Primary Text:
“14 You are the light of the world. A city set on an hill cannot be hidden. 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14–16
We live in a world today that often feels darker by the day.
There is moral confusion, anger, division, hopelessness, fear.
And there is sin being celebrated and righteousness being mocked. In times like these, Christians sometimes ask:
“What can I do?” “How can one faithful person make any difference?” or “How can I stand for truth without being swallowed up by the darkness around me?”
Jesus answers that question plainly: “Ye are the light of the world.”
Not you might be.
Not you should consider being.
Not only preachers are.
Not only elders are.
If you belong to Christ — you are called to be light.
The world does not need the church to blend in. The world needs the church to shine.
This morning, I want us to consider this truth:
God did not place us in a dark world so we could complain about the darkness. He placed us here so we could shine in it.
I. Jesus Said We ARE the Light of the World
Notice Jesus doesn’t merely say we HAVE light. He says we ARE light. That means Christianity was never meant to be a private, hidden, silent religion. It is not something we keep tucked away for Sunday morning only, or display only around other Christians. And it isn’t something we practice only when convenient. A Christian is supposed to be visibly different.
Different in speech
Different in conduct
Different in priorities
Different in morality
Different in kindness
Different in faithfulness
Different in courage
“14 Do all things without grumbling or disputings, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Philippians 2:14–15
In the secular world when you work for a company and you go out with friends and do something stupid, maybe get drunk and crash a car into a store, or anything else that makes you look like someone who has low standards, there’s a good chance you can be reprimanded by your company or worse – fired! Even though you were off company property and off of work and it was the weekend. You see, companies don’t want people working for them that can put them in a bad light. Your actions can and do reflect back on your employer. In the very same way the light a Christian shines or doesn’t shine reflects back on the church. We’re not Christians only when we are here together at the building – we are Christians 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (plus one on leap years). We must be sure and safeguard our “light” so that it shines always and for the rest of our lives!
Paul says there in that verse we just read that we are living “in the midst of a crooked and twisted nation.” Some versions say “crooked and perverse,” which sounds much more serious and sinister.
But it sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Notice though — the answer is not panic. The answer is not despair, or bitterness. The answer is to: “shine as lights in the world.”
But how do we apply that in our lives? You may not be able to fix everything wrong in society… But there are things you can be doing:
a godly husband, a faithful wife, an honest worker, a pure young person, a gracious neighbor, a kind widow, a courageous Christian.
And when you do these things, you shine.
Allow me to illustrate with a simple story:
A man once walked through a dark village carrying a small lantern. It wasn’t very bright—just a simple, flickering flame—but it was enough to light the path a few steps ahead of him. As he walked, others who were stumbling in the darkness began to follow his light. One by one, they gathered behind him—not because the lantern lit the whole village, but because it showed them where to place their next step.
Eventually, someone asked him, “Why do you bother carrying such a small light? It doesn’t seem like much.”
The man smiled and replied, “This light may not reach to the end of the road, but it’s enough to help someone not fall—and sometimes, that’s all the light they need.”
And as they continued walking, others began lighting their own lanterns from his flame. Before long, what started as one small light became many, and the darkness no longer felt so overwhelming.
II. Light Is Meant to Be Seen
“15 Nor do people light a lamp, and put it under a basket, but on a stand”
Matthew 5:15
You see, a light which is hidden is light which is wasted.
A lamp under a basket doesn’t help anyone worth a hill of beans. And yet many Christians do exactly that. We hide our light:
• because we fear rejection,
• because we don’t want to seem “different,”
• because we don’t want conflict,
• because we want the approval of men more than the approval of God.
“42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it (Him), So that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory (praise)that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
John 12:42–43
That is still a danger today. There are Christians who will:
• talk about sports loudly,
• talk about politics even more loudly,
• talk about hobbies constantly,
…but they will say almost nothing about Christ.
There are Christians who will:
• wear the world’s values comfortably,
• laugh along with the world’s at it’s filth,
• tolerate the world’s compromises,
…but hesitate to let anyone know they belong to Jesus.
Brethren, light is not supposed to negotiate with darkness. It is supposed to expose it.
“8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
Ephesians 5:8–11
That does not mean being rude, or being self-righteous.
It does not mean being harsh for the sake of harshness.
But it does mean:
we cannot hide the truth, we can’t blend into sin, and we can’t pretend darkness is harmless.
