You Are the Light

Let me start off with a couple of questions:

You Are the Light

PRAY

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Let me start off with a couple of questions:

1) What is the most effective way for you to proclaim the gospel in your world?

I say “your world” because your world is a little different than mine, and mine is way different than yours. Your world consists of your personality, your experiences and the people you encounter are different than mine or the person sitting next to you. What is the most effective way for you to proclaim the gospel in your world.

2) What is the most enjoyable way for you to proclaim the gospel?

It concerns me that many people probably do not think of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ (evangelism) in terms of joy, fun, and relatively easy. I would venture to say that most Christians think of evangelism in terms of something external (it’s out there and I know I should do it but …), or evangelism is difficult and scary and all kinds of thoughts –

But what if evangelism could be enjoyable, and fun and not something out there, but something that emanates from inside? What if evangelism has more to do with who you are and who you’ve been designed to be, than learning a special technique? What if evangelism has more to do with your light than anything else?

Maybe we need to look at proclaiming the gospel in terms of how each person is wired, and finding the freedom and joy of evangelism by letting your specific light shine.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Matthew 5:13–16 NIV

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Reminder - “You are salt” and “You are light,” are in the indicative mood, meaning it’s a statement of reality. So Jesus is saying is, “You are the salt; you are the light of the world. You’re it. There’s no one else. There’s no other contingency plan. You’re not one light out of many. You’re it.”

Let me put it this way: If you as a disciple of Jesus, and if we as the Church do not shine - there’s no other light. So this is a big responsibility that God has given His people. This is perhaps a greater commission than the Great Commission. See the Great Commission in is about going and making disciples – what we should do, but salt and light deal with who we are. Being salt, being light has everything to do with our character - it has everything to do with who we’ve been created to be - which then impacts what we do and how we live - and what we do and how we live impacts our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God.

Let me put it this way:

If you as a disciple of Jesus, and if we as the Church do not shine - there’s no other light.

So this is a big responsibility that God has given His people. This is perhaps a greater commission than the Great Commission. See the Great Commission in is about going and making disciples – what we should do, but salt and light deal with who we are. Being salt, being light has everything to do with our character - it has everything to do with who we’ve been created to be - which then impacts what we do and how we live - and what we do and how we live impacts our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God.

We talked about this last week - if salt becomes contaminated or saturated, it loses its effectiveness. If we become carnal, worldly, we lose our effectiveness for the Kingdom of God in this world.

And the same is true with our light. Our character effects our how bright we shine. How so?

Before I answer that, we need to jump ahead and briefly answer two questions. Now Jesus said to “let your light shine,” so 1) What is our light and 2) What is the purpose of our light.

1) What is our light?

1) What is our light? In brief, I personally believe our light is a culmination of two things: A) Being who I’m supposed to be and b) Doing what I’m supposed to do. Of course, that all begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ and the ongoing transforming work of the Holy Spirit. But bottom line is our light is the culmination of Being who we’re supposed to be and Doing what we’re supposed to do. And that stems from the truth that God knew each of us before we were born, He has a purpose for each of our lives and He has equipped us to fulfill His purposes.

In brief, I personally believe our light is a culmination of two things:

A) Being who I’m supposed to be and b) Doing what I’m supposed to do.

Of course, that all begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ and the ongoing transforming work of the Holy Spirit. But bottom line is our light is the culmination of Being who we’re supposed to be and Doing what we’re supposed to do. And that stems from the truth that God knew each of us before we were born, He has a purpose for each of our lives and He has equipped us to fulfill His purposes.

2) What is the purpose of our light? The simple answer is to glorify God – to point people in His direction. Not so we can look good - it’s to point people toward the Savior.

2) What is the purpose of our light?

The simple answer is to glorify God – to point people in His direction. Not so we can look good - it’s to point people toward the Savior.

Now filter the rest of the sermon through these two definitions. Back to the question - How does our character, or who we are, effect or brightness.

