Shining as Lights in the World
An exploration of the believer's calling to be the light of the world, reflecting the divine truth and glory revealed in Christ Jesus.
1. The Source of All Light
1.1 Jesus, the True Light
Verses: John 1:4-9; John 8:12; John 9:5
- Jesus is the eternal, self-existent source of all spiritual light.
- He illuminates every person who comes into the world.
- Without Him, there is only darkness and no true understanding.
1.2 God Manifested in Christ
Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
- The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ.
- To see Jesus is to see the Father, for He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
- All divine attributes and power reside completely in Him.
1.3 The Spirit of Light Within
Verses: John 14:16-18; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9-11
- The Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Christ, indwells believers.
- This indwelling Spirit empowers us to reflect His light and truth.
- The Spirit guides us into all truth, illuminating our understanding and path.
2. The Believer's Identity as Light
2.1 Called to Be Light
Verses: Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9
- We are no longer children of darkness but children of light through Christ.
- Our identity is transformed by our connection to the True Light.
- We are chosen to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
2.2 A City on a Hill
Verses: Matthew 5:14; Proverbs 4:18
- Our lives are meant to be visible examples of God's truth and righteousness.
- Our conduct and faith should be evident to all, not hidden.
- The path of the just is like the shining light, growing brighter and brighter.
2.3 A Lamp on a Stand
Verses: Matthew 5:15; Luke 8:16
- Our purpose is to illuminate the path for others, guiding them to truth.
- We are not to hide the light we have received but to display it openly.
- The light is given to give light to everyone in the house, not just ourselves.
3. The Purpose of Our Light
3.1 Glorifying God
Verses: Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 2:15
- Our good works are to point people to the Father, who is revealed in Christ.
- Our lives should bring honor and praise to God in all we do.
- We are to shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.
3.2 Drawing Others to Truth
Verses: John 12:32; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6
- Our light exposes the darkness and reveals the way to salvation in Christ.
- We are instruments through whom God brings people out of darkness into His marvelous light.
- God has shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
3.3 Exposing Darkness
Verses: Ephesians 5:11-13; John 3:19-21
- The presence of light naturally exposes deeds of darkness and their true nature.
- Those who do evil hate the light because their deeds are evil.
- Our lives serve as a contrast to the world's ways, revealing the need for repentance.
4. Living as Light-Bearers
4.1 Walking in Truth and Holiness
Verses: 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 4:22-24; Romans 13:12-14
- To walk in the light means to live in fellowship with God and one another.
- We must put off the old self and put on the new self, created in righteousness and true holiness.
- Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, living honorably.
4.2 Bearing Fruit of the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 1:9-10
- The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of the light within us, manifesting divine character.
- The fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
- We are to walk worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
4.3 Overcoming Obstacles to Light
Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:4; John 1:5; 1 John 2:10-11
- The god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers, hindering them from seeing the light of Christ.
- The darkness cannot overcome or extinguish the light of Christ.
- Hatred for a brother causes one to walk in darkness, demonstrating a lack of true light.