessing) and holds it. How do we know he “hath” it? Likely by the fact he values it and lives by it – he owns that truth in his life. For example, one who truly “has” forgiveness (not just hears about forgiving, but has taken it to heart and practices forgiveness) – such a person “has” that virtue. Or one who truly “has” the gospel (not just heard it with ears, but believed it with heart) – he possesses salvation. So “having” here means genuinely receiving and using the light given. To that person, Jesus promises “to him shall be given.” The gracious passive “shall be given” implies God will give more. More what? More light, more insight, more grace, more responsibility, more reward. In this life it often means deeper understanding of God and opportunities to grow and serve. In the life to come, it surely includes heavenly reward and greater fullness of life with God. The principle proved true with the disciples: those who received Jesus’ teaching got more and more (He explained parables to them, they grew in knowledge, after Pentecost they received the Holy Spirit’s illumination, etc.). It’s like when you exercise a muscle, more strength is “given” to that muscle – capacity increases.

Then the sobering contrast: “whosoever hath not” – that is, whoever does not truly receive or hold onto God’s truth. They may hear the sound of it, but they don’t internalize it. They “have not” in the sense of lacking real faith / understanding or any lasting possession of the Word. Perhaps they once had a stirring or some head knowledge, but it never became theirs by trust and obedience. What about such a person? Jesus says, “from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” Note “seemeth to have” – Greek dokei echein, literally “supposes or thinks that he has.” This implies the person might think they’re fine – they assume they have all they need, or they assume they have the truth, but it’s an illusion. In reality, they haven’t clung to God’s Word or welcomed it in their heart, so they don’t truly have it. The tragedy is that even the opportunities or knowledge they did have will be removed. We see foretaste of this in the Gospel: the Pharisees “seemed” to have the Scriptures and religious insight, but because they rejected Jesus, they ended up blinded – “taken away” was their discernment and even their standing (Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, the temple worship ceased; they lost what they held onto). On a personal level, someone might “seem to have” religion – maybe they attend church, know Bible stories – but if they don’t truly surrender to Christ, over time they may lose even the interest or moral consciousness they had. It withers. We’ve known folks who grew up hearing the gospel, but having never made it their own, as adults they drift and may even lose recall or concern for those truths. It’s a dangerous thing to trifle with God’s Word: repeated rejection can result in a hardened heart. That’s the warning here.

Jesus’ words also echo the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25) – the servant who didn’t use his talent had it taken and given to another. God doesn’t leave resources idle forever. If one won’t respond, He’ll pass the opportunity to someone who will. For instance, historically, when Israel as a nation rejected the Messiah, the Gospel was taken to the Gentiles (Romans 11 speaks of branches broken off and others grafted in). In personal terms, if I neglect the light God gives me, I may find it diminishing. Perhaps one “seems to have” a clear conscience, but neglecting God’s word, they lose sensitivity and that conscience grows dull – they lose even that moral compass they thought they had. Or someone “seems to have” joy from a thrilling church experience, but doesn’t root it in a true relationship with Christ; soon that emotional high is gone and even the semblance of joy is lost. The phrase “taken away” is solemn – it suggests an act of judgment. God may remove the lampstand (Rev. 2:5) from a church that no longer shines; He may remove understanding from one who doesn’t appreciate it. It’s not that God is capricious; it’s that misuse or no use leads to loss by a kind of spiritual atrophy and God’s righteous reallocation.

Illustration:

Imagine two students in a class. One pays attention, does the homework, and seeks help on what he doesn’t understand. The other goofs off, half-listens, and assumes he knows enough. The attentive student finds that as the course goes on, he “gets it” more and more – the teacher even gives him advanced problems because he’s ready. The careless student finds himself more and more lost; concepts that he thought he grasped slip away because he didn’t solidify them. By the final exam, the diligent student gains honors (more given), the careless one fails and loses even the credit he “seemed” to have. Spiritually, we are those students under Jesus’ teaching. Which one will we be?

