You Are the Light: Living Brightly Every Day

Devotional

Day 1: You Are the Light of the World—Live Your Faith Publicly

Jesus calls every believer to be the light of the world, not just in church or on special occasions, but in every moment and every place. Light is a sign of presence, openness, and welcome; it signals to the world that God is at work in and through you. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house, your life is meant to shine in your home, workplace, and community, so that others may see the goodness of God and be drawn to Him. You are not called to hide your faith or keep it private, but to let it shine so that God is glorified through your actions and words. [01:05:10]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“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. 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.”

Reflection: Where in your daily routine do you tend to hide your faith or keep it private? What is one specific way you can intentionally let your light shine in that space this week?

Day 2: Called to Illuminate the Darkness—Your Light Has a Purpose

God’s people are not just called to be light for themselves, but to bring light into dark places so that others may experience the hope and salvation of Jesus. The light you carry is not for your own comfort or benefit; it is meant to reach those who are far from God, to bring clarity, warmth, and the presence of Christ into every corner of your world. When you share the light with others, the whole community becomes brighter, and God’s promises are more fully realized. Don’t underestimate the impact of your presence—God has positioned you to be a beacon in your neighborhood, workplace, and beyond. [01:08:18]

Isaiah 49:6 (ESV)
He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Reflection: Who in your life right now is in need of hope or encouragement? How can you intentionally bring the light of Christ into their situation this week?

Day 3: The Church Is Built to Shine in Dark Places—Not to Retreat

Jesus established His church not in safe, comfortable places, but right in the midst of spiritual darkness, calling His followers to bring light where it’s needed most. The church is a collective body, a city on a hill, meant to be visible and influential in the world, even in places that feel intimidating or hostile. God’s design is for His people to go into the hardest spaces—whether that’s a challenging workplace, a divided community, or a spiritually dark environment—and to shine with courage and love. You are not called to withdraw or hide, but to stand firm and let God’s light break through the darkness. [01:14:18]

Matthew 16:18-19 (ESV)
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Reflection: What is one “dark” or difficult place in your life where you have been tempted to withdraw? How might God be inviting you to bring His light there instead?

Day 4: Don’t Turn Off the Light—Your Posture Matters Every Day

There are no days off from being a Christ follower; your life is always on display, and your posture—whether open or closed, engaged or withdrawn—matters deeply. Turning off your light, whether out of fear, discomfort, or habit, not only closes you off from others but also from what God wants to do in and through you. God’s promise is that you will remain lit, no matter the circumstances, but you must choose to keep your light shining. Every interaction, every decision, and every moment is an opportunity to reflect Jesus, even when it feels inconvenient or challenging. [01:18:39]

John 17:15-18 (ESV)
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been “turning off the light” or withdrawing from engagement? What would it look like to open yourself up to God and others in that area today?

Day 5: Seek Fresh Revelation—Let the Holy Spirit Guide Your Convictions

God desires that you seek Him personally, allowing the Holy Spirit to bring fresh revelation and conviction, rather than simply following religious norms or the opinions of others. Your faith is meant to be active, dynamic, and responsive to God’s leading in every situation. When you seek the Lord and remain open to His voice, you become a living sacrifice, set apart and empowered to shine brightly in your world. Don’t settle for a passive or secondhand faith—pursue a vibrant relationship with God that shapes your actions, decisions, and interactions every day. [01:23:24]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Reflection: When was the last time you asked God for fresh revelation about how to live out your faith? Take time today to pray and listen—what is the Holy Spirit prompting you to do differently?

Sermon Summary

In every season and situation, God calls His people to be light in the world—not just on Sundays, not just in church, but in every moment and every place. The illustration of the extension cord in the music video I mentioned is a vivid reminder that God is actively resourcing us, not just for our own benefit, but so that we can impact the world around us. Our calling is to “set our world on fire” with the love and truth of Christ, and this is not a part-time assignment. Whether it’s Halloween or any other day, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to live set apart, and to let our light shine before others so that they may see God at work.

