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 so that we might help others to see your glory. Help us to be obedient so that others might see You in our lives. 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.
Ye 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
If we are in the process of growing spiritually, without complaining (positive thinking) and without disputes (in unity), we are going to be living a life filled with joy. If we who are focused on spiritual growth, we are becoming blameless. Then what we are doing is reflecting the Light who is Jesus.
John 1:4-5 says, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Using simple logic, the Word is God (John 1:1). The Word is Jesus (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus is God. Using the same logic, the Word is Jesus (John 1:14). Jesus is the light (John 8:12). Therefore, the Word is also the Light. We know that God is Truth. By this same logic, the Word is therefore Truth (God breathed, 2 Timothy 3:16); Jesus is Truth (John 14:5); so therefore the Light is also Truth.
Confused? Let's sum this up. God and Jesus are both the Truth and the Light. When we live in the light, the truth of God’s word, we are displaying God’s 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 through our lives. This bring joy to us, to others, and to God.
John 8:12 says, “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." 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
Matthew 5:14-16 explains, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The Light of the world is Jesus. Since we now have that Light through the Bible, we are now responsible to spread that it. We spread that Light by not hiding it but by sharing it when we minister to others. When we become directly involved in the lives of others and build a relationship with them, they see that light in us and are drawn to it by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:33 tells us that, "No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.” Become the light, accept Jesus as your personal Savior and begin internalizing the Word. If you already are a disciple of Jesus, begin the process of spiritual growth so that the light can shine through you. If you are growing spiritually share the light with others that they might accept the light and begin growing in it.
Begin practicing the Light by living out the Word daily. The only way we can know God’s plan and purpose for our lives is through His Word and through prayer.
Summary Statement:
Joy is spread in every activity that is accomplished for God. At the same time, every activity done for God brings us joy since we are being obedient. Being lights for Jesus accomplishes the work that God wants completed here on earth. Therefore, it brings honor and glory to him.
This is one of those times when joy is joined by happiness. As we share the light with others, through evangelism or ministering to others needs, we feel the assurance of our salvation, joy, but we also feel the contentment of helping others, spiritual happiness. The feeling of contentment that we receive from helping others is true happiness. It can’t be bought, sold, or owned.
Lesson 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, Bible.Org, published January 1, 2008, bible.org/seriespage/5-moral-principles-kingdom.,
[2] G. Campbell Morgan, D.D., The Gospel According to Matthew, Copyright 1929, Chapter Ten, Matthew 5:13-16., baptistbiblebelievers.com/
[3] H. A. Ironside, Ironside’s Notes on Selected Books, Matthew, Published through Studylight.org, These files are public domain.
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