LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

PROCLAMATION

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  After Jesus began to preach (Matthew 4:17), and after He had called His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22), He began to heal the sick and cast out demons, and large crowds began to follow Him. (Matthew 4:23-25)  And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountainside, sat down and began to teach them.  This was His famous Sermon on the Mount which began with The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:1-12)   Jesus told them that they were the salt of the earth, and they were the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-16) He told them that they were to let the light which was within them shine so that men may see it in their good works and glorify God in heaven.  Then He made it clear that He came to fulfill the law and not to destroy it. (Matthew 5:17-20)  Jesus taught them on a number of topics, this was His longest discourse. (Matthew 5:1 to 7:28)

APPLICATION

As we live our lives and do our daily deeds, we are to live in such a way as to let the light of Christ that is within us shine so that men may see The Christ in us and glorify God, our Father in heaven.  Men should see our zeal and our fervency for things which honor God.  Our actions should display the fruit of The Holy Spirit of God, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)  The very purpose of our lives should be to glorify God.  To God be the glory!!!

WE KNOW WE ARE SAVED WHEN WE LOVE ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN

Proclamation:

“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.  We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.  Anyone who does not love remains in death.”  1 John 3:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the apostle John, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to all who believed in Jesus, The Christ.  He begins this third chapter by telling them that are the children of God. (1 John 3:1-3)  Then he tells them that one who does that which is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. (1 John 3:7)  “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” (1 John 3:9)  He says that the children of God will do what is right but the children of the devil will not. (1 John 3:10)  Then he tells them that they will know that they are saved because they will love all of the believers.

Application:

Once we become saved believers in Christ our behavior will change.  We will no longer continue to do all of the sinful things that we used to do because The Holy Spirit of God is within us.  Although we are not perfect, we will do that which is right more often that that which is wrong.  Our attitude will change and we will know that we are saved because we will love all of God’s children. (1 John 3:14)  We will know that we belong to Him when we strive to keep God’s commands and to do the things which please Him. (1 John 3:19-24)  The world may hate us because of our beliefs, but then the world also hated Christ. (John 15:18-19)

DO NOT CONFORM TO THE WORLD TRANSFORM BY RENEWING YOUR MIND

Proclamation:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome.  Here Paul encourages the believers to live a different life than the people around them.  He wanted them to live in a manner that was pleasing to God.  He wanted them to refresh their mind with The Word of God.  He ended this chapter by telling them not to repay evil for evil. (Romans 12:17)  Vengeance belongs to The Lord God and He will repay those who have wronged them. (Romans 12:19)  They were to treat their enemies with kindness and He would deal with them. (Romans 12:20)

Application:

As believers we are to behave and conduct ourselves in a Christ-like manner.  Just as Christ was, we are in this world but not of it, (John 8:23) and we are to act differently from the unsaved people of the world.  We are not to act pious or put on a false perfect face, we are to let the light of Christ which is within us shine so that the world can see Christ in us. (Matthew 5:16)  We need to renew our mind daily with The Word of God.  Do not think that you know The Bible so well that you don’t have to reread it.  Humble yourself, (Romans 12:3) the more you read it, the more you will get out of it, especially if you pray first.

JOY COMES TO THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT

Proclamation:

“Let those who love The Lord hate evil … Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.  Rejoice in The Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.”  Psalm 97:10-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

The words of this psalm are thought to have been written by King David under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  It presents the same subject and argument as the preceding psalm, the coming of the kingdom of Christ.  This psalm provides descriptive imagery regarding the coming of The Lord.  It ends with a focus of the light of The Lord shining on the righteous.

Application:

Those of us who love The Lord cannot also love the things which The Lord hates.  We cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24)  Believers love The Lord and must walk in the light and let His light shine through us for the world to see. (John 8:12, Matthew 5:16, and 1 John 1:7)  He will show us the way, guide our feet and a light unto our pathway, if we follow His word. (Psalm 119:105)  Blessings are in store for those of us who are upright in heart.  So, let us rejoice in The Lord and praise His holy and righteous name.  He is coming back.

