Sermons Notes

The Bible often contrasts the light of faith with the darkness of unbelief. Christians are called upon to reflect the light of Jesus Christ in every aspect of life.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

1. Remember Who You Are. You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14

Jesus challenged His followers to allow His light to transform their lives.

Jesus said...I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

2. Seize Your Purpose. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:14, 15

Jesus reminded his followers of the need to remain committed to reflecting His light consistently in their lives.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A community of Jesus which seeks to hide itself has ceased to follow him.

Purpose - Let the light of Jesus Christ in you show others the way to Jesus Christ.

Norman B. Rice: Dare to reach your hand in the darkness, to pull another into the light.

The life of the godly is full of light and joy, but the sinner's light is snuffed out. Proverbs 13:9

3. Turn People to Jesus. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Jesus encouraged His followers to allow their faith to point others to the light He gave them.

God, who first ordered light to shine in darkness, has flooded our hearts with his light. We now can enlighten men only because we can give them knowledge of the glory of God, as we see it in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6, Phillips

Robert Louis Stevenson: I am watching a man punching holes in darkness.

Harriet Ward Beecher: If you want your neighbor to see what Christ's spirit will do for him, let him see what it has done for you.

Pray: Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6

You shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life. Philippians 2:15, 16

You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Matthew 5:14 The Message

Richard le Gallienne: Stay the course, light a star. Change the world where you are.

The New International Version is used unless otherwise noted.