Application:

The most direct application of “take heed how ye hear”is this: Every time you are exposed to the Word of God, treat it as a holy moment. Come with expectation and humility, asking God, “What do You want me to have from this?” Then latch onto what He gives. It might be a new insight, a conviction to change something, a promise to trust, a command to obey. Have it – meaning, hold it fast, write it down, pray it in, live it out. James 1:22 exhorts, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Notice “deceiving yourselves” – that’s akin to “seeming to have.” If we hear and nod but do nothing, we’re fooling ourselves. James compares it to glancing in a mirror and then forgetting your appearance. But if you act on the Word, you “have” it and are blessed indeed. So practically, one might take heed how they hear by eliminating distractions during devotions – maybe turning off the phone, or if drowsy, getting up to read the Bible instead of lying in bed half-asleep. It could be cultivating an attitude of reverence and expectancy – praying before church, “Lord, speak to me; I’m ready to respond.” It definitely involves obedience: identify at least one action or change from each sermon or study and do it. Even if it’s small, that solidifies the truth in your life. Over time, you’ll find God entrusts you with deeper truths or more opportunities for service, because you were faithful with the little (Luke 16:10). For example, maybe you “have” a little understanding of prayer – as you practice it, God “gives” you greater faith and answers, leading to a stronger prayer life. Or you “have” a heart to share Christ with one person – as you do, God “gives” you greater confidence and maybe many more people to share with. This church has folks who started serving in small unseen ways; as they were faithful, God opened bigger doors for ministry. That’s “to him shall be given” in action.

Conversely, guard against complacency. If you think, “I’ve heard this all before,” beware – that attitude indicates you’re not truly having it anymore. I’ve seen life-long churchgoers tune out sermons thinking they already know it – ironically, that attitude leads to them losing the sharpness of what they once knew. No matter how familiar a text or truth, approach it as a student, not a know-it-all. God can always show you more if you come hungry. And if you’ve stalled in your Christian growth, introspect: Did I neglect something God told me to do? Often the way forward is to go back and complete the last instruction God gave that you put off. Then light will resume.

The warning “from him shall be taken that which he seemeth to have” should especially jolt anyone who has an outward form of religion but no inward reality. Perhaps you “seem” to have salvation – you attend church, do good things – but you’ve never truly repented and trusted Christ personally. Friend, you are at risk of losing even the opportunity of salvation if you continue to harden your heart. Scripture warns, “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Heb. 4:7). The more one says no to the gospel, the harder it becomes to say yes. Don’t deceive yourself by “seeming” to be Christian when you haven’t surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Now is the time to truly “have” Him by faith, lest at judgment He says, “I never knew you.” For believers, the warning guards us from spiritual pride and laziness. The moment we stop cultivating our relationship with God, we begin to lose ground. It’s like rowing upstream – stop rowing and you drift backward. So keep rowing, keep seeking, keep applying. The promise is as encouraging as the warning is sobering. God is eager to give more – more wisdom, joy, usefulness, intimacy with Him – if we prove faithful with what we’ve got. He’s not stingy; the limiting factor is our willingness to receive and respond. So, dear church, how is our hearing? Are we on the edge of our seat for God’s Word or slumped and indifferent? Jesus says “take heed!” It’s a call to tune our ears and hearts to His frequency daily.

Illustration (Outcome):

To illustrate outcome, think of two characters: Mary of Bethany and Judas Iscariot. Mary hung on Jesus’ every word (Luke 10:39) – she “had” His teaching and love, and Jesus gave her more (she grasped His approaching death when others didn’t, anointing Him beforehand). Her devotion was rewarded with insight and honor (Jesus memorialized her act). Judas heard all the same teachings, saw all the miracles – he “seemed to have” discipleship, but inside he didn’t commit. In the end, even the apostleship he seemed to have was taken – he died a betrayer, his position given to another. It’s a stark contrast. Be a Mary, not a Judas, in how you respond to Jesus’ words.

Transition (to Conclusion):

We have now examined Jesus’ three key principles:

(1) Light’s purpose is to shine – so let’s shine boldly.

(2) All secret things will be revealed – so let’s live purely and honestly.

(3) Careful hearing leads to increase, careless hearing to loss – so let’s be diligent doers of the Word.

