1. In these verses Jesus explained how light relates to His followers. a. He identified His followers as "the light of the world." b. He instructed His followers to let our lights shine. 2. Before we study these comments that Jesus included in His Sermon on the Mount, let us examine: a. how light relates to God b. how light relates to God's Son. 3. Let us begin our study by showing . . .
Discussion:
I. HOW LIGHT RELATES TO GOD
A. We learn from Genesis 1:3-5 that God created light on the 1st day. B. On the 4th day He made the lighted objects in the sky that we see (vs.14-19). C. In James 1:17 God is identified as "the Father of lights." D. John tells us in 1 John 1:5 "that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." E. Let us turn our attention to passages that explain . . .
II. HOW LIGHT RELATES TO GOD'S SON
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. Finally, let us consider . . .
III. HOW LIGHT RELATES TO THE LORD'S FOLLOWERS
A. We learn from Matthew 5:14-16 that the Lord's followers are to radiate 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 passages provide additional 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. Walking as children of light 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." c. Rather than "whine and be sad," we are to "rejoice and be glad." 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).