Jesus said,

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world” and then immediately transitions into this metaphor, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Okay? What’s He getting at? The obvious answer is we should be like a city on a hill – shining bright for everyone to see – not hidden. But I wonder, if there’s a deeper meaning. I’m not saying this was Jesus’ point - but it sure fits.

Matthew 5:14 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

“You are the light of the world” and then immediately transitions into this metaphor, “A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Okay? What’s He getting at? The obvious answer is we should be like a city on a hill – shining bright for everyone to see – not hidden. But I wonder, if there’s a deeper meaning. I’m not saying this was Jesus’ point - but it sure fits.

See – The brightness or “effectiveness” of a light is determined by its foundation. A town built down in a valley, a valley so low that when you hang your head over you hear the wind blow – a town built down in a valley can be hidden. A village built within a dense jungle can be hidden. You can hide a town – depending where its foundation is, where it’s built. But when it’s built in the right location – everyone can see it and it will shine brightly. (How many of you have ever driven toward Las Vegas at night … from miles away ….)

See –

The brightness or “effectiveness” of a light is determined by its foundation.

A town built down in a valley, a valley so low that when you hang your head over you hear the wind blow – a town built down in a valley can be hidden. A village built within a dense jungle can be hidden. You can hide a town – depending where its foundation is, where it’s built. But when it’s built in the right location – everyone can see it and it will shine brightly. (How many of you have ever driven toward Las Vegas at night … from miles away ….)

So ask yourself this question –

So ask yourself this question – What is the foundation of my life right now? See Jesus said if you build your life upon His words and you put them into practice (), you are wise because you’re building your life upon the Firm Foundation, the Rock, upon TRUTH! And if your life is built upon the Rock your light is going to shine – you’re going to be effective!

What is the foundation of my life right now?

See Jesus said if you build your life upon His words and you put them into practice (), you are wise because you’re building your life upon the Firm Foundation, the Rock, upon TRUTH! And if your life is built upon the Rock your light is going to shine – you’re going to be effective!

But if your life is built upon anything other than Christ, you’re foolish, not only will your life eventually fall apart, but if you’re a Christian, you’re not going to shine very well – particular if your life is built upon self – self-interests, self-achievement, selfies .... If your life is built upon wounds, anger, pleasing people, entertainment … just not going to shine very bright. They might be impressed by you, but remember, the purpose of you light is to what? Point others toward Christ.

Again, I firmly believe that our brightness, our “effectiveness” is determined by where we have built our lives.

Now, the next metaphor Jesus uses is this –

Now, the next metaphor Jesus uses is this – “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand (where it belongs), and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Matthew 5:15 NIV

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand (where it belongs), and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Jesus is making a very simple statement, yet I wonder if there is something more profound here that we miss. See, the lamp has a place where it belongs, where it is most effective; where it shines the brightest.

I wonder if He was saying that - The brightness or “effectiveness” of a light is determined by its location. If you’ve ever gone camping or when the lights go out at home, you put a candle or flashlight somewhere up high so it can give the most light.

And I believe that is absolutely what Jesus is trying to get at with us! You have a place where you belong; that you have a place where you can be most effective; where you can shine the brightest. Think about it, God has wired you with different gifts & personalities, skills, strengths, talents … He’s given dreams and aspirations, passions …. Why? To hide your light under a bushel? No! He’s given you all this so that you can shine your light, and ultimately point the world toward Christ.

Take out your flashlights for a moment - turn them on. Look around, what do you notice? Most likely, your light is different than others. We tend to have “light envy” - we look at one another’s lights and we like theirs better than ours. Their light is brighter, bigger, cooler - it’s got a strobe, and different colors and adjust …. I want their light. But no, Jesus says let “your” light shine!

Take a moment and describe your light? What strengths, passions, dreams, skills do you have. Now, answer this - How are you using those to shine? Or how could you use those to shine? Remember at the beginning when I asked the question, what is the most effective or enjoyable way to share the gospel - there’s the answer. Take your passions, and skills, and dreams etc. and put them to use inside and outside the church.