These are heavy and yet hopeful lessons. Jesus essentially outlines how to be a fruitful disciple versus how to fall away. It all comes down to what we do with the light we’ve been given. Now, as we move to conclude, let’s summarize these truths and see how they point us to the gospel itself and our call to action today.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Luke 8:16–18, the picture is clear: God has lit a lamp – the lamp of His truth and salvation – and He calls us to carry it high. Hide it under a bushel? No! Let it shine till Jesus comes. We’ve learned that shining our light is not just a suggestion, it’s our Savior’s expectation. And why wouldn’t we? If Jesus has rescued us from darkness, why would we creep back into the shadows or act like secret agents of heaven? Rather, with love and humility, we hold forth the Word of life like a beacon in the night. Remember, a little lamp can lead a lost traveler to safety. Your witness, however modest you feel it is, can guide a soul to Christ. So do not underestimate the power of simply being a consistent, radiant Christian. Let your coworkers, your family, your neighbors see the glow of Christ in your attitudes and actions. It might be the only gospel they read initially.

We also saw that ultimately God’s light will prevail – nothing hidden will stay hidden. This encourages us to live with integrity and accountability. Perhaps as you listened, the Holy Spirit gently put His finger on an area of your life that is “under the bed,” something you’ve kept in the dark. This is the time to bring it into God’s light. He already sees, and in His mercy He’s inviting you to confess and be cleansed rather than face exposure and loss later. There is such freedom in walking in the light with Jesus, nothing to hide, nothing separating your heart from Him. If you need to make something right – do it. If you need to seek forgiveness – do it. God’s light heals; it doesn’t harm when we step into it willingly. On the other hand, you may feel you’ve been laboring in obscurity or that your faithful efforts aren’t noticed. Take heart: God will one day openly reward what you’ve done for Him in secret. The seeds you sow quietly in tears will one day spring forth and God will wipe away those tears in joy. Not a single prayer or act of love is lost to His sight. In the end, the light wins. Jesus, the Light of the World, will return and every eye shall see Him. All falsehood will be banished. We live in anticipation of that day, reflecting His light in the meantime.

And finally, we confronted the principle of responsive hearing. What a probing word: Have I been truly listening to God? Perhaps some of us realize we’ve had sermons pass over us like wind over rock – leaving no mark. Perhaps we’ve treated devotions as a ritual to check off, rather than a meeting with the living God. Jesus says, “take heed.” There’s still time to change our posture. Starting now, commit to being an attentive hearer. When you read Scripture tomorrow morning, pray “Lord, speak, your servant is listening – and ready to obey.” As you do this day by day, you will notice growth. God will honor that by entrusting you with a fuller experience of Him. Many saints can testify that when they began to not only read the Word but do it, their Christian life came alive. Obedience is the organ of spiritual sight – when we obey, God shows us more. Conversely, if you’ve been drifting, wake up! Don’t lose what you have. Go back to where you left off and say “Yes, Lord.” Our God is so gracious; He can restore the years the locusts have eaten if we return to Him (Joel 2:25). The key is to respond when He calls.

Let’s also tie this to the gospel itself. There may be someone here or listening who has heard about Jesus many times – you “seem to have” an affiliation with Christianity – but you’ve never truly hadJesus rule in your heart. You know about the light, but you’ve preferred to linger in the twilight of indecision. Friend, “today” is the day of salvation. Take heed how you hear these final words: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave His life on the cross for your sins and rose again victorious. That gospel truth is shining upon you right now. What will you do with it? Will you hide it away, or will you let it flood your soul? To do nothing is essentially to reject it. And Jesus warns that if you do not have – if you will not grasp Him by faith – the opportunity you think you have may be taken. Don’t be like those who ignored the light until it was too late and darkness overtook them. Instead, step into the light of Christ’s love. He invites you: “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). You don’t have to abide in darkness one moment more. Believe on Him today – that He died for you, that He lives to save you. When you do, you’ll find He kindles a lamp in your heart that will never be extinguished. And He’ll say of you, “You are now the light of the world—go and shine.”

So, in summary, what have we learned? We can condense Jesus’ message into three memorable charges: Shine brightly, live purely, and listen carefully. Shine brightly, because God lit you to be seen. Live purely, because God will disclose all things. Listen carefully, because God rewards receptive doers and removes stagnant hearers. If we live out those three, we will fulfill our purpose as Christ’s disciples and glorify our Father in heaven.

