Main Thought
Have you ever found yourself in a very dark environment? Maybe it was a room without access to light, a cave, or even somewhere outside with the moon and stars obscured somehow. When we find ourselves in darkness, we become desperate for light. The world we live in is in a state of deep, spiritual darkness. Jesus has called us to be the light that it needs! We’re meant to reveal and reflect the light of God. It’s a part of our nature as believers. God’s light fills us with life, hope truth, and more; at the same time, we can reveal the truth of God to others.
The good things we do, and the way we conduct ourselves, can help people see God. But God can even use us in spite of our flaws. We might be intimidated to share the good news about Jesus because we don’t want to be seen as “hypocrites,” people who fail to practice what we preach. We can’t let that fear stop us. Instead, we can change our practices over time and be careful to preach the right message. Becoming more like Jesus actually creates opportunities for people to see Him through us over time. Keeping Jesus the focal point of our message, as opposed to focusing on issues of behavior or morality, can minimize distractions in the midst of our efforts to share the gospel. The world is waiting for God’s people to bring light into darkness - and God can use all of us to help others see Jesus a little more clearly.
Main Passages
' “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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, ESV
'For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, '
- 1 Corinthians 2:2-4, ESV
'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ '
- Acts 26:18, ESV
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Main Passages above?
Do you feel that your life, conduct, and/or actions reveal “good works” that could cause people to be open to learning about God? Why or why not?
How might you be able to bring God’s light to people around you that need Him? Pray for open doors and opportunities to do that.