Matthew 5:14-16 / Light of the World
Be The Light • Sermon • Submitted
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Jesus Declared Our Obligation
Jesus Declared Our Obligation
Obligation???
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
"You are the light of the world.”
Our obligation - plainly stated
“You are”
Our Obligation is seen through of Our Identification
You are - a football player
You are - nurse
You are - small business owner
Whatever label you put there…that would define what you do.
Why do we think that is different when we are called the light of the world?
Wasn’t always our identification
we were once of this world
New Creation = New Purpose
Both Individually & Collectively
Jesus was speaking to many.
“You are” = many
“the light” = one
This obligation come from somewhere vitally important.
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.”
(Jesus is) “The light of the World.” (first)
“Ego Eimi” - IAM statement
Jesus was not just being descriptive.
He was declaring His Deity
Deity involves being the source.
We have “the Light of Life” within us.
You are a NEW creation
And that creation has the source of light dwelling within them.
“You are the light of the world”
The depth and weight of that statement is enormous!
We have Christ within us.
With that we have taken the “torch” of this kingdom work in the world.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
“A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Appropriate inspection
If we are the light
We should be seen.
The mission is unstoppable
The source in from Heaven
The question is our participation.
Jesus Warned Against Contradiction
Jesus Warned Against Contradiction
15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Jesus moves from viewing the body of christ
now he focuses on us individually.
Who would try to hid the light of a city on a hill?
What kind of person would light a lamp and hid it?
Futile - foolish
Selfish
We have so many wonderful people doing wonderful thing for God.
But the church also saturated with people who say things like”
“Somebody else in the church will share the gospel.”
“Evangelism is not my gift.”
This verse shows us that neither is correct.
Being the light of the world (sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ) is your personal responsibility!
If you are a Christian you are a missionary!
You have the light of life.
Just don’t hide it.
Jesus Called Us to Action
Jesus Called Us to Action
16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
“Let your light shine...”
Illustration - Braveheart Just before battle
Wallace address them as his countrymen (you are Scottish)
That was probably just good hollywood writing
This is the world of God the Son!!!
You are the light of the world
That light cannot be hidden!
LET. YOU. LIGHT. SHINE.
Now some worry that, I can’t do that.”
Not being lazy … just not confident.
Notice it doesn’t say “MAKE your light shine”
Power of the Gospel is not FROM us.
The power of the Gospel dwells IN us.
I know it sounds cliche
You are not responsible for the results!
What does it mean to be a light?
Live as a Christian should live
and strive for Christ-likeness
It you don’t know what you tell them
tell them how Christ changed your life.
“...So others may...”
Jesus shares the purpose behind the command
“...others may see your good works...”
Other - its not about you (you don’t need a doctor)
They can make judgements about your life
we want to reject that
But it’s actually a part of the plan.
They are GOING to judge you
so when they see you, what will they see?
“…and give glory to your Father who is in heaven...”
This is our motivation.
Cause them to Glorify God by your life
You don’t need a degree in theology to impact the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You simply need to:
Be the light (accept Jesus as your savior)
Shine your light (live what you believe)
I’m personally excited about “Bless Every Home”.
You’re not going to find easier way to participate in the kingdom.
Pray for your neighbors by name
Look for an opportunity to share the light of Christ with them.