SEMESTER 5
267 – The Light of the World
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 67
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD)
Read: Mat. 5:14-16
, Mark 4:21, Luke 8:16, 11:33
INTRODUCTION:
1. Again, notice that this metaphor was used at least three different times and places.
2. He uses, for a metaphor, a candle, a very common household item, to make his point.
3. He uses the purpose and function of a candle to show God’s purpose in these people.
4. Let us seek to learn what He offered to these simple people.
I. THE IDENTITY OF THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
1. The phrase “light of the world” is used three times in Scripture. (The other two times of Himself.)
2. Here He says, “Ye are.” Again, He speaks to and of the people of the context.
3. They were the true disciples among the apparent ones before Him.
4. Therefore, this relates to us as much as it did to them.
5. The logical conclusion from Joh. 9:5, is that we are now the light as He was the light.
6. We are reflected light replacing and expanding the ministry of “that true light.” (Joh. 1:9)
II. THE TEACHING OF DIVINE PURPOSE IN LIGHTING A CANDLE
1. This is taught in the metaphor, “Men do not light a candle …”
2. The teaching of divine purpose is as follows:
i. God has lighted us as a candle.
ii. Not in the sense of John 1:9. Note Joh. 3:19.
iii. It is rather in the sense of II Corinthians 4:6.
iv. This is for the purpose seen in Ephesians 2:10.
III: The modern teaching that God only saved us to keep us out of hell is at enmity with this passage.
III. THE DISCIPLE’S RESPONSIBILITY (LET YOUR LIGHTS …)
1. Lights which have a power source do not need to be made to shine, but permitted to shine
III: By a lighting system wired without any switches.
2. Christ is the source, and we are responsible not to turn off, or cover the light.
3. Positively, we do this by keeping Christ in view:
i. “Saved” people they knew who fell.
ii. The example of Adam and angels.
iii. The example of the nation of Israel.
iv. The example of Moses. (Deut. 32:48-52)
v. King Saul. (I Sam. 10:9)
vi. David. (Psa. 51:11-12)
4. Negatively, by not shadowing, or covering the light.
III: Nothing between my soul and the Savior.
5. Every one of us should seek to constantly and increasingly reflect Christ.
IV. THE RIGHT OBJECT OF GLORY FOR THIS LIGHT
1. We live in a day, as they did, when men seek to obtain self-glorification.
III: By John, Apollos, James and John, the Pharisees, and the “Big Names” of our day.
2. How may we know if we are obeying Christ, or following this evil pattern?
3. When men see our “good works,” do they brag on us or glorify God?
III: Which do you really want?
4. Let us be dedicated to letting our lights shine.