The Light

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Darkness serves a purpose. In the beginning, God created the light and separated it from darkness. God called the light day and the darkness night. The darkness of the night allows for sleep so that our bodies can rest. This rest enables us to work while it is light.

B.        There are times when darkness is dangerous.

1.         Trying to walk along a path through the woods at night can be dangerous.

2.         Going through parts of town can be dangerous during the darkness.

C.        Most of the time when we think about light and darkness, we think about literal illumination (or lighting) or the absence of that illumination. However, there are times when darkness and light can apply to intellectual understanding. Such as obtaining knowledge or being without knowledge on a certain subject.

1.         I would be in the “dark” about how to fly an air plane. However, I am “enlightened” about driving a car.

2.         I would be in the “dark” about mixing certain types of medication in a why that would heal someone. However, I am “enlightened” about how to mix spices in certain foods.

D.        Now, the most dangerous area to be without light pertains to the state of one’s soul. There is a Light that can show men the path to an eternal abode in heaven. However, without that Light, the lost traveler will spend eternity in eternal condemnation.

E.        With this lesson, we will examine this all important “Light.”

I.         JESUS THE LIGHT.

            A.        Light to the Gentiles. (Luke 2:28-32)

            B.        In Jesus was life and that life was the Light of men. (John 1:4, 5, 7-9)

            C.        Jesus, the Light, came into the world, but not everyone received Him. (John 3:19-21)

            D.        Jesus, the Light, came for the world to believe. (John 12:35-36, 44-46)

II.       PEOPLE ARE TO BE ENLIGHTENED TO THE TRUTH.

            A.        The apostles were to be lights to the world. (Acts 13:47-48)

            B.        When people learn the Truth, they are enlightened. (Hebrews 6:4; Hebrews 10:32)

            C.        We can enlighten the world by letting our light shine. (Matthew 5:14-16)

                        1.         When we live righteously, we shine as lights. (Luke 11:33-36)

                        2.         We are to shine in the midst of crooked and perverse people. (Philippians 2:14-16)

            D.        The Light will lead people out of darkness.

                        1.         Jesus, the Light of the world, will lead men out of darkness. (John 8:12; 9:5)

                        2.         Jesus sent Paul to turn people from darkness to Light. (Acts 26:17-18)

                        3.         Tragically, not everyone will follow the Light of God’s word. (2 Corinthians 4:3-7)

III.      THE LIGHT CAN CHANGE LIVES.

            A.        Jesus called us out of darkness into light. (1 Peter 2:9)

            B.        Christians are children of the light. (1 Thessalonians 5:5)

            C.        Christians are to walk as children of Light. (Ephesians 5:8-14)

            D.        We are to put on our armor of light. (Romans 13:11-14)

            E.        Light has no communion (fellowship, association, joint participation) with darkness. (2 Corinthians 6:14)

            F.        Walk in the light. (1 John 1:5-7)

CONCLUSION.

A.        If you are not a Christian, then you are currently walking in darkness. Follow Jesus Christ, the Light, and let Him show you the path to eternity in heaven.

B.        If you are a Christian, but you have strayed from the path to heaven and are walking in darkness, then look again to the Light of Jesus Christ and repent of your sins, following again the Light to an eternal home in heaven.

The Light - April 25, 2004 - File # 923

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK