The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on 2/4/24.
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Christians have a two-fold responsibility: BE SALT and BE LIGHT. I want to look at being a light today. The nature of light is to shine. Can you hide a city lit on top of a hill? No. Everything fulfills its purpose: fire warms; water moistens; cold congeals; and light shines! Flip on a switch and light shines. Darkness vanishes. As Christians it should be normal for the world to see the light of Jesus in us. On a clear night when the moon is bright we are prone to say “look how bright the moon is tonight.” The fact is the moon is reflecting the sun. We are to be a reflection of THE SON and in that reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ.
The moment we become Christians it becomes our responsibility to shine in this world. We don’t always do that: we don’t speak up when we should; we go along with the crowd; we allow sin in our life; we’re not showing and explaining the love of God to others. We didn’t just get saved to miss hell and go to heaven. I’m glad that’s what happens, but we’re also saved to be a servant of God. We’re not to ignore the needs of others. We’re not to shine just once in a while. It’s to be constant. Not a twinkle, but a shining servant full of good works. Let it shine everywhere. Don’t turn it off when it’s not convenient. Shine day in and day out.
Light can be hindered or helped. Are we murmuring? Israel did this from Egypt to the Promised Land. We gripe and complain. God has blessed us all far more than we deserve. Why grumble all the time? The devil wants us to focus on what we don’t have. Paul told Timothy to shine in this crooked world. As Christians we won’t always agree, but we don’t have to fuss and fight. This affects our light. Inward struggles hinder the light. Don’t brood over hurts. Remembering murmuring is a sin. Light is the only force that overcomes darkness. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. God help us to shine so the devil can’t shut it out. Christianity is what keeps the light shining in this world. The church is going to be raptured one of these days. The misery will be that Christian influence is gone.
Verse 16 shows us the purpose of light. Others see our good works. Remember we are not saved by works: it’s by grace through faith in Jesus. However, after we’re saved we need to maintain good works. Things change after salvation. If the light of Jesus is manifested, the world will see it and glorify the Father in heaven. The Pharisees notified others when they were about to do a good deed. God shares his glory with no one. Either you and I get the glory or God will. Lift up Jesus–not self– and HE will be glorified. Jesus said if he was lifted up he would draw all men to him. We don’t want people to go to hell. Lift up Jesus. We’re a single match and we need to share the light as much as we can. Many don’t know Jesus. I want to light a match under you today and help you to shine for Jesus. Don’t let your light get dim.
Is your light shining? Do others know you’re a Christian? People should see a reflection of Jesus in your life. Don’t tell others you’re a Christian if you’re not going to live it. If you’re not saved, let Jesus in and forgive your sins so you can shine for him. If you are saved, does your light shine as it should? I hope and pray you’ll speak to God about it today.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 