Prayer: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalms 119:105, NASB). Our Lord and our God, be with us today as we lead a life that is pleasing to You. Empower us to be the light that shines in the darkness of this world, that we might help others to see Your glory. Help us to be obedient so that others might see You in our lives. In Jesus’ precious and purposeful name, we pray. Amen.
Main Scripture:
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So, you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:14-18).
Associated Scriptures:
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5, ESV).
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1, ESV)?
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple (Psalm 199:130, ESV).
Correlative Quotes:
Likewise, disciples should be like a light or lamp, which, if it is going to fulfill its function, must be on a lampstand and not hidden under a bushel. The disciples were to be like a city set on a hill, and to let their light shine. The result would be that they would not attract men to themselves but would glorify the Father in heaven.[1] – John Walvoord
We are called upon to shine on men, revealing to them the truth concerning human life, the possibilities of human life, the principles that underlie human life, giving them to see what life may be; we are called upon to be light.[2] – G. Campbell Morgan, D.D.
“You are the light of the world.” Christ so designated Himself as long as He was in this scene (John 9:5). In His absence His disciples are to witness for Him as lights in this dark world (Philippians 2:15). The light manifests the evils that were hidden in the darkness (Ephesians 5:13).[3] H. A. Ironside.
Study:
INTRODUCTION
As we are focused on spiritual growth, we are in the process of becoming blameless. When we are growing spiritually, without complaining (positive input) and without disputes (in unity), we are going to be living a life filled with joy. We cannot expect to experience God’s joy while we live a life that doesn’t please Him.
Using simple logic, the Word is God (John 1:1). The Word is also Jesus (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus is God. Using the same reasoning, Jesus is the light (John 8:12). Therefore, the Word is also the Light. We know that God’s Word is Truth. By this same rationale, the Word is, therefore, Truth (God-breathed), Jesus is the truth, so the Light is also Truth.
Confused? Let's sum this up. Both God and Jesus represent the Truth and the Light. When we live in the light (1 John 1:7), God’s word, we are living in His truth. Not only do we benefit from this life of obedience, but those with whom we come in contact also benefit. They see God in action throughout our lives.
The Word being the Light is the giver of the Truth. God gave us the Word in the form of the Bible. Therefore, we find the Light that JESUS has given us in His word the Bible
The Light of the world is Jesus. We receive that Light as we grow spiritually through our knowledge of the Bible. We read in His word that we are responsible to spread that light. We transmit that Light by not hiding it but by living the light. We call this ministry to others. When we become directly involved in the lives of both believers and unbelievers, we build a relationship with them. Through that close contact, they see our light and are drawn to it.
Those who seek the joy of life must become believers in Christ. To see the light, they must accept it. Once they have believed in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9), they must begin internalizing the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). New believers in Jesus are commanded to begin the process of spiritual growth. This will allow the light to shine through them. If they are growing spiritually, new believers must share the light with others so that unbelievers might accept the light and begin growing in it.
Begin walking in the Light by living out the Word daily. The only way we can know God’s plan and purpose for our lives is through studying His Word and through prayer.
Summary Statement:
Joy is spread in every activity that is accomplished for God. At the same time, every good work done for God’s glory brings us joy (Ephesians 2:10). Being the light for Jesus accomplishes the work that God wants us to complete here on earth (James 1:22). Therefore, it brings honor and glory to Him.
This is one of those times when joy is accompanied by happiness. As we share the light with others through evangelism or ministry, we grow in the assurance of our salvation. We also feel the contentment that comes from helping others. Contentment experienced by helping others is true happiness. The joy we feel can’t be bought, sold, or owned.
Lessons within the Lesson:
What is the light that we are discussing in this lesson?
What is the origin of the light?
How do we get the light?
How do we spread the light to others?
[1] John Walvoord, The Moral Principles of the Kingdom, Fair Use Authorization, Section 107, of the Copyright Law, Bible.Org, published January 1, 2008, bible.org/seriespage/5-moral-principles-kingdom.
[2] G. Campbell Morgan, D.D., The Gospel According to Matthew, Fair Use Authorization, Section 107, of the Copyright Law, Copyright 1929, Chapter Ten, Matthew 5:13-16., baptistbiblebelievers.com/.
[3] H. A. Ironside, Ironside’s Notes on Selected Books, Matthew, Fair Use Authorization, Section 107, of the Copyright Law, Published through Studylight.org, These files are public domain.
Fair, 59°