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    Light Sermon

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    Light Sermon

    Uploaded by

    jjoe610361
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    Descriptive, topical, expository

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    Descriptive, topical, expository

    Copyright:

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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    6 views4 pages

    Light Sermon

    Uploaded by

    jjoe610361
    Descriptive, topical, expository

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 4

    SERMON TITLE: "THE ROLE OF LIGHT"

    By: Thangsuanlian
    (M.Div III)

    INTRODUCTION

    According to the Oxford English Dictionary, light is “the natural agent that
    stimulates sight and makes things visible.” Merriam-Webster adds that light is not just
    physical but can also represent “spiritual illumination; enlightenment.” In both cases, light is
    something that enables vision, clarity, and understanding. This physical concept becomes a
    powerful metaphor in religious and philosophical contexts.

    Light in World Religions:

     In Christianity, light is a symbol of truth, purity, and God's presence. Jesus called
    Himself the "light of the world" (John 8:12), which signifies that He reveals spiritual
    truth and dispels the darkness of sin. As we’ll see in our text, Jesus also commands
    His followers to be light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
     In Hinduism, light symbolizes knowledge and consciousness, and the Festival of
    Lights, Diwali, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and knowledge over
    ignorance.
     In Buddhism, light represents enlightenment, wisdom, and the overcoming of
    ignorance. When candles are lit in Buddhist ceremonies, they signify the illumination
    of truth and insight.
     In Islam, light, or nur, is a metaphor for divine guidance. The Quran refers to Allah
    as "the Light of the heavens and the earth" (Surah 24:35), and light here represents the
    clarity and direction that God offers His people.
     In Judaism, light is symbolic of God's presence and the guidance of the Torah. The
    Menorah represents the spreading of divine light throughout the world, while Psalm
    119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," indicating
    God's guiding role.
     Taoism understands light as part of the duality of yin and yang, where light
    symbolizes life, energy, and positivity. It represents the balance of forces in the
    universe, guiding life into harmony.

    Even outside of religious contexts, Plato uses the metaphor of light in his famous
    Allegory of the Cave, where moving from darkness to light represents the journey toward
    truth and understanding. Confucianism similarly uses light as a metaphor for moral virtue
    and wisdom, with the righteous shining light on the ethical way of life.

    With this background in mind, we now turn to the Christian perspective. Jesus, in His
    famous Sermon on the Mount, declares to His followers that they are the "light of the world."

    1
    What does that mean for us? Today, we’ll explore Matthew 5:14-16 and consider the calling,
    Jesus places on us as seminarians and future church leaders to be light in the world.

    I. Observation

    Let’s read Matthew 5:14-16 together:

    "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."

    In these verses, several key details emerge. Notice the repeated words: light (Greek:
    phōs), which appears multiple times, and shine (Greek: lampsatō). This repetition
    emphasizes the central role of light in Jesus’ message.

    Jesus uses two powerful images: a "city on a hill" and a "lamp on a stand." These
    images suggest visibility, influence, and the natural function of light to shine. In the same
    way, our role as Christians is to be visibly influential in a world often shrouded in darkness.

    II. INTERPRETATION

    Context and Historical Background:

    The passage comes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which follows the Beatitudes.
    The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) describe the attitudes and values of Kingdom citizens—
    those who are poor in spirit, meek, and merciful. After describing these virtues, Jesus moves
    on to explain the role that His followers will play in the world. They are not just to live
    privately as disciples but to shine visibly for all to see.

    Historical Setting:

    Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily to a Jewish-Christian audience, likely in the


    late first century. This audience would have understood light as a symbol of God’s presence
    and the Torah's wisdom. For example, Isaiah 49:6 says, "I will make you a light for the
    nations," a prophecy that God’s people would carry His truth to all the world. Now, Jesus
    takes this Old Testament imagery and applies it to His followers, calling them to live in a way
    that reflects God’s truth and love.

    Key Terms:

     Phōs (Greek for light) is not just physical light but metaphorically refers to spiritual
    illumination and moral purity. It reflects God’s nature, which is why Jesus says He is
    the light of the world (John 8:12).

    2
     Kosmos (Greek for world) refers to the human world, the people living in darkness
    without the truth of God. Jesus commissions His followers to shine God’s light into
    this kosmos.

    Jesus teaches that His followers are to be a city on a hill—visible and unmistakable.
    Just as cities in ancient times were built on elevated ground for defense and prominence, we,
    as seminarians and future leaders, must stand as visible examples of truth, not hidden but
    seen clearly.

    Connection to God’s Story:

    From the Old Testament, God called Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). This role
    now extends to all believers in Christ. Our role in God’s story is to reflect the light of Christ
    to a dark world, living out our calling with integrity and visibility.

    III. UNIFICATION

    The central theme of this passage is the visibility and influence of believers as light in
    the world. Jesus' call to be the light of the world is not just for personal benefit but for the
    transformation of society. Our lives should reflect the Gospel, leading others toward the truth
    of Christ. As seminarians, you are preparing to be these beacons of light in a dark world,
    impacting both your personal spheres and the collective Church.

    IV. DIVISION

    1. The Impact of Light (v. 14a)

     Light overcomes darkness, symbolizing the Christian’s role in dispelling ignorance


    and sin.
     Light brightens dullness, meaning that the Gospel should bring life, color, and
    meaning to the world.
     Light revives lifelessness, bringing hope and spiritual renewal.
     Light transforms gloom, lifting people out of despair with the joy of Christ.

    2. The Presence of Light (v. 14b-15)

     Collective Light: The Church is the city on a hill, a visible community reflecting
    Christ.
     Individual Light: Each seminarian is like a lamp on a stand, influencing others
    through personal integrity and witness.

    3. The Purpose of Light (v. 16)

     Witness to the Lost: As others see your good deeds, they are drawn to the truth of the
    Gospel.

    3
     Witness to the Lord: Ultimately, our good works are not for our glory but for God’s,
    that He may be praised.

    V. APPLICATION

    As seminarians, this passage calls for:

     Self-Examination: Reflect on how you shine the light of Christ in your daily life.
     Active Influence: Look for opportunities to be a positive, transformative presence in
    the lives of others.
     Community Engagement: Engage in ministry and service within the seminary and
    beyond, reflecting the collective light of Christ.

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, we are all called to be the light of the world. This light is not hidden
    but shines brightly for others to see. As future church leaders, this role carries great
    responsibility, for we are to reflect the truth, grace, and love of God to a world in need of His
    light. Let us take seriously the call to be visible, transformative, and glorifying to God in all
    that we do. Amen.

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