WE SHOULD LET OUR LIGHT SHINE

Proclamation:

"... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus, The Christ, as He spoke to His disciples and indirectly to the surrounding crowd during His Sermon on The Mount.  After He presented the beatitudes, Jesus told them that they were the salt of the earth and then He said that they were the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Application:

Salt has a purifying influence in addition to having a unique taste.  Light always defeats darkness and it reveals things which are hidden in the dark.  As believers we are to be a purifying influence in a sin sick world.  We are to be the light which shines so that the lost can find their way to Christ.  We are to live our lives in such a manner that others can see The Christ within us.  Our good deeds are to be done for the benefit of others, to help, encourage, edify, and enlighten them.  We are to be living examples of good Christian behavior for others to see and imitate.  Additionally, we are to do so, not for the personal praise from men, but for the glory of God.  Before we speak or act, we should ask ourselves, "What would Jesus say or do in this situation?"  Let us examine the motives for our words and actions.  Let us stop living for personal attention, glory, gain, and gratification.  We each should pray and ask God, "What is His purpose for our life?"  Then we should let our light shine and live for the glory of God.

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Proclamation:

"You are the light of the world.  A city 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 (NIV)

Explanation:
These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke during His Sermon on The Mount, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and indirectly to the believers in the crowd which had gathered around them.  After He taught them the Beatitudes, He told them that they were the salt of the earth.  Then He told them that they were "the light of the world."  Jesus is The Light of the world. (John 9:5)  The Light came into the world, but mankind preferred the darkness because they were evil and sinful. (John 3:19)  Because the disciples were believers, He was within them.  They were to let the light of Christ that was within them shine forth so that men could see their good works and glorify God. (John 17:21 and 23) 

Application:
As believers we have the same charge and the responsibility to behave and speak in a Christ-like manner so that the light of Christ within us can shine and so that men can see The Christ in us.  By living a godly life, we have a convincing testimony of the saving power of Christ.  We are the only “Bible” that some people ever see so our behavior needs to be above reproach.  People will make inferences regarding all Christians by what they see in us.  Therefore, not only should we to obey His Holy Word, to do good works, and  avoid that which is evil, we should also avoid even the things which have the appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  All that we say and do should give God glory, and those who see our good works should glorify God, and not us.  We are the present day light on the pathway to Christ for a world lost in darkness.  So, let your light shine.

You Are The Light Of The World

"You are the light of the world. A city 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 (NIV)


These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, which He spoke during His Sermon on The Mount, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew.  Jesus was speaking to His disciples, and indirectly to the believers in the crowd which had gathered around them.  He told them that they were "the light of the world."  Jesus is The Light of the world. (John 9:5)  The Light came into the world, but mankind preferred the darkness because they were evil and sinful. (John 3:19)  Because the disciples were believers, He was within them, and they were to let the light of Christ that was within them shine forth so that men could see their good works and glorify God. (John 17:21 and 23) 


As believers we have the charge and the responsibility to behave and speak in a Christ-like manner so that the light of Christ within us can shine and men can see The Christ in us.  Not only are we to obey His Holy Word, to do good works, and to avoid that which is evil, we are to avoid even the things which have the appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)  That which we say and do should give God glory, and those who see our good works should also glorify God and not us.

Do Not Complain

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ..."  Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)

Under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the believers in Philippi to encourage them to continue to obey The Word of God, but to do so without complaining or a negative attitude.  As the people of God they were to be godly examples to a wicked and depraved world.

We need to understand that if we do the right thing, but we grumble and complain while doing it, God is not pleased.  Our negative attitude displays an emotional rejection of God's providence and His will.  God knows our thoughts, motives, and intentions. (Psalms 94:11)  The Bible teaches us that God loves a "cheerful giver". (2 Corinthians 9:7)  We are to be the light of the world. (Matthew 5:16)  Whatever the activity or situation, it is the will of God for us at that time and we should accept His will joyfully. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 and James 1:2-4)  All things happen for a reason, and even if we do not understand why at that time, they will eventually work for our benefit. (Romans 8:28)  So, whatever we do, let us do it without complaining, and do it to the glory of God. (Colossians 3:23)

Let Your Light Shine

"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 (NIV)

These are the words of Jesus, The Christ, as recorded by the Apostle Matthew as Jesus was beginning His Sermon on the Mount.  After telling His disciples that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world, He told them to let their light shine.  He wanted all men to see their good works and then glorify God, The Father, in heaven. 

