Shining Light: Our Call to Hope and Guidance
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded that as believers, we are called to be a source of light in a world filled with darkness. We are called to seek out those who are struggling, those who are lost in the darkness of their own lives, and be a beacon of hope and guidance for them. This is not a passive role, but an active one. We must actively look for those who are in the dark and choose to shine our light for them. This is a choice we must make, to either keep our connection with God to ourselves or to share it with others. We are reminded that we were once in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, and we are called to live as children of light.
In the second part of the sermon, I was reminded that Jesus is our light, but we are also called to be light. We are not just people who needed to be rescued from darkness, but now that we have been rescued, we are called to be light for others. We are called to shine, to be a source of light in the darkness. We are called to be a source of hope, purpose, and love for those who are dealing with depression, problems, guilt, and sin. We are called to be a reflection of God's love and forgiveness, to be a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.
Key Takeaways:
- We are called to actively seek out those who are in the dark and choose to shine our light for them. This is a choice we must make, to either keep our connection with God to ourselves or to share it with others. #!!29:30!!#
- We were once in darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, and we are called to live as children of light. #!!30:10!!#
- We are not just people who needed to be rescued from darkness, but now that we have been rescued, we are called to be light for others. #!!23:50!!#
- We are called to be a source of hope, purpose, and love for those who are dealing with depression, problems, guilt, and sin. #!!23:09!!#
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. We often find ourselves in dark places in our lives, feeling lost and hurt, either due to our own choices or life circumstances. In these moments, we fumble around, trying to find answers and a path out of the darkness. ([03:06])
2. God views us as light and calls us to be light in a dark world. We are called to shine by being good, righteous, and real. This means being compassionate, maintaining a right relationship with God, and being genuine and sincere. ([31:20])
3. We are called to look for people who are in the dark and be light for them. This involves actively seeking out those who are struggling and being a source of light for them. ([28:06])
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Ephesians 5: This chapter talks about living as children of light, which supports the main points from the sermon.
2. John 20: This chapter includes Jesus telling his followers that as the Father sent him, he is sending them, which aligns with the sermon's point about being called to look for people in the dark.
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 5, what does it mean to live as children of light?
2. In John 20, how does Jesus' command to his followers relate to our calling to be light in the world?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How can we interpret the concept of being 'good, righteous, and real' in the context of being light in the world?
2. How does the idea of actively seeking out those who are in the dark challenge our understanding of our role as Christians?
Application Questions:
1. Can you share a time when you felt lost or in the dark? How did you find your way out?
2. How can you apply the concept of being 'good, righteous, and real' in your daily life to shine your light?
3. Can you identify someone in your life who is currently in the dark? How can you be a source of light for them?
Devotional
Day 1: Seek Those in Darkness
We are called to actively seek out those who are struggling in the darkness of life. This includes those battling addictions, loneliness, depression, and resentment. We are to be a beacon of light for them, guiding them towards the love and grace of God. [28:06]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: Who in your life is currently in darkness and how can you be a source of light for them?
Day 2: Choose to Shine
Being a light for others is a choice. We can choose to share the love and grace of God with others, or we can choose to keep it to ourselves. We are called to shine by being good, righteous, and real. [29:30]
Ephesians 5:8-9 - "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)"
Reflection: How can you actively choose to shine God's light in your daily interactions?
Day 3: Be Genuine
In order to effectively shine God's light, we must be genuine. This means being honest about our imperfections and flaws, and sharing our triumphs and mistakes with others. By being real, we can show others that they too can have a relationship with God. [31:56]
2 Corinthians 4:2 - "Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God."
Reflection: How can you be more genuine in your interactions with others?
Day 4: Stay Connected
To be a source of light, we must stay connected to our power source - God. We must also stay connected to each other, supporting and encouraging one another in our faith journeys. [24:31]
John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you strengthen your connection with God and your faith community?
Day 5: Be a Source of Light
We are not just called to live in the light, but to be a source of light. This means actively shining God's love and grace in a world filled with darkness. [21:10]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you be a source of light in your community this week?
Quotes
1. "Righteousness is not about keeping all the rules correct all the time. Righteousness is about being in a right relationship with God. As I'm trying to do good for others, I'm maintaining my relationship with him and I'm calling other people to a relationship with him." - 31:20
2. "We are called to go look for people who are in the dark. We are called to go look for those who are fumbling through this life and who are struggling. But I can't be light for people in the dark if I'm not looking for people who are in the dark." - 28:06
3. "If we don't stay in connection to him and in connection to the spirit and connected to each other, it makes it hard for us to shine. So how do I continue to be a source of light in this dark world? I stay connected. I stay connected to you. I stay connected to him." - 27:03
4. "We were not created to live in the dark. We were created to live in light and to be light. For you once were Darkness but now you are a light in the Lord so live as children of light." - 21:10
5. "We are light so we are called to be light. We're called to shine. We're called to be a source of light in darkness. When people are dealing with depression and problems and guilt and sin, they should be able to see light. They should be able to see a God that loves them." - 23:09
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