The Light of the World

Introduction

This text serves as a transition in this sermon; from descr citizens of the kingdom to descr of righteousness of the kingdom. Here we find Christ giving his first command of the sermon (16). This the second of two references of Christ to our life witness-seen we are salt of earth (moral impact), now see we are light of the world, and point is this: if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

• You are the light of the world (14)
• Our light is in the Lord-1st note that Jesus is light of the world-Matt 4:6; John 8:12; believer saved from darkness/brought into Christ/his wonderful light (1 Pet 2:); Paul-you are light in the Lord. Jesus simply pointing out disciples reflect his light.
• Light refers to several things in the Bible-true knowledge of God/righteousness (God is light and in him is no darkness at all.) Chief quality-light is opp of darkness, realm of sin and evil (devil is prince of darkness, those who do evil hate the light).
• Christ's illustration of a city explains his meaning-City set on hill-at night its light seen all around; Jerusalem at night likely back of illustration. No street lights in Israel, darkness complete-cannot see hands before face in dark (coal mine illustration). Light from city makes city visible. As a city lit up is plainly seen in the darkness, so the light of Christ and his kingdom are plainly seen in the believer as he/she lives and moves and has his/her being in the darkness of this sin infested world.
• If a believer/disciple, you are the light of the world-Eph 5:8-No longer part of the world-called out; made different when saved. Therefore must stop thinking/acting as though part of world/same as everyone else.

• Christ means for you to shine as light in a dark place (15)
• Jesus uses a second illustration to make his point-15: people do not light a lamp/candle and place it under a bowl/peck measure. Useless! Whole point of lighting it is to enable those in darkness to see.
• This world is a dark place-Rom 1:21 (darkened!); 22-32; Gal 1:3-a present evil age; Eph 6:12-a dark world; Gen 8:21-every inclination of man's heart is evil from childhood; mankind w/out hope w/out God. Situation of this world is hopeless and getting worse. The scandal of modern church is failure of Christians to let light shine-at least four personality types in church guilty of this:
• Formalist--Christ does not intrude on 'real' world/personal life-not active in church/no interest in
• Legalist--list of do's/don'ts-- no joy/reason for joy- not happy, no reason for others to be happy;
• Worldly Christian -(oxymoron) claims to be Xn but as much like world as possible: /values/habits.
• Timid Professor-seek to hide their faith so can be part of crowd; avoid being different/ridiculed
• Into this hopelessly dark world Christ has sent you, his disciple to be light-Each type has hidden light under bowl of formality/legalism/worldliness. LIKE TRYING TO LIGHT THE DARK WITH DARKNESS! Just what Christ does NOT want you to do. As a believer like a lamp-not to be hidden under a bowl--rather must light the world. Here Christ gives his command.

• In the same way let your light shine (16)
• "in the same way..." as what?-- Grammar points back to 14, 15-in same way as city on hill/lamp lit on stand, let your light shine before men.
• Jesus Command: "let your light so shine before men...you meant to be noticed by men: you come fr diff perspective/ country-member of K of God; lifestyle must reflect. Beatitudes/rest of this sermon explain If a Christian, let your light shine before men. Why?
• So they may see your good works- Not like Pharisees (6:1f); focus not to be you but good works. For what purpose? In order that when men see your good works they will
• Glorify your Father in heaven- for purpose of bringing glory to your Father in heaven (1 Pet 2:12). As Christ came to exegete/explain the Father, so your works reveal Father as glorious. Men to see your good works/turn to God-- say, Oh, so you are the reason they are different! Point of your life is God's glory.

Conclusion

If you are a believer, have no option in vss 13-16. You are salt of the earth-must be salty/make a moral impact on the world; you are light of the world-your good works must shine light of Jesus into darkness of world to glory of God. (WSC 1) No saltiness/light? Not a believer-need to come to Jesus and be saved. If a believer, you are to be different from world, live different life than world. Christian--your calling/command from your Lord- live a life that reflects the life of your Saviour/Lord. If a disciple of Jesus Christ, live like a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Arthur J. Fox, Pastor
10 Spruce Street
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 944-5835