Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus!
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) You are the light
of the world... let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) You are the light of
the world let your good deeds shine out for
all to see, so that everyone will praise your
heavenly Father.
COMMENTARY PEARL
A Walking Lightbulb
The religious leaders thought they had
eliminated the problem when they crucified Jesus. But
now His disciples were preaching and performing
miracles. It was as though Jesus had returned. And so
He had - in the hearts and lives of His
people.
This reminds us that one of the best
arguments for the Christian faith is a transformed
life. New believers are the best advertising God
could have because their lifestyles change, their
attitudes change, and even their countenances change.
The greatest biography of Jesus is written in
the words and actions of His people. Your godly
lifestyle is a testimony, just as if you were a
walking miracle, like the lame man whom Peter and
John healed.
Jesus told us we are to be the light of
the world and the salt of the earth. There is a
place to let our lights shine and proclaim the
truth of God. And there is a place for us to be
salt.
Even if you don't tell people you are a
Christian, they will sense something different about
you, and they will watch you. As a representative
of Christ, you're like a walking lightbulb.
If you are being the kind of follower of
Jesus that God wants you to be, if you are being a
"salty" Christian, then your lifestyle will
stimulate a thirst for God in others. The greatest
compliment is when someone wants to know more, when he
or she approaches you and says, "What is it
about you?' That is your opportunity to ... turn
on the light.
One paraphrase of Scripture puts it this
way: "Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at
attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be
ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why
you're living the way you are, and always with the
utmost courtesy" (1 Peter 3:15, MSG). [Every Day
with Jesus by Greg Laurie]
CLOSING PEARLS
No other light ever has shone or ever
will shine upon fallen man save that which
emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour, is the only
light that can illuminate the darkness of a world
lying in sin. Of Christ it is written, "In Him was
life; and the life was the light of men." John
1:4. It was by receiving of His life that His
disciples could become light bearers. The life of
Christ in the soul, His love revealed in the
character, would make them the light of the world.
Humanity has in itself no light. Apart
from Christ we are like an unkindled taper, like
the moon when her face is turned away from the
sun; we have not a single ray of brightness to
shed into the darkness of the world. But when we
turn toward the Sun of Righteousness, when we
come in touch with Christ, the whole soul is
aglow with the brightness of the divine presence.
MB39,40
Let Christ shine in your life. Develop a
relationship with Jesus that will cause Him to be
revielded in your life and deeds. Christ does not bid
His followers strive to shine. He says, Let your
light shine. If you have received the grace of
God, the light is in you. Remove the
obstructions, and the Lord's glory will be revealed.
COL420
As your relationship with Jesus grows your
life will reflect more and more His glory.
Wherever there is union with Christ there is love.
Whatever other fruits we may bear, if love be
missing, they profit nothing. Love to God and our
neighbor is the very essence of our religion. No one
can love Christ and not love His children. When
we are united to Christ, we have the mind of
Christ. Purity and love shine forth in the
character, meekness and truth control the life. The
very expression of the countenance is changed.
Christ abiding in the soul exerts a transforming
power, and the outward aspect bears witness to the
peace and joy that reign within If we are
connected with the Light, we shall be channels of
light, and in our words and works we shall reflect
light to the world. 1SM337
He who draws nigh to Christ need not try to
shine. As he beholds the Saviour, he catches the
divine rays of light from the Sun of Righteousness,
and he cannot help shining. The light that is in
him shines forth in clear, bright rays, in words
and works of righteousness. Christs grace
dwells in him richly, and heavens light shines
through him. UP322
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210130-1057.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
