13.3 We are the light of the world
Earlier we shared that God is life and God is love, but God is also light (1 John 1:5; John 8:12). Since God lives in us, we have light in us (Eph 5:8). Jesus said that you are the light of the world and you are to let your light shine before men.
(Matt 5:14-16)
“YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN…”
The Bible uses several important terms in its instructions pertaining to the great commission. Let us lay down these terms to expound on our calling with greater clarity.
Who do we represent? We are the ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20). It is a high calling as we represent the King of kings and the Lord of lords from the heavenly kingdom.
What is our function? God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Our role is to tell the world that Christ has reconciled them to God (verse 19).
What is our message? We preach the remission of sins (Luke 24:47). God is not imputing their trespasses against them (2 Cor 5:19).
What is the proof that Christ lives? The early disciples were witnesses to the fact that Christ died and rose again on the third day (Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:22). What about us? We can only be effective witnesses if we first experience the resurrected Christ in a living relationship. The Holy Spirit also helps to bear witness through signs and wonders (Heb 2:4).
How do they see the resurrected Christ? They see Christ through our lives. We are an epistle of Christ to be known and read by all men (2 Cor 3:2-3). The Life of Christ displayed in us is the light that shines in this world.
What is the desired outcome? Make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). A disciple is a follower of Christ. We want to help people to receive salvation and to walk with Christ in the newness of life.
What is the follow up action? We are to teach the new disciples to follow everything that Christ has taught us through the Word. This will help to establish their faith in Christ (Matt 28:20).
(Matt 5:14-16)
“YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN…”
The Bible uses several important terms in its instructions pertaining to the great commission. Let us lay down these terms to expound on our calling with greater clarity.
Who do we represent? We are the ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:20). It is a high calling as we represent the King of kings and the Lord of lords from the heavenly kingdom.
What is our function? God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18). Our role is to tell the world that Christ has reconciled them to God (verse 19).
What is our message? We preach the remission of sins (Luke 24:47). God is not imputing their trespasses against them (2 Cor 5:19).
What is the proof that Christ lives? The early disciples were witnesses to the fact that Christ died and rose again on the third day (Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:22). What about us? We can only be effective witnesses if we first experience the resurrected Christ in a living relationship. The Holy Spirit also helps to bear witness through signs and wonders (Heb 2:4).
How do they see the resurrected Christ? They see Christ through our lives. We are an epistle of Christ to be known and read by all men (2 Cor 3:2-3). The Life of Christ displayed in us is the light that shines in this world.
What is the desired outcome? Make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). A disciple is a follower of Christ. We want to help people to receive salvation and to walk with Christ in the newness of life.
What is the follow up action? We are to teach the new disciples to follow everything that Christ has taught us through the Word. This will help to establish their faith in Christ (Matt 28:20).
posted by Joshua Lye @ 11:23 PM
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