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"Letting the Light Shine"
Matthew 5:14-16

Wednesday AM Bible Study
July 6, 2005

We live during a time when we are told that 'religion should be kept private and personal'. And perhaps 'religion' should. But the primary dynamic of our lives isn't a 'religion'. It's a 'relationship'. Here, we're commanded by the One with whom we enjoy that relationship to 'go public' with it.

I. WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (v. 14a).
A. The primary light is Jesus Himself (John 1:4-5).

B. This light transforms us (John 3:19-21).

C. Now, we bear this light to the world (1 John 1:5-6).

1. We reveal truth.

2. We expose sin.

3. We show the way.

D. There is no other light of the world than us.

II. THE LIGHT IS MEANT TO SHINE (vv. 14b-15).

A. There may be motivations for why someone might hide a light:
1. It offends.

2. It irritates.

3. It exposes.

B. But it's not meant to be hidden but to shine.

1. This light cannot be hidden - so don't bother trying.

2. It isn't meant to be hidden - but to shine on all.

C. This is important to note, because we aren't simply invited to be light if we would like to be; but are told that we already are light. The Son of God declares that we are to shine.

III. THEREFORE, LET IT SHINE (v. 16).

A. We are told to do the very opposite of what this culture tells us to do with 'religion'. We are to let this relationship we are in become obvious to all.

B. We don't "make" it shine. We simply "let" it shine.

C. It is so that men may see our good works done in this relationship, and glorify our Father.

* * * * * * * * * *

How? See Philippians 2:12-16

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