LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Matthew 5:14–16 NASB95

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

We have become entirely too withdrawn from the world. The louder the world shouts us the quieter we become. I think for most of us we would like to just disappear into the background. We have this mentality that as long as the world doesn’t bother me or interfere with me and my faith, I’m cool. It seems to me the more intense and crazy the world becomes we have a tendency to withdraw from it instead of interact, influence, and try to change the world. We don’t like conflict, we don’t like going against the grain of society, and we certainly don’t like standing alone.

Jesus reminds us that we have a purpose and that purpose is for us to shine. the purpose of light is to enable people to see. To see what you may ask? we are to help others see Jesus. We are God’s lights and we should want others to see God’s truth in us.

A light should shine. Note that Jesus says we are to be a city set on hill which cannot be hidden. We cannot hide! People need to see us coming from a mile away. They should be able to see us from all directions. I think this flies against the very direction that some try to go with our lives. We want to be private people. You mind your business and I mind my business. What I do is none of your business. Yet Jesus says are lights are to shine we are to be a city set on a hill for all the world to see. Does that sound like you and maybe more importantly look like you. Are you letting your light shine?

or are you hiding your light. Jesus basically says it’s foolishness to hide the light. The whole point of the light of Jesus being in you is so that people can see. Why would you ever cover up that light? Why would try to dull or dim that light which is the one thing that can help others see Jesus.

We try to cover up the light because shinning means we have to put ourselves out there. Others will see. Questions will be asked. Faces will be made.

Sometimes we don’t wan to put ourselves out there because deep down we really know we are a good reflection of Jesus. We are walking in darkness, in fact we love darkness more than light (Jn. 3:19).

it takes effort and commitment.

Are you letting your light shine?

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN, HOW?

not only are we to let our light shine but we are to let our light shine before men. the purpose of shining is so that they may see your good works. The purpose is clear. we want people to see the light so we should put the light in a place where it can be seen. Do you remember the purpose statement in 1 Tim. 3:15. The church is hold up truth for the world to see. Our job, our goal, our mission should be to hold up truth for the world to see it. That happens through us. What happens when we don’t? Who sees Jesus? How can people see their way to the light that enlightens every man (Jn. 1:9)? We cannot hide our lights. We cannot live secret Christian lives. I’m not even sure we can call ourselves Christians if we are doing it in secret. we are supposed to be a city set on a hill so that all can see and be drawn to it. I don’t know about you but Christ has made an incredible impact on my life. He has changed me completely a new life is mine. I want others to see that light and come to him so that he can change them completely. HOW do I let my light shine?

My light shines through the good works I do.

let your light shine through the way you talk. Eph. 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” You know I am amazed at what comes out of peoples mouths. Their language is terrible. they tear down people. We ought to lift people up. We should encourage others. We can help someone get through their day. We can lift someones spirit. Stop gossiping, stop complaining, stop making fun of people and tearing them down. Lift others up through your speech. speak the truth in love.

let your light shine through helping others. Be helpful, do something for someone. Phil. 2:4 “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Pay for someone at the drive through. Mow somebodies lawn. Send a card, make a phone call. Give someone a ride. Make a visit. Get out of the house and do something for someone.

let your light shine through prayer. Stop and pray with someone. When someone you are talking with is struggling pray with them right then and there. pray earnestly and fervently. continue to pray for them

let your light shine through talking about Jesus and His word. Talk about it all the time. talk about a verse that has really impacted your life. Talk about the church and the impact it has had on your life. Give God praise. Let others know about how awesome God is.

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE MEN, WHY?

Why do we put ourselves out there? Why do we do good works? Why do we let our light shine for all to see? So that God will be glorified. Do you want God to be glorified? Don’t you think God deserves to be glorified. It’s all about God and his glory. We need to get out there and shine so that others will glorify God. It’s not about us. When someone says something about what we did or said we instantly give God the glory. He gave me this job so that I could help in this way. I speak this way because I follow Jesus. I pray because God is all powerful and he can help you.

Matt. 5:16 ““Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”