The tension many of us feel—how to be holy in a world that is not—should not drive us to isolation or judgment, but to deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit. We are not meant to simply follow religious norms or base our convictions solely on what a pastor says. Instead, each of us is called to seek the Lord personally, to wrestle with His Word, and to allow the Spirit to bring fresh revelation. Our differences as a church are not weaknesses to be hidden, but strengths that, when refined together, make us a family set apart for God’s purposes.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 remind us that we are the light of the world, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Light is not just for our own comfort; it is a sign of God’s presence and an invitation to those in darkness. Like candles on a birthday cake, our lives are meant to ignite others, illuminating the full picture of God’s love and purpose. When we turn off our light—whether out of fear, discomfort, or religious habit—we not only close ourselves off from our neighbors, but we also close ourselves off from what God wants to do in and through us.

This is not about legalism or rigid practice, but about living out the principle of being Christ’s ambassadors every day. Our homes, workplaces, and relationships are all platforms for God’s light to shine. The challenge is to examine where we may be dimming or turning off our light, and to invite the Holy Spirit to rekindle our passion and boldness. As we do, we trust that God will use us to bring transformation, even in the darkest places and on the darkest days.

Key Takeaways

1. Being the light of the world is a daily calling, not a part-time role. Our identity as Christ’s ambassadors doesn’t pause when we leave church or enter challenging environments. Every moment is an opportunity to reflect God’s presence, whether at home, at work, or in our neighborhoods. The consistency of our witness is what brings lasting impact. [62:09]
2. The church’s strength lies in its diversity and willingness to wrestle with difficult questions together. Rather than dividing over differences, we are called to let iron sharpen iron, allowing the refiner’s fire to make us a family set apart. True unity is forged not by uniformity, but by a shared pursuit of Christ and openness to the Spirit’s leading. [54:56]
3. Light is not meant to be hoarded, but shared. Like candles on a cake, our lives are designed to ignite others, making the whole brighter. Some of the blessings and revelations God has for us are only experienced as we help illuminate the lives of those around us, stepping into dark places with courage and compassion. [71:01]
4. We are not called to judge or withdraw from the world, but to engage it with discernment and love. Whether it’s Halloween or any other cultural moment, our response should be shaped by personal conviction from the Holy Spirit, not by fear or religious tradition. Our posture should always be open, seeking to reflect Jesus rather than enforce our own standards. [76:59]
5. Turning off our light—out of discomfort, fear, or habit—closes us off not only from others, but from God’s ongoing work in us. Every area of life is an opportunity for God’s light to shine, and when we dim or hide it, we miss out on both giving and receiving His blessing. The Spirit’s invitation is to examine where we’ve been dimming our light and to let Him rekindle it for the sake of the world. [83:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[51:30] - The Power of a Song and Illustration
[52:18] - God’s Desire to Resource Us
[52:55] - Burning Questions Series and Church as Family
[54:28] - Iron Sharpens Iron: Embracing Differences
[55:33] - Equipping for Daily Life, Not Just Sundays
[57:11] - Seeking Fresh Revelation, Not Just Tradition
[58:21] - Don’t Base Truth on People—Seek the Spirit
[59:50] - Fast Food Faith vs. Daily Relationship
[61:18] - No Days Off from Being Christ’s Light
[63:01] - The Air Conditioner Analogy: Consistency in Faith
[64:54] - Matthew 5:14-16—You Are the Light
[67:15] - What Light Represents: Presence and Invitation
[70:16] - The Candle Illustration: Sharing the Light
[72:56] - A Town on a Hill: Community Calling
[73:50] - Built on a Hill: Church in Dark Places
[76:59] - Judgment, Conviction, and Loving Engagement
[78:39] - Light Cannot Be Hidden—Living on Display
[80:03] - The Danger of Turning Off the Light
[83:24] - Examining Where We Dim Our Light
[88:17] - Prayer and Blessing for the Church
[90:27] - Closing Announcements and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) — > “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. 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.”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 5:14-16, what does Jesus say about the purpose of our light? What are we supposed to do with it?
According to the sermon, what does the illustration of the extension cord in the music video represent about God’s role in our lives? [[52:18]]
The pastor mentioned that being the light of the world is not just for Sundays or church gatherings. What examples did he give of everyday places where we are called to shine? [[01:01:18]]
What does the pastor say happens when we “turn off our light” or hide it, both for ourselves and for others? [[01:22:13]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus use the image of a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand? What does this say about the visibility and impact of a believer’s life?
The sermon talks about the tension between being holy and living in a world that is not. How does the pastor suggest we handle this tension, and what role does the Holy Spirit play? [[57:52]]
The pastor says that the church’s strength is in its diversity and willingness to wrestle with difficult questions together. How does this approach help us grow as a family set apart for God? [[54:56]]
According to the sermon, what is the danger of basing our convictions only on religious tradition or what a pastor says, instead of seeking the Lord personally? [[58:21]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “You don’t get a day off from being a Christ follower.” What is one area of your life (work, home, neighborhood, etc.) where you find it hardest to let your light shine? What makes it difficult? [[01:02:09]]
Think about a time when you “dimmed” or “turned off” your light out of fear, discomfort, or habit. What was the situation, and what could you do differently next time? [[01:23:24]]
The sermon challenges us to seek personal conviction from the Holy Spirit rather than just following religious norms. What is one area where you need to ask God for fresh revelation or guidance? [[57:11]]
The pastor used the illustration of candles on a birthday cake, saying our lives are meant to ignite others. Who in your life could use some encouragement or light right now? What is one practical way you could reach out to them this week? [[01:10:16]]
The church’s strength is in its diversity and willingness to wrestle with tough questions. Is there a difference or disagreement in your church or small group that you’ve been avoiding? How could you approach it in a way that brings unity and growth? [[54:56]]
The sermon mentioned that when we turn off our light, we not only close ourselves off from others but also from what God wants to do in us. Is there an area of your life where you feel “closed off” to God or others? What step could you take to open up again? [[01:22:13]]
The pastor said our homes, workplaces, and relationships are all platforms for God’s light. What is one specific action you can take this week to be more intentional about shining your light in one of these areas? [[01:01:18]]

