LIGHT IT UP | THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 NLT Premise As a child of God and follower of Jesus Christ part of our identity is light. God made it this way so that you could/can be a response to darkness. The size of darkness has never mattered when the smallest of light shines. Point 1: You Are the Light of the World Supporting Scripture: • John 1:4-5 — “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” • Ephesians 5:8 — “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Point 2: A City on a Hill Cannot Be Hidden Supporting Scripture: • Philippians 2:15 — “So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” • 1 Peter 2:9 — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” Point 3: A Lamp Is Meant to Be on a Stand Supporting Scripture: • Matthew 5:15 — “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.” • Luke 11:33 — “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” Point 4: Let Your Good Deeds Shine Supporting Scripture: • Titus 2:7 — “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness…”• James 2:26 — “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” Point 5: The Ultimate Goal – Glorifying God Supporting Scripture: • 1 Peter 2:12 — “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” • Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”