Shining Our Light: Living to Glorify God

 

Summary

Today, we explore the profound simplicity of Jesus' teaching that we are the light of the world. This concept, though seemingly straightforward, carries a depth that challenges us to live in a way that reflects God's presence in our lives. Jesus, the greatest teacher, spoke to a diverse and needy crowd, declaring that their problems were not insurmountable because the light of God's kingdom was with them. This light is not just a metaphor but a call to action, urging us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify God.

The imagery of a city on a hill, which cannot be hidden, serves as a powerful reminder of our visibility and influence in the world. Jesus contrasts this with the city of Sepphoris, known for its wealth and luxury, and the Essenes, who withdrew from society. Instead, Jesus calls us to engage with the world, to be present and active, letting our light shine through acts of kindness and love. This is not about seeking glory for ourselves but living in such a way that others are moved to thank God for our presence in their lives.

Glorifying God is not about grand gestures or spectacular achievements. It is about living authentically and humbly, allowing our everyday actions to reflect God's love and grace. This is exemplified in the story of a gathering of friends who, through simple acts of encouragement and love, illuminated the darkness with their light. It is in these moments of genuine connection and care that we truly glorify God.

As we navigate our daily lives, it is easy to confuse productivity with meaning. However, what truly matters is our relationships and the impact we have on others. By focusing on helping, encouraging, and loving those around us, we fulfill our purpose as the light of the world. Let us embrace this calling, making each day a "golden rule day," where our light shines brightly, bringing glory to God and hope to those we encounter.

Key Takeaways:

- The Light of the World: Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, a role that involves actively engaging with others and reflecting God's presence through our actions. This light is not about personal glory but about pointing others to God. [01:13]

- Visibility and Influence: Like a city on a hill, our lives are meant to be visible and influential. We are called to let our light shine in a way that others see our good deeds and are inspired to glorify God. This requires us to be present and active in the world, not withdrawn or hidden. [02:54]

- Glorifying God Through Everyday Actions: Glorifying God is not about grand achievements but about living authentically and humbly. Our everyday actions, when done with love and kindness, can lead others to thank God for our presence in their lives. [05:11]

- The Importance of Relationships: In the end, what matters most is our relationships and the impact we have on others. By focusing on helping, encouraging, and loving those around us, we fulfill our purpose as the light of the world. [08:29]

- Embracing Our Calling: We are called to make each day a "golden rule day," where our light shines brightly, bringing glory to God and hope to those we encounter. This involves simple acts of kindness and love, reflecting the light of God's kingdom in our daily lives. [10:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Purpose and Light
- [00:29] - The Golden Rule Day
- [00:43] - You Are the Light of the World
- [01:13] - A City on a Hill
- [01:58] - The City of Sepphoris
- [02:42] - Building a Different Kind of City
- [03:07] - The Essenes and Withdrawal
- [03:36] - Letting Your Light Shine
- [04:10] - What Does It Mean to Glorify God?
- [05:11] - Living to Glorify God
- [06:11] - Salt of the Earth
- [06:43] - The Power of Encouragement
- [08:29] - The Importance of Relationships
- [09:16] - This Little Light of Mine
- [10:13] - Embracing Our Calling

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) - "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."
2. Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV) - "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
3. John 8:12 (NIV) - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "You are the light of the world"? How does this relate to the imagery of a city on a hill? [01:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the city of Sepphoris, and what contrast does Jesus make with it? [02:25]
3. What actions are suggested in the sermon as ways to let our light shine before others? [03:36]
4. How does the story of the gathering of friends illustrate the concept of glorifying God through everyday actions? [07:12]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What might Jesus be implying about the nature of influence and visibility when He compares believers to a city on a hill? [01:41]
2. How does the sermon suggest that glorifying God differs from seeking personal glory? [04:54]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that relationships are central to fulfilling our purpose as the light of the world? [08:29]
4. How does the sermon challenge the idea of withdrawing from society, as exemplified by the Essenes? [03:21]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to be a light to others. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [03:36]
2. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you be more intentional in letting your light shine through acts of kindness and love? [08:29]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be seeking personal glory rather than glorifying God. How can you shift your focus? [04:54]
4. Think about a time when you felt like withdrawing from a challenging situation. How can you engage more actively instead, as Jesus calls us to do? [03:21]
5. What simple act of kindness can you commit to this week to reflect God's love in your community? [10:13]
6. How can you ensure that your daily actions align with the calling to be the light of the world, especially in mundane or routine tasks? [05:11]
7. Reflect on the concept of a "golden rule day." How can you incorporate this mindset into your daily routine to bring hope to those you encounter? [10:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting God's Presence Through Our Actions
The call to be the light of the world is a profound invitation to reflect God's presence through our actions. Jesus emphasized that this light is not about seeking personal glory but about pointing others to God. By engaging with others and living in a way that reflects God's love, we become a beacon of hope and encouragement. This light is not passive; it requires active participation in the world, demonstrating kindness, love, and compassion in our daily interactions. As we let our light shine, we inspire others to see the goodness of God and glorify Him. [01:13]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of God's love through your actions today? How can you intentionally reflect God's presence to them?


Day 2: Living as a Visible and Influential Presence
Our lives are meant to be visible and influential, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Jesus calls us to let our light shine in a way that others see our good deeds and are inspired to glorify God. This requires us to be present and active in the world, not withdrawn or hidden. By engaging with the world around us, we can have a positive impact and influence others for God's kingdom. Our visibility is not for our own recognition but to point others to the source of our light, which is God Himself. [02:54]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can be more visible and influential in your community this week, pointing others to God through your actions?