Sermon Clips

I think it really does actually display that God is trying to drop something into your lap. He's trying to not just position you. He's not just trying to get you to believe in him, but he's actually trying to give you something. He's trying to help resource you not just for yourself, but also for the world that's on you around you. [00:52:22]

The church needs to be a place not only where we equip the body of Christ, but where we actually can come and sharpen each other. That only happens when we go through moments of conflict and not just look at everybody in the room. Be like, let me appease you. Let me make this easy for you. [00:54:40]

If anything, my heartbeat is this. I long for first assembly to be a healthy church that strives after this statement that we've been pursuing for, for years. Now, we want to be a family that is set apart. The only way that we become a family that is set apart is by going through the refiner's fire together. [00:55:15]

I do love the idea of confronting the normal. I do love the idea of sticking up for biblical truth. I do love the idea, at times, in pointing out the things that might not necessarily be comfortable or the norm. [00:56:34]

The whole idea of me as a pastor, I feel like my calling is this, is not that you would base your biblical truth off me. You hear what I'm saying this morning? While I appreciate the accreditation that you've given me, and the recognition that you've given me, I hope if anything, I am a conduit of the Holy Spirit that is speaking to you. [00:58:10]

If you are not seeking the Lord on it, and praying into it after, then you've just come to like the McDonald's of church, and just longing to get a quick fast food hit. You're just hungry for a little bit, and you know, I'm just going to be gluttonous over this one particular thing. It sounds good, communicates well, makes rational sense, but I'm not going to do what I ought to do, and genuinely seek it out, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring fresh revelation, and communicate it, and verify it. [00:59:38]

If we just singularly point out Halloween, then we've missed the mark. Because you as the Christ follower, we have been called to be the hands, and feet of Christ each and every single day. [01:00:51]

Christ follower, can I level with you this morning? You don't get a day off from being a Christ follower. You do not get a day off from being His hands and feet extended. You do not get a day off from being a conduit of the Spirit of God. You do not get a day off from hearing from Him, unless it's administered by Him, and on His end. You do not get a day off in trying to receive from Him. You do not get a day off. [01:02:06]

I will promise you this. You will be more spiritually fit by taking 5 to 10, 15 minutes, even starting with that, every single day, than you would coming to church for an hour and a half on a Sunday, believe it or not. [01:03:54]

Life with Jesus on the daily needs to be the be-all and the end-all. [01:04:24]