A lighthouse does not run out into the ocean chasing ships. It simply stands where it was built and shines. Storms may rage, fog may roll in, waves may crash. But the lighthouse does not change its message. It just keeps shining.
Christians, that is our job. We don’t have to be flashy. We don’t have to be famous. We don’t have to be loud all the time. But you do have to stand where God put you and shine faithfully.
III. Our Light Comes From Christ, Not Ourselves
It is important to understand this:
• We are not light because we are naturally good.
• We are not light because we are morally superior.
• We are not light because we are smarter than the world.
• We are light because we reflect the One who is Light.
“12a Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world…”
John 8:12a
Jesus is the source. Without Christ:
we are not shining, or holy, or righteous, and we are absolutely not saved without Christ.
“6a For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts…”
2 Corinthians 4:6
God placed His light in us through the gospel.
That means the brighter our relationship with Christ, the brighter our witness, our light, becomes.
If we are spiritually weak…then our light grows dim.
Or if we neglect prayer or the Word of God…our light grows dim.
If we tolerate secret sin and we become worldly or like the world…our light grows dim.
Here is an important Truth:
The world does not need to see how impressive you are. The world needs to see how real Christ is in you.
That’s why Jesus said:
“16b…that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
You see, the goal is not:
“Look at me.” Or “Admire me.” Or “Praise me.”
The goal is:
“Look at what God can do.”
“Look at the difference Christ makes.”
“Look at the beauty of holiness.”
“Look at the mercy and truth of God.”
IV. Light Shines Through Good Works
“16 …let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”
Matthew 5:16
Here we see Jesus specifically tying our Christian light to good works. So we can see that a Christian’s influence is not just what he says. It is also what he does.
We need to keep in mind that the world listens longer to a sermon that they can SEE than they do to one they merely hear.
Now, we know we are not saved by works.
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith… 9 not (as) a result of works…”
Ephesians 2:8–9
But we are absolutely created to do good works as we see in the very next verse (10)
“10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
Ephesians 2:10
So how does a Christian shine his or her light? Well, sometimes by just simply speaking truth and sometimes by standing firmly against sin. But often we shine our light to the world by our simple ordinary and consistent, godly living.
You shine when you:
• Keep your word
• Tell the truth when lying would be easier
• Refuse to gossip and also to refuse to hear and listen to gossip
• When we forgive others when they do wrong to us
• Or when we show kindness to someone who is difficult to deal with
• Remain pure in an impure culture and stay faithful in marriage
• Raise children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,
• Visit the sick and encourage the weak
• Help the needy, worship faithfully, repent quickly, apologize humbly, and serve quietly.
Many Christians underestimate how powerful simple faithfulness is.
A single candle in broad daylight may seem insignificant.
But let the power go out at midnight and suddenly that little flame becomes precious.
We may think “I’m just one member,” “I’m not a preacher,”
“I’m not a teacher,” or “I’m not especially talented.”
But remember this… even in a dark world, if there is but a small faithful light – that small light matters.
V. Darkness Is Not Overcome By Complaining About It
This may be one of the most practical lessons for us. It is easy to complain about the world. We say things like “Look how bad things are” or “Look how immoral society is and how people act now” or “Look how far the culture has fallen.”
And some of that may very well be true. But darkness has never been defeated by discussion alone. Darkness is defeated when somebody turns on a light.
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Romans 13:12
If we want more light in the world, then the first place to start is not Washington…not Hollywood…not the school board…and not social media…
The first place to start is with me. With you. Is my home full of light? Is my speech, my attitude, my entertainment full of light? When we let our children go to secular events like sports and shows on Sunday morning, instead of making sure they are in a pew – not only is their light not shining, but ours is not shining – because children… young people – even us adults, we reflect back onto our parents – and the world sees THAT! And that light they have, or had if they are no longer with us, is greatly dimmed.
Is my internet life full of light? How about our thoughts? Are the things we think about in life full of light? Is my worship full of light?
Is my example full of light?
VI. Sometimes Light Costs You Something
Let’s be honest: shining is not always easy. If you shine in darkness, darkness will take notice. If you stand for truth there will be some who will mock you, some will misunderstand you, chances are good that some will exclude you while still others will resent you.
But Jesus already told us that would happen didn’t he.
