The Distinctive Nature of Light--Part Two--The Distictivness of Jesus
The Distinctive Nature of Light • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
1. Jesus is the light of the world.
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
A. Being the light of the world means He is distinctively different than the world.
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
1. As Christians we are called to be like Him.
6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
2. Therefore, today we are going to discus how Jesus walked and what made him different or distinctive from everyone else.
Body:
1. Men love darkness but Jesus loves the light.
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
A. This makes Jesus standout from those around Him.
1. When others would not do right Jesus always does.
29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
A. When others are afraid of the light and prefer darkness, Jesus uses the light to expose darkness.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
2. Jesus is humble and humanity tends to be proud.
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
A. Man is resistant to the idea of sacrifice because it is easy to love the world.
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1. We don’t like the idea of sacrifice because it is hard to give up the things of the world.
22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.
B. Humility requires sacrifice.
1. The giving up of self to esteem others better than one’s self.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
2. The giving up of self interest for the interest of others.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
3. The giving up of your own will to be obedient to God.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
4. The giving up of one’s own life to be obedient to God.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
C. Jesus stands out from the world as a light in that He was willing to learn obedience.
8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
1. Being humble sometimes requires suffering but it is in learning obedience that we truly understand humility.
Conclusion:
1. Jesus stands out as a light and is distinctively different from the world.
A. Our master calls us to be distinctive as well.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
B. But you have to be different to be distinctive.
1. Are you distinctive from the world?