You are placed in a specific spot to be the church. Not to just come to church, but to be the church. When we talk about the light of the world, this applies to your very home. This applies to your workplace. This applies to everything. Every facet of where you are. Not just here on a Sunday morning between 10.30 and just before 12 o'clock, optimistically. [01:06:52]

Light is an indication that there's someone there. When you think about a business or something like that as well, lights on in the interior typically mean, hey, we're open for business. We're open to receive you. When it comes to light from a biblical perspective, it's kind of this. Similar thing. [01:07:48]

We are not the light. We are just a mirror wax candle shaped in mold. Given a purpose to share light. Not be the light but share it. [01:10:19]

Some of the idea of receiving from the Lord actually comes from when we give away what we have in this case when we give the Spirit of God onto someone else and impart Revelation or metanoia onto someone else again, our life becomes corporately brighter. [01:11:44]

Darkness is actually not a thing. You know that darkness is just the absence of light. Sure things can lurk around in the darkness and do different things, but you are not called to be darkness. You're not called to. You're not called to simply embody a presence in a form. You are called to be light, but light only works when it begins to go into dark places and spaces. [01:12:25]

The mandate and the commission here that we're reading in Matthew chapter 5 is not just directed at one person. It's not just directed at the Israelites. It's not just directed at one particular people group. It's directed at a community of people who come under the banner of Jesus Christ. So again, when I speak this word, this is not just to those of you who rebuttal Halloween or in favor of going out trick-or-treating or whatever else like that. This is not the principle. The principle is this, that we as a collective body of Christ are given this mandate to be light. All of us are to be. And when we understand that, collectively, our light will burn brighter. [01:13:05]

He's saying on top of the gates of Hades, this particular scene here, this is where I want my church established. Not in the suburbs, not just about around a bunch of white people who are super loaded. He's like, I want you to go to the deepest, to the darkest places, and this is where I want you to establish my church. I want you to go to where people worship the god of Pan, where they trust him instead of me. I want you to go to the most satanic and dark spaces, and I want you to emit light. [01:15:33]

Church, you are not called to be the judge. He's called to be the judge. And so for those of you in the room who feel super comfortable taking your kids out trick-or-treating, guess what, it's not my place to judge you this morning. Again, my ask is this, that you would seek the Lord above all things. And to the person in the room who is holding the religious hammer and saying, we can't do this, you too need to seek the Lord. Why are you doing this? Are you doing this because of religious norms or because the spirit of God has spoken you through revelation? Guess what, whether you are right or wrong, you have not been given the hammer. To slap down judgment on people. You've been called to love and make sure that people have full revelation of who Jesus Christ is. [01:16:49]

Every moment of every day, you are on display. You are burning bright. [01:18:37]

The only way light can be hidden is by you turning out the light. Are you covering it or something like that? [01:19:12]

I think the very opposite thing that we need to do on Halloween is turn out our lights. I think the very opposite thing that we need to do in the midst of our world on the daily is this is to be hidden. It's contrary to Scripture. You are doing you are undoing the promise of God. God, God is looking at each and every single one of you in the room today. And he's saying guess what? No matter what happens in life. You'll you'll remain lit. No matter what the enemy tries to do. You'll remain lit. No matter what goes on in this world. You'll remain lit. No matter how bad the storm is no matter how bad the wind is. Guess what? You will constantly remain lit and always say to that is Jesus. [01:21:22]

When you turn off the light, you're also telling the Lord. I'm not open for business either. And that is the rebuke. That is the stance of him saying, hey, no, no, no, no, no, no. I'm trying to be with you. And when we turn the light off, we are removing the promise that God has spoken over us. [01:22:11]

I hope you've heard my heart this morning. Again, I will forever be a principle over practice of individual forever. Will be. Because the truth of God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. [01:24:53]

My life is a living sacrifice unto Jesus. He has looked at me and said, Aaron, you are, you are set apart. You are holy, for I am holy. He's saying, Aaron. Wait. I died for you. Would you die for me? He's saying, Aaron, would you set your life apart so that people, no matter where you're at, see the light that's being emitted from you and not look at you, but look at me. [01:25:22]

We need to stop looking at our homes like our homes and more like the extended church. [01:26:21]

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