Today Pastor B (Blaine) preached about how the church is the “light of the world.” As such, the local church should have certain characteristics. We are obligated to be salt and light in the world, where unbelievers are. What this looks like might differ from situation to situation, but the point is to engage our world, our culture with our very lives. With this in mind, let’s turn our attention to Matthew 5.

1. You Are the Light of the World (Matt 5:14) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

1. What exactly does Jesus call his disciples? You are the light of the world. He doesn’t say, You are the light to the world. Is there a difference? The difference is one of being and not just doing. Jesus’ disciples are distinct from the world, that is, all who are not Jesus’ disciples. Obviously, this includes what one does, but that is secondary to who they are.
2. What metaphor does Jesus use to describe his disciples in verse 14? Take a moment and list some of the characteristics of light. How might this apply to what Christians are to be?
3. What value is light that is placed on a stand?

2. How the Light Should Be Used (Matt 5:15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it give s light to all in the house.

1. What does this verse have to do with being the “light of the world?”
2. Discuss some ways you might hide the lamp and some ways you might light the whole house with the lamp. Think of specific examples.
3. The Purpose of the Light (Matt 5:16) 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.

1. What kind of things could you do to shine as lights before others?
2. What is the ultimate purpose for shining as lights before others?
3. What are some secondary byproducts that might happen when the ultimate purpose is fulfilled? In other words, what are some things that give God glory?
4. Does this change how you think about doing good deeds? If so, how?

4. An Example to Follow (John 1:4–5; 8:12ff) In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (8:12).

1. How is the Word (Jesus) described in 1:4–5?
2. How does Jesus describe himself in 8:12?
3. In both 1:4 and 8:12 the kind of light Jesus is one that produces life in people. Based on this, is there a different from how Christians are “light of the world” and how Jesus is “the light of the world?” Jesus as light of the world means: (1) he is distinct from all people (believers and unbelievers); (2) he brings life, in John’s Gospel this is eternal life. Our light is a derived light. We are a reflection of the true light of the world.

Application
Pastor Blaine mentioned several ways we can practically be the “light of the world”: