|
Statement of Faith
The Four Most Important Things We Could Ever Tell
You
Listen to this week's message!
Map to the Church
Prayer Requests
Enhance your daily reading of God's word. Click here for free, printable Bible Reading and Prayer Journal sheets!
Wednesday
AM Bible Study Archives
|
|
|
|
"Letting the Light Shine"
Matthew 5:14-16
Wednesday AM Bible Study
July 6, 2005
We live during a time when we are told that 'religion should be kept private
and personal'. And perhaps 'religion' should. But the primary dynamic of
our lives isn't a 'religion'. It's a 'relationship'. Here, we're commanded
by the One with whom we enjoy that relationship to 'go public' with it.
I. WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (v. 14a).
A. The primary light is Jesus Himself (John 1:4-5).
B. This light transforms us (John 3:19-21).
C. Now, we bear this light to the world (1 John 1:5-6).
1. We reveal truth.
2. We expose sin.
3. We show the way.
D. There is no other light of the world than us.
II. THE LIGHT IS MEANT TO SHINE (vv. 14b-15).
A. There may be motivations for why someone might hide a light:
1. It offends.
2. It irritates.
3. It exposes.
B. But it's not meant to be hidden but to shine.
1. This light cannot be hidden - so don't bother trying.
2. It isn't meant to be hidden - but to shine on all.
C. This is important to note, because we aren't simply invited to be light
if we would like to be; but are told that we already are light. The Son of
God declares that we are to shine.
III. THEREFORE, LET IT SHINE (v. 16).
A. We are told to do the very opposite of what this culture tells us to do
with 'religion'. We are to let this relationship we are in become obvious
to all.
B. We don't "make" it shine. We simply "let" it shine.
C. It is so that men may see our good works done in this relationship, and
glorify our Father.
* * * * * * * * * *
How? See Philippians 2:12-16
Printable
Version
|