1. From this verse we learn some important information about God. a. For one thing, God is the giver of "every good gift and every perfect gift." b. For another thing, God is identified as "the Father of lights." c. For a third thing, there is no variation or shadow of turning with God. 2. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that "God is the Father of lights." 3. Let us begin our study by showing how . . . Discussion: I. THE FATHER OF LIGHTS CREATED LIGHT
A. We learn from Genesis 1:1-5 that God created light on the 1st day. B. (Genesis 1:14-19) On the 4th day God made the lighted objects in the sky. C. The power that God demonstrated at the Creation helps us understand why James referred to Him as "the Father of lights." D. While James referred to God as "the Father of lights," John tells us in 1 John 1:5 "that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." E. This brings us to our second point. II. THE FATHER OF LIGHTS SENT JESUS TO BE "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
A. We learn from Matthew 4:12-16 that Jesus brought light into a world of darkness. B. During His ministry Jesus said that He is "the light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). C. By bringing light into the world Jesus made it possible for us to escape darkness (John 12:46). D. The third point we need to make is that . . . III. THE FATHER OF LIGHTS WANTS HIS CHILDREN TO BE "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"
A. We learn from Matthew 5:14-16 that the Lord's followers are to be sources of light before others. 1. There is a need for us to do this because the world is in a state of darkness. 2. We radiate light through our good works. B. Other verses provide instructions that will help us to be "the light of the world." 1. Romans 13:12-14 a. Vs.12 teaches us to "cast off the works of darkness" and "put on the armor of light." b. We learn from vs.13&14 what this involves. 2. Ephesians 5:8-10 a. Before a person becomes a Christian he is described as "darkness." b. A Christian's condition is described as "light in the Lord." c. Christians are responsible for walking "as children of light." d. This includes bearing "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). 3. Philippians 2:14-16 a. The Lord's people are to "shine as lights in the world." b. To accomplish this we must "do all things without murmurings and disputings" and hold "forth the word of life." 4. 1 John 1:7 a. God's people are to "walk in the light as He is in the light." b. Those who walk in the light as God is in the light: 1) have fellowship with Him 2) are continually cleansed by the Lord's blood. Conclusion:
1. In the beginning the world needed light, and God provided it. 2. The world needed spiritual light, and Jesus provided it. 3. The world needs light today, and the Lord's people are to provide it. 4. Let us close by showing how light will relate to God, His Son, and His people in heaven (Revelation 21:23-25; 22:5). 5. We learn from Revelation 22:14 who will go to this wonderful city. 6. We are invited to come to the Lord (Revelation 22:17).