“19 And this is the judgement: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light… 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light…”
John 3:19–20
Some people do not hate the light because it is wrong. They hate the light because it reveals what they do not want exposed.
So, if you live your life in a godly way and it makes some people uncomfortable, don’t be surprised.
If your refusal to laugh at filth makes someone uneasy, do not be surprised. Or if your moral boundaries seem strange to others, do not be surprised.
“4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery…”
1 Peter 4:4
Faithfulness has always looked strange to a corrupt culture. But better to be strange to the world than ashamed before Christ.
VII. The Greatest Light We Can Shine Is the Gospel
Good works matter. A godly example matters. Moral courage matters. But the brightest light we can offer is still the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A clean life without the gospel is not enough. Kindness without truth or morality without Christ is not enough.
People do not just need inspiration. They need salvation.
“4 …the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers…”
2 Corinthians 4:4
The gospel opens blinded eyes.
“16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
Romans 1:16
So yes:
let them see your honesty, your purity, your kindness, your patience… but also let them hear:
that Christ died, He was buried, He rose again, and that sinners must respond in obedient faith.
We must never let “being nice” replace “preaching the truth.”
VIII. How Do We Shine Practically This Week?
Let’s make this sermon very practical.
Here are five ways every Christian in this room can shine this week:
1. Guard Your Speech
Before you speak, ask: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Does it sound like Jesus has changed me? Would you say it or repeat it right now if Jesus Christ was standing here in the flesh? Because you know He is standing here in spirit.
2. Be faithful in small places, not just in the church building.
Shine at: home, work, school, the store, the restaurant, the doctor’s office, and most definitely when we are online.
3. Refuse hidden sin. A dim soul cannot be a bright witness.
If there is secret impurity, bitterness, dishonesty, envy, pride, hypocrisy, then work to rid yourself of those things. Sometimes you can make a decision and change instantly for the good, other things can take time, just be diligent about changing to make sure your light shines bright.
4. Do one intentional good work. Encourage and visit someone. Help someone. Call and pray with someone. And always seek to serve someone, especially those who might not be as well off in something as you are.
5. Speak one word for Christ by inviting someone.
Mention a scripture during a conversation. If someone you know or are talking to offer up a prayer right there with them. My best friend Eddie who lives in Florida is a great example of this, as is his son Matt. If someone is having a problem or a difficult time with something, they will stop right then and there, no matter where they’re at and pray with them. I know this for a fact because Eddie has done it with me many times during the hard times.
Always seek to share the gospel with both the lost and the saved. It feels so good to share your thoughts on Bible subjects with a brother or sister in Christ because you will be uplifted and encouraged as will they.
The idea is to plant just one seed. You don’t have to convert the whole town this week. But you can shine right where you stand.
Jesus said:
“16 …let your light shine before others…”
Matthew 5:16
That means your light can be hidden… or your light can be seen. The question right now is not: “Is the world dark?” because we already know it is. The question is: “Am I shining?” In my home?
in my words? In my entertainment, my conduct, my convictions? In my compassion and in my influence?
Because someday, when this life is over, we will not answer for how dark the world was. We will answer for whether we shined in it.
A little boy once sat in a house during a terrible thunderstorm. The lights went out. The whole house went dark. He became afraid and cried out for his mother. From the next room, his mother said,
“Son, don’t be afraid. God is with you in the dark.” And the little boy answered, “I know God is with me… but right now I need somebody with skin on.” Brethren, that is exactly what the world is saying. They may not say it out loud, but they are saying: “I need to see what faith looks like. What truth, grace, holiness looks like.” “I need to see what hope looks like.”
And God says: “That’s why I put My people there.” You are the light of the world. So shine.
If you are not a Christian, then you are still in darkness apart from Christ. But Jesus is the Light of the world. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He made a way for you to come out of darkness and into life.
Take the cover off of your light by becoming a Christian and let the world see the light in you shine!
The New Testament teaches us that one must:
• Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17)
• Believe in Christ (John 8:24)
• Repent of sin (Luke 13:3)
• Confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10)
• Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16)
• Rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–4)
• And continue on in living a Christian life – letting your light shine.
And if you are a Christian but your light has grown dim… if compromise, fear, worldliness, or sin has covered your lamp… then now is the time to uncover it. Repent. Return to Jesus. Be restored. Because this world is too dark…and the church is too needed… …for God’s people to stop shining.
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