How to let your light shine
by Rich Jenkins, Pastor, First Southern Baptist Church, Coffeyville, Kansas
MattHew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Jesus calls Christians to shine like light in the darkness. Some say, “Religion is a private thing.” Jesus is saying that it is not a private thing!
A simple acrostic helps remind us how to shine our LIGHT.
L
Love people passionately
We must depend on the Lord of love to put his compassion for people in us (Mark 6:34). Herb Hodges said that “every saved person this side of heaven should be concerned about every lost person this side of hell.”
I
Intercede for them persistently
In 2 Corinthians 2:3-4 the lost are described as spiritually blind and therefore cannot see the light. Only God can give sight to the spiritually blind. Pray that they’re eyes will be opened.
G
Go to them purposefully
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said, “Go.” Go could literally be rendered “as you are going.” Aren’t we always on the go? Jesus is simply telling us to do what we’re already doing but with a greater awareness.
H
Help them practically
Our light really shines when we care for people in Jesus name. Example: In October 2002, a sniper terrorized the Washington D.C. area. The men of one church volunteered to pump gas for motorists as a ministry right in the area where the sniper had killed people and terrorized the community. Practical help doesn’t always have to be so dramatic to have a dramatic spiritual effect.
T
Tell them plainly
There will come a moment when the Spirit gives you an opportunity to share what Jesus means to you. Jesus said the result would be that God would be “glorified.” If we don’t plainly tell them why we do what we do, they’ll be praising us but not God.
There are three ways we can apply this message:
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We should be a light as an individual. Jesus said, “Your light.” It’s an individual thing.
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We should be a light as a family. Ephesians 5 indicates that our marriages and families are to represent Christ. With so many hurting families this is a wonderful opportunity for your family to model the love of Christ and share the gospel.
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We should be a light as a church. In Revelation 1:20 and 2:1, 5 each church is compared to a lamp stand. We should support local church events and programs that are collective attempts at shining the light.
Sermon starter
Title: Father’s Day
Subject: What sons learn from their fathers
“What is the most important thing you have learned from your dad?” was the question asked of American men. Their answers were insightful and compelling. While most had positive things to say such as, “try hard,” “be nice,” “be honest” there were those whose perspective of fatherhood revealed a lost connection, a hardness of heart to protect them from pain. The question is asked of us, “How will we reach them with the love of an eternal Father?”
To download the video illustration “Father’s Day”, right click HERE and select “Save Target As” to save.
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