Day 3: Glorifying God Through Everyday Actions
Glorifying God is not about grand achievements but about living authentically and humbly. Our everyday actions, when done with love and kindness, can lead others to thank God for our presence in their lives. It is in the simple, genuine moments of connection and care that we truly glorify God. By living in a way that reflects God's love and grace, we can have a profound impact on those around us, inspiring them to see the goodness of God in their own lives. [05:11]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more love and kindness into your everyday interactions, allowing others to see God's grace through you?


Day 4: The Importance of Relationships
In the end, what matters most is our relationships and the impact we have on others. By focusing on helping, encouraging, and loving those around us, we fulfill our purpose as the light of the world. Our relationships are opportunities to reflect God's love and to be a source of hope and encouragement. By investing in meaningful connections, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of others, pointing them to the love and grace of God. [08:29]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement or support today? How can you intentionally invest in your relationship with them to reflect God's love?


Day 5: Embracing Our Calling to Shine Brightly
We are called to make each day a "golden rule day," where our light shines brightly, bringing glory to God and hope to those we encounter. This involves simple acts of kindness and love, reflecting the light of God's kingdom in our daily lives. By embracing this calling, we can have a transformative impact on the world around us, inspiring others to see the goodness of God and to live in a way that reflects His love. [10:13]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: What is one simple act of kindness you can do today to shine your light and bring hope to someone in need?

Quotes


"what's the purpose that you're living for today what would make this good day why should you go through this day well Jesus has an answer for that and it's surprisingly simple and it can be glorious I promise you for you this day could be glorious greatest teacher who ever taught in the greatest uh talk ever given said that your problems are not insurmountable the darkness is not insurmountable the light is the presence of God and his kingdom so you can make this a golden rule day" [00:00:00]

"you are the light of the world now we're told in the Bible that Jesus is the light of the world that's not surprising but but Jesus says now it's you 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 then it gives light to everyone in the house house in the same way let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify the Father in heaven" [00:01:06]

"there was an article years ago in the biblical archaeological review that suggested the city Jesus had in mind when he was talking about this may have been a town called sephorus it was only 3 miles away from from where Jesus grew up in Nazareth so he would have seen it very very often it's it's very possible that he might have helped in the work of construction we know that's constructing it that's the work he and his father both did Herod antibus decided that sephorus was going to be the ornament of Galilee" [00:01:45]

"there was not far from there another Community this is kind of a monastic Community they were called the essenes where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found you might have heard of them and they called themselves the sons of Light children of light however they withdrew from everybody not just Rome not just the Pagan Gentiles but even the rest of Israel that they regarded is kind of corrupt and Jesus says nope that's not the plan either I I want you to get out there and let your light shine" [00:03:00]

"so let's talk about what does it mean to glorify God for a moment what is Glory we tend to associate with Glory with something that is spectacular or impressive and we all want it we're made to want it that glorifying God can become such a cliche I remember going to Christian concerts sometimes where the musician is done and people be applauding like crazy and uh sometimes the response would be all glory to God when the reality is you know just say thanks cuz like you're human you're kind of enjoying this" [00:03:50]

"to glorify God means to live in such a way that when people look at your life they say thank God for God to glorify God just simply means to live in such a way that when people look at your life when they experience your presence in their midst they find themselves saying thank God for God that God would think up a person like that' that a life like that would actually be possible that's what it means to glorify God" [00:05:04]

"Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God the Holy Spirit and power and went around doing good now you can do that you can go and Jesus says here's our strategic plan guys doesn't have to look impressive don't have to be credential for this blessed are you now this is just coming right down to the very ordinary people that Jesus was talking about you are the salt of the earth you are the light of the world let your light shine so that people see your good deeds and say thank God for God" [00:05:49]

"I remember a time U seeing that light really clearly in other folks um several years ago I had left my work after a long long time and it was quite a painful process so there was no opportunity for a farewell or um closure or goodbyes any of that sort of thing so a group of friends probably about 20 people gathered from lots of different places uh even around the country and had a day of encouragement for Nan me just to do fun stuff and then we had dinner all together and then we went to a park" [00:06:28]

"people began to read or say things that they had prepared to encourage us and to love us and to care for us and to thank us and this went on long enough that the sun set and it got dark so people brought out their cell phones to just light up the dark in the park and a Sprinkle head started to sprinkle it gotten us all wet my friend Danny very typically just stood in front of it so his pants got soaked to keep us dry so that we could go on and the light just watching you know those lights of those cell phones illuminate people's faces" [00:07:09]

"when we were having those conversations that if I would have given one more sermon that somebody thought was good or written one more book that might have been read uh that would mean very little in those moments but to have another person look at me and say John you noticed me you cared about me you helped me you encouraged me you built into me uh that meant the world and I knew when I reach the end of my life and I'm looking back on it uh to have any more glorious accomplishments in that moment would mean very little but people relationships that would mean everything" [00:07:49]

"one of the tensions in my own life is there's a a kind of a miswiring where uh I can confuse being productive with what is most meaningful not bad to be productive and for me it will often involve things like to be able to learn and to try to communicate that's a good thing um but what matters most is people what matters most is trying to help people and trying to connect with people and trying to be with people so that's the word for today" [00:08:40]

"we see this over and over in the Bible Paul says to that ragged little group of Believers at Philippi do everything without arguing or grumbling that you might become pure and blameless children of God in a warped and corrupt generation in which you shine like stars in the sky or Paul says to the church at thessalonica you are children of the light or John writes at the end of The Book of Revelation and the day is coming when we will no longer need the light of the Sun or the light of the lamp for God himself will give us light he is the light of the world" [00:09:16]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 31, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?