Light and people of God

The people of God as the light of the world

Matthew 5:14–16 NASB95

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 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. 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.

See also Ps 37:5–6; Pr 4:18; Pr 13:9; Is 58:8–10; Is 60:1–5; Is 62:1; Da 12:3; Lk 2:32; Ac 13:47

Examples of believers acting as light to the world

Moses on Mount Sinai:

Ex 34:29–30; Ex 34:35

2 Sa 23:3–4 the righteous ruler, fully realised in Jesus Christ; Job 29:21–25 Job as a counsellor; Jn 5:35 John the Baptist; Ac 6:15 Stephen; Php 2:15 the Philippian church

God is the source of the light of his people

God and his law as the source of light

Ps 27:1; Ps 118:27

See also Jdg 5:31; Job 11:13–17; Job 22:27–28; Ps 19:8; Ps 34:5; Ps 56:13; Ps 97:11; Pr 6:23; Ec 8:1; Is 60:19–20; Jn 1:5

The gospel of forgiveness as a source of light

Acts 26:17–18 NASB95

17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

See also Job 33:28–30; Ps 112:4; Is 9:2; Is 29:18; Mt 4:16; Jn 3:19–21; Eph 1:18; Eph 5:27; Heb 6:4; Heb 10:32

The people of God are called to live in his light

Eph 5:8–14; 1 Jn 1:7

See also Ps 36:9; Ps 89:15; Is 2:5; Lk 16:8; Jn 9:4; Jn 12:35–36; Ro 13:12; 1 Th 5:5–6; 1 Jn 2:8–10