Be the Light!

Matthew 5:14-16

People are watching you!  What they see has an influence on them…and it should.  Jesus is clear that we are to make a difference. Let's look at the explicit implications of what Jesus is saying and apply them to where we live.  Note the special characteristics of the "light of the world."

God’s plan to show His love to the world is not through an organized church but through transformed believers.  Every believer is meant to be a point of light to a dark world.

The Christian life is a life that is both influential and purposeful when lived under the control of God.

I. It is a Needed Light

…being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;  (Ephesians 4:18)

It is the fact of darkness that presses the need for light.

The world does not understand the danger or damage of sin without the light.  

II. It is a Reflected Light

I am the light of the world. John 8:12a -
You are the light of the world.  Matthew 5:14a

Christians shine only because they reflect the light of the SON.

We reflect whatever we stand before.

Our brilliance is not dependent on our knowledge, but our purity.

III. It is a Visible Light

nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand

When we fail to express our Christian faith by standing against sin and the darkness it brings, we are "busheling our bulb".

IV. It is a Revealing Light

it gives light to all who are in the house

Light displays whatever is present.  It reveals truth.

Getting honest about our lives is the only path to redemption and restoration.

V. It is a Beautiful Light

that they may see your good works

The Fruit of the Spirit revealed in the life of a believer is beautiful for all to see.

VI. It is a God-Glorifying Light

and glorify your Father who is in heaven

A saint is a person the light shines through