Light of the World

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

• To look at how Jesus called his disciples the Light of the World. We will discuss what that exactly means, and how we walk as the light of the world today.

Set the scene

• This week we will be continuing in our series Community “Art of Neighboring”

• Last week Scott taught on the parable of the Good Samaritan
• The big takeaway from last week is we need to ask ourselves this question
• What Neighbor am I?
• This week I want to start with a question
• “Who is the Light of the World?”

Body

1. Read John 1:1-5 NIV
2. John starts his Gospel by answering this question.
3. Jesus is the light of the world.
4. He is a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness CANNOT overcome Him!
5. Light shines brightest in the darkness.
6. But wait, Jesus answers this question again in His sermon on the mount. Let’s see what He has to say.
7. Read Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
8. While Jesus is teaching His disciples He makes this statement, “YOU are the light of the world”.
9. This is one of the very first teachings we see Jesus teaching His disciples. That’s crazy! These dudes were so unpolished, yet Jesus calls them the light of the world.
10. Yes Jesus is the light of the world, but we are called to FOLLOW Jesus which means we should emulate Him making us also the light of the world.
11. Think of an athlete. You represent the name on the jersey
12. We are ambassadors of Christ
13. So what does that mean?
14. Town on a Hill.
15. The type of city Jesus was most likely referring to here is a tell city.
16. SHOW IMAGE OF TEL
17.  "Tel" refers to an ancient mound built up by layers of successive occupation and destruction of cities over time
18. When a new country or people group would win a city in battle, the city was usually destroyed in the process. These cities would have been built there due to optimal conditions, so rather than leave the rubble and build a city somewhere else, they would just build a new city over the rubble.
19. Tell an image of wandering down a sketchy area. How do you feel?
20. Afraid
21. Anxious
22. Sense of unease or danger
23. Now think of how you feel when you see the “light” at the end of the area. (think of a secure store)
24. You probably feel - security, peace, no more fear, pick up the pace a little bit, and most of all HOPE.
25. This is what Jesus is telling his disciples. We are called to be a place of 
26. Security
27. Peace
28. And most importantly hope in a hopeless world.
29. So what does this look like practically?
30. Read Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV
31. We are the light of the world IN CHRIST
32. It all starts with our relationship with Christ.
33. As we spend time with Him (prayer, worship, reading, community, etc..) we start to look more and more like Him.
34. Example of being adopted.
35. You may be in the family of Christ, but as you spend more time in His family you start to understand the culture of the family.
36. Think of the disciples, the “light” in them started to shine more and more as they spent time with the Lord.
37. Read Philippians 2:14-16 NIV
38. Do everything joyfully
39. Imagine doing this at your work place. (not grumbling or arguing). This would shock most coworkers.
40. Be a “light unto your workplace” 
41. Story of Will writing scripture on the whiteboard
42. Story of Wendy's
43. Walk through your neighborhood praying and asking God to highlight certain neighbors to you.  
44. This is a great way to start getting to know your neighbors. 
45. Annika is so good at this. 
46. Story of our neighbor Todd
47. Be a light in your neighborhood, family, workplace, school, friend group, fast food restaurant, standing in line at the grocery store, EVERYWHERE.  

Conclusion

• Let your Light shine before others, so that God may get the glory. 
• People should see you doing “good” things. This way you can point them right back to God and glorify Him.
• Challenge for the week - learn the names of 3-5 neighbors and ask if they have any prayer requests. (start building relationships with them)
• NEWSONG YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
• COMMUNION

Engage Group Questions 

1. Jesus calls His followers “the light of the world.” What does that mean in your everyday life?
2. Can you think of a time when someone else's light (faith, kindness, integrity) encouraged or inspired you?
3. What might it look like to hide your light “under a bowl”? What are some reasons people do this?
4. How can our good deeds point others to God rather than to ourselves?
5. In what areas of your life is it hardest to live as a light? Why?
6. Are there any barriers (fear, busyness, insecurity) keeping you from being more involved or visible in your neighborhood?
7. What is one simple thing you could do this week to be a light where you live?

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE READING SCRIPTURE

What does this reveal about God?

What does this reveal about you in relation to God?

What do you need to do about it?