The Light

The Light

February 19, 2006

Introduction

Those of you who come for our Sunday evening service know that Jim and I have an ongoing game, if you will, about the lights. Jim is supposed to turn out the lights when I turn on the overhead projector. All works well when I turn on the overhead, and Jim turns out the lights. It doesn’t work as well when Jim turns out the lights before I turn on the overhead. The result is that we are in total darkness; at least we were earlier when the days were short and it was dark by the time we met for worship service.

Why is light important? In the case we just talked about, it let’s us see to get around. It enables us to see what is about us. Light in one form or another is necessary for us to be able read and to be informed. As important as light is in this regard, there is a more important function of light. Light is what makes possible photosynthesis. It’s part of the process that makes all of our food possible. Without photosynthesis, we would run out of food, and all of us would die.

Light has other functions. Why is there a light at the front corner of our building that is called a “security” light? It’s called a security light because it discourages people from doing things they shouldn’t be doing. Darkness is a symbol for evil. Jesus said, ""As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."" (John 9:5 NKJV)

Body

I. Jesus was light and life.

(John 8:12 NKJV) "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.""

A. The beauty of walking in the light.

(Mat 4:16 NKJV) "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.""

1. As the light, Jesus came to destroy the works of darkness.

2. Paul spoke of darkness as evil.

(Rom 13:12-14 NKJV) "The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. {13} Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. {14} But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."

B. Darkness is depressing. Jesus came to uplift and give life.

(John 10:10) ""The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

C. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

(John 11:25 NKJV) "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

II. We are to be the light of the world.

A. Jesus had said as long as He was in the world He was the light of the world.

Jesus said, ""As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."" (John 9:5 NKJV)

B. We are to be the light of the world.

(Mat 5:14-16 NKJV) ""You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. {15} "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. {16} "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

III. Where there is darkness, we are needed.

A. In Jesus day there were those who sat in darkness.

(Mat 4:16 NKJV) "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.""

1. How many, today, sit in the region and the shadow of death?

2. We are the only hope of a dying world.

B. There is the darkness of selfishness.

It is the story of the greedy dog and the bone, so many times over.

1. Abortion is a terrible problem in this country.

a. Even being legal, we didn’t abort Andy.

b. There is a basic violation of God’s laws, and so we break another one: we kill those who would embarrass us, or inconvenience us, or who might interfere with our lives in other ways.

2. We need the light of the gospel.

IV. Are our lights shining?

A. Is your light under a basket?

1. That’s a ridiculous thing to do with a lamp.

2. Yet we do that with the gospel.

B. How many need a light to see?

1. Those who are lost and out of Christ.

2. Those who are weak and need encouragement.

3. Those who are depressed and discouraged.

C. How do we cover our lights?

1. Probably busyness.

2. Maybe lack of concern.

3. Maybe not knowing what to do.

D. May we ask God’s help to help us take the basket off of our lights.

1. Help us to light a candle in this world of darkness.

2. Help us to bring hope to the hopeless.

3. Help us to bring righteousness where there is wrong.

Conclusion

(1 John 1:4-7 NKJV) "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. {5} This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. {6} If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. {7} But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

I. Is your life right with God?

II. Are you letting your light shine, or is it under a basket?

III. Are there those you need to contact this week?

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