Believers are to be a living example of the teachings of Christ.  Once we are saved, The Holy Spirit of God indwells us and we are changed. (Ezekiel 36:27 and 1 John 3:24)  That Spirit within us is the light which shines forth, however brightly.  By living godly lives, we show the world the power of salvation to change us from what we used to be.  We all need to let our light shine, and let it shine brightly.

The Lord God Keeps Our Light Burning

"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."  Psalms 18:28 (NIV)  The King James Version of The Bible reads; "For thou wilt light my candle, The Lord, my God will enlighten my darkness."

King David penned this psalm as a song of deliverance.  In this psalm he records what God has done for His chosen people, and specifically what He has done for David himself.  Here he states that it was The Lord God who brought him out of trouble and darkness, and into His marvelous light.

When we were walking in darkness, we were lost, undergoing disappointment and discouragements, trials and tribulations, all without hope.  It was The Lord God who turned our darkness into light, showed us the right way, and provided a light on our path for our feet. (Psalms 119:105)  The moment that we believed, The Holy Spirit of God entered into us, and changed us. (John 14:17, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, and 2 Corinthians 5:17)  He enlightened our mind and our heart.  The light that He lit within us, was so that we could be a light to a world that is struggling in darkness. (Matthew 5:14-16)  He made disciples of us so that we could go forth and make disciples of others. (Matthew 28:19 in the ASV, ESV, NAS, NIV, NKJV, NLT, and  RSV Bible versions)  We were spiritually enlightened so that we could enlighten others.  He keeps our light burning only because He still has work for us to do. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 and John 9:4)

Let The Light Of Christ Within You Shine

"You are the light of the world.  A city 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 (NIV)

These are the words of Jesus, recorded by the Apostle Matthew, as He continued to teach His disciples, and the surrounding crowd, about the characteristics of believers.  After He had completed the beatitudes, He told them that they were to be lights of goodness in a dark sinful world, and they were to live their lives in a manner which would give glory to God, so that the people would see and praise God.

Jesus said that He was The Light of the world. (John 8:12)  He also said that as long as He was in the world He would be The Light of the world. (John 9:5)  Jesus also said that He abides within those who believe in Him. (John 6:56 and John 15:5)  Therefore, as believers, we have The Spirit of Christ within us, and we are to let that light shine for the world to see and praise God.  We are to speak and behave in such a way that the world will see Christ in us.  We are not to be ashamed of The Light, and try to hide it.  We are to display The Light of Christ in all that we do.  We are to give The Light to, and share The Light with others.  We are not to do this to attract attention to ourselves.  We are to direct people to Christ, and tell them about Him, so that others may be saved, and so that God is glorified.  If we tell them, The Lord God will convict, convince, and convert them, and add them to The Church as He deems necessary. (Acts 2:47)

Let The Light Of God Shine Within You

"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 (NIV)

At the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount, after giving them the Beatitudes, Jesus, The Christ, told His disciples and the surrounding crowd to let the light of God which was within them shine so that men might see it in their good works and then give praise and glory to God in heaven.  They were to behave in such a way that their good deeds would give God glory.

All who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior, have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit and therefore have God within them. (Ezekiel 36:27 and Luke 17:21)  We need to keep our mind and our bodies clean because The Spirit of God will not dwell in an unclean temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)  If we focus on obeying The Word of God, then our behavior will more Christ-like, and those around us will see The Spirit of God shining within us, and we will be able to give God the glory for our good deeds and words. (Isaiah 60:1, 2 Corinthians 4:6 and Revelation 14:7)  By submitting to The Word of God which abides within us, we can overcome the devil. (James 4:7 and 1 John 2:14)  To God be the glory!!!