See, when we embrace all we’re supposed to be (in Christ) and do what we’re supposed to do - we become a very bright light!

Now, some of you are shining because you’ve got the right foundation and you’re in the right place. But some of you, well, not shining too bright because either your foundation really isn’t in Christ or, you’re not in the right place. Maybe you’re not in the right career, the right relationships, the right ministry, the right ….

Sometimes it’s not about the foundation or the place, but sometimes we don’t shine because our lights have been covered up. Perhaps we’ve allowed past mistakes, or fear, or we’ve allowed life or other people to push us into a rut, into a routine and we get into that daily grind and we forget about our light, we forget about our passions and dreams we once had and we forget about the skills and talents we possess, and we forget about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Turn to and 4 for a moment - I only want to highlight a few verses before we close. Now Paul is comparing the Old and New Covenant - that the Old brought death and the New brings life and righteousness. And then he talks about the time when Moses spent 40 days in the presence of God and when he came down from the mountain, he put a veil over his face because apparently, he was just glowing - he was like Rudolph with his nose so bright.

And in Therefore, since we have such a hope (talking about our righteousness in Christ), we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

And in

Therefore, since we have such a hope (talking about our righteousness in Christ), we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

2 Corinthians 3:12–13 NIV

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away.

We’re not supposed to be like Moses and cover our light - we’re not supposed to cover our light for anyone or anything. Is your light covered? Verse 12 says be bold - which can mean public. So be bold, be public, be visible with your light - let your light shine!

2 Corinthians 3:16–17 NIV

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Verse 16-17 - But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Remember, the purpose of your light is to point people toward Christ, to point them toward the One who can save them.

-17

Let me tell you something about your light - it’s necessary and it is needed more than ever! People need freedom - freedom from sin and death, freedom from the devil, freedom from self, freedom from all kinds of things and your light is a part of the ministry of helping people find freedom; helping people reach their potential in Jesus Christ. If your light is not shining, how are people going to know the way?

2 Corinthians 4:1–3 NIV

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry (you’ve been given a light for a reason), we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

In other words,

In other words, If people cannot see the truth of the Gospel, it should not be because of me. And it’s real easy to blame all those other Christians and convince myself I’m not part of the problem. So we need to be very careful to take the log out of our eyes first …. If people cannot see the gospel, it should not be because I’m engaged in secret and shameful ways, I’m living a deceptive life, and I distort the Word of God by what I say and how I live.

In other words,

If people cannot see the truth of the Gospel, it should not be because of me.

And it’s real easy to blame all those other Christians and convince myself I’m not part of the problem. So we need to be very careful to take the log out of our eyes first …. If people cannot see the gospel, it should not be because I’m engaged in secret and shameful ways, I’m living a deceptive life, and I distort the Word of God by what I say and how I live.

If people cannot see the gospel, it better be because The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. And your light is designed to display the glory of Christ.

If people cannot see the gospel, it should be because

2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. And your light is designed to display the glory of Christ.

Let me end with this - Jesus said, “… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

What is the most effective, enjoyable and consistent way for you to proclaim the gospel in your world? Metaphorically, it’s that flashlight in your hand - the world needs to see it.

If you’ve never received Christ, who is the Light of the World ….

Take some time this week and answer the following questions (these can apply to your career, place in the church / ministry, relationships etc.)

1. What or who is my life foundation? Is my life firmly built upon Jesus and His Word or something else? If something else, what might it be?

2. Am I where God desires for me to be (career, ministry etc.)? Do I feel I am where I belong? If no, what is one thing I can do to change that?

3. What are my talents, skills, strengths, dreams etc.? How am I using these to shine? How could I use these to point others toward Jesus? Are people seeing my “good deeds?”

4. Where could I be most effective and shine the brightest?

5. Am I striving to reach my potential in Christ? Am I doing what I’m supposed to do?

I encourage you to take your answers and pray over them and expound upon them.