Let me leave you with a mental picture. Picture a dark hillside at night – then imagine one lonely lamp being lit. It’s small, but someone down in the valley can see that speck of light. Now picture dozens, hundreds of lamps lighting across the hillside – the combined glow can be seen for miles. That’s a picture of us, church. One individual light in your home or job can make a difference. But together, if each of us shines, our community will be illuminated with the gospel. People will “see the light” and be drawn not to us, but to the Savior we proclaim. Acts 13:47 says, “I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.” Let’s take that seriously. Westminster, Colorado – and wherever you live – is our hillside. Let’s fill it with holy lamps of testimony. Let’s dispel the works of darkness by the light of our love and truth. And let’s trust God for the results, knowing one day in eternity we’ll rejoice to see how far our little light reached by His power.

Homiletical Recap:

We are to Light Up (show forth Christ openly), Clean Up (confess and forsake hidden sin, live sincerely), and Fill Up (take in God’s Word earnestly so He can pour more into us). Light up, clean up, fill up – that’s how we “let it shine” according to Jesus. Or to put it another way using L’s: Luminosity, Legitimacy, and Listening. Be luminous, be legitimate (no hiding or faking), and be listening. Jesus has spoken – now it’s our move.

Call to Action:

What specific step will you take this week to apply these truths? Maybe it’s telling a friend about Christ (shining). Maybe it’s deleting those hidden things on your computer and seeking accountability (bringing your life into alignment with God’s light). Maybe it’s setting aside time each day free from distractions to really meditate on Scripture (improving how you hear). The worst thing we could do is walk away from this sermon unchanged, thereby violating the very principle we learned. Instead, let’s each commit to one actionable response right now. As I close in prayer in a moment, I encourage you to tell the Lord your commitment – He will help you keep it.

Invitation (Salvation & Surrender):

Now I turn especially to those who need to respond to Jesus’ light for salvation or rededication. Everyone, please bow your heads and close your eyes. This is a holy moment of decision. The Lord Jesus, through His Word, has been walking among us, illuminating hearts. How have you heard Him today? Perhaps you’ve realized that you do not truly “have” Christ as Savior. You know about Him, you may “seem” Christian outwardly, but in your heart you’re not sure you’re saved, not sure you’ve ever personally yielded to Jesus. Friend, don’t let this moment pass. God’s light is shining on you in love, showing your need and also showing the cross where Jesus died for every sin you’ve committed. He was placed in a tomb and then burst forth in radiant life on the third day. He conquered your darkness. If you sense Him drawing you, that is His grace – respond with repentance and faith. In simple terms, admit your need: “God, I am a sinner. I have been in darkness without You. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again. Lord Jesus, forgive me and come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Make me a child of light.” Pray that from your heart, and God will save you. “Whosoever hath the Son hath life” – you can leave here truly having eternal life. Don’t worry about what others think; this is between you and God, and eternity is at stake. If you make that decision, I invite you to come forward as we sing in a moment, so we can rejoice with you and pray with you.

For my fellow believers, perhaps God’s light revealed something in your walk that needs attention. Maybe you’ve been hiding your light or there’s a secret burden of sin you need to lay down. Maybe you’ve simply grown cold in hearing God’s voice and you want that fire back. The altar is open for you, too. Sometimes a step of faith – kneeling at an altar – solidifies the commitment. Don’t “seem” to have a right relationship with God – have the real thing, deep and thriving. If you need to confess, do it quietly before God. If you need prayer support, we are here to pray with you. Today can mark a new brightness in your life with Christ.

Jesus said, “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.” (John 12:36) Right now, we have the light of opportunity. Let’s respond to our Lord. Let’s determine that our lives, our church will be like a city on a hill, unhidden and unmistakable for Jesus. One day we’ll stand in His glorious presence where there is no night, and how we’ll be glad that we held nothing back.

Let us pray together. “Father of lights, we thank You for shining Your truth into our hearts today. Forgive us for the times we’ve hidden our light or ignored Your voice. By Your grace, we choose now to step fully into the light. Help each person here to take the step You’re calling them to – whether it’s salvation, repentance, or greater boldness. May we be a people who shine brightly, live purely, and listen intently. Lord Jesus, Light of the World, shine through us and draw many to Yourself. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.”

Invitation Hymn: [As the music plays, congregation is invited to respond. Pastor or counselors stand ready to receive those coming forward.]

(Come to Jesus, the light is here for you. Don’t leave carrying that darkness or doubt – step into His light and find forgiveness and joy.)