Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Truth for the Heart

May 15, 2005

CHRISTIANS – WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE WE?

Matthew 5:14-16

LIGHT

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus Christ promised that the Church would be present in the world. He would provide for its foundation in His death and resurrection. He would also in initiate and complete its construction.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus made another promise. He promised that the church would receive the POWER that would be needed to carry out its mission in the world. In Acts 1:8 He also outlined the PROGRAM of the church, including its mission and itinerary.

“You shall BE witnesses unto Me, in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.”

In whatever else the Church is involved in society – either social or political – we must define our reason for our existence in the statements of Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8. Question? Are we functioning as witnesses? The Church of Jesus Christ has many names and titles. It is called the Church, the Body of Christ, Sheep, Branches, the People of God, Priests, A Holy Nation, etc. However, in fulfilling the role of what Jesus said we would be as witnesses to Him, there at least two descriptive terms that reveal how we penetrate OUR WORLD as witnesses - THE CHURCH IS LIGHT and THE CHURCH IS SALT - which we examined in last week’s pen pulpit.

Definition of Our Role as Light v. 14a

Christians are called “light” in Scripture. Light is what we are. Believers are a functioning entity as light in this world of darkness. A FOREIGN INFLUENCE IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF SPIRITUAL DARKNESS (Ephesians 5:8; Philippians 2:15; I Peter 2:9).

Where do we get the title “light”?

• God is called light in I John 1:5. Essentially this is what God is: LIGHT!

Intellectually light is truth – darkness is error.

Morally and ethically light is purity – darkness is evil. God is both absolute truth and He is morally pure and perfect.

• Jesus Christ claimed to be the Light of the world while He was here (John 9:5; 8:12). John 1:18 tells us that truth and moral perfection are perfectly revealed in Christ.

• Christians become the representation of God in this world. We have received God’s own nature and His revelation.

Illustrations of Our Purpose as Light v.14b, 15

• To be seen –This fact is illustrated by a city set upon a hill – and lights aren’t to be covered. The city on a hill is visible and prominent from every direction. The Christian is not only to be seen in this world but he is to be prominent in the world. Not prominent in the sense of being famous – but prominent in the sense that we stand out as being different in our society (Philippians 2:12, 13).

• To Reveal Hope for This World –The lamp gives light to all who are in the house. The lamp is beneficial in darkness. If the church is not benefiting the world in some way by our presence – then our light is hidden! The church is God’s only contact with this world in terms of His redemptive purpose. What do men see when they look at the church today? Do they see hope? Do they see people with answers? In many churches the light is covered. In some churches the light has been extinguished (Revelation 2:5).

The Declaration of Our Responsibility as Light in the World v-16

We are to concentrate on a careful walk among men

• It is the Christian’s nature to display the grace of God – to shine for the Lord. Light doesn’t struggle to display its radiance. If the bulb is plugged into its power source it just shines. If you are properly plugged into the power source, you shine. You shall BE witnesses! However, you can hinder that radiance - Ephesians 5:3-14 (v 8).

• Before men – Going back to the illustration: Christians are to be prominent in the world scene – the world of business, the world of politics, the world of sports, socially. It is not necessary to go into full time ministry to serve the Lord. We enter our mission field when we get up every morning!

• How will that light be seen? In your good works! Yes, I said in Your good works. For God’s priority on good works see Ephesians 2:8-10 and Titus 2:14; 3:8. What are the good works of a Believer? WORKS THAT ARE DIFFERENT IN QUALITY AND MOTIVATION from those of an unbeliever.

We are to move men toward God. We glorify God when we attribute worth to Him by what we say and by what we do. We give credit where credit is due.

Steps to internalize these truths:

1. Reflect upon what the Bible says you are: LIGHT – Ephesians 5:8.

2. Realize that the truest thing about you is what God says about you.

3. In order to function properly as light you have to remain close to the power source.

God bless and keep on shining,