Shed a Little Light on It!

Mat. 5.14

Introduction

·        Illustr: Construction light on I-20

·        Jn. 8.12 I am the light of the world

·        Seven I Am Statements:

1)   I am the bread of life. 2) I am the good shepherd. 3) I am the door. 4­) I am the resurrection and the life. 5) I am the way, the truth, and the life. 6) I am the true vine. 7) I am the light of the world.

·        Mt. 5.14 You are the light of the world

·        Influence. What kind of influence do we have on the people around us/the world?

1.   Light is not so much what we have; it’s what we are

·        Explain—Jesus didn’t say “You’ve got the light!” But rather, “You are the light of the world.”

·        Cf: Acts 1.8

·        Illustr: Joe Hansen—servant

2.   Light, by definition, shines

·        V. 16—le t your light shine--λάμπω

·        Illustr: Flashlight

·        Explain. Electromagnetic spectrum. Light is photons. Waves/particles. Travels @ 186,000 mps/300,000 kps. Light shines!

·        We are lights—to not shine would be . . .

3.   There’s really no such thing as artificial light

·        Explain—many counterfeits—much said about spirituality—but there is one gospel—one Lord!

·        Ro 1:25, NIV25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. NOT ASHAMED

·        Illustr: Fog lights on my truck

4.   Light shining in the middle of a bright place not the best use of light

·        Illustr: Using a flashlight in Wal-Mart parking lot in the middle of the day.

·        Explain—we all shine in here. What about out there?

5.   The brighter light shines in the dark, the better

·        Illustr: Spook movies—using a Zippo lighter in a dark cave

·        Illustr: Comparing flashlights

·        Explain—the world is a dark place.

6.   A little light is better than no light at all

·        Explain. We’re not all aggressive in our shining. Some just simply shine in bolder ways.

·        Illustr: Evans on the elevator

·        Illustr: Carlsbad Caverns

7.   Light should never be taken lightly

·        Explain: concept of Christ in us—we are light is a big deal. But I’m afraid we simply take it for granted.

·        World is a very dark place—needs light—needs us!!

Conclusion

·        You are the light of the world! Go out there and SHINE!