Jesus Christ, “The Light of the World”
By Pastor Dan Kennedy
© February 23, 2020
Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 4:1–6
1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
“Light” can be Revealed through Many Avenues
· The Brilliance of a Glorious Day
· The Excellence of an Exceptional Thought
· The Resolution to a Gnarly Problem
· The Rescue from a Troubling Adversity
· The Stimulating Conversation with a Trusted Friend
· The Revelation of a Profound Reality
· The Intricate Beauty of a Delicate Flower
· The Continuing Awe surrounding all of God’s Creations
· The Incomparable Wonder of the Magnificent Universe
Oh, the Glory and Beauty of Light!
Light Reveals God, our Creator
1 John 1:5
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
The Astounding Provision to have an Eternal Relationship with Almighty God!!!
Genesis 1:3–4
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.
Darkness Hides and Light Reveals
The Antithesis of Darkness to Light, and the Deception of God’s adversary Satan who promotes himself as an angel of light.
Satan takes every aspect of the Reality and Profoundness of the Glory of God – and distorts God’s Truth for his own advantage…as do his followers who deceptively disguise themselves and teach Satan’s sabotage by twisting and denying the truth of God’s very Existence – including the distortion and rejection of the validity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Galatians 1:7–8
7 … there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Darkness
Naturally-Focused, Carnally-Immersed, Spiritually-Blinded, Self-Centered, Self-Secured, Eternity-Agnostic
Light
God-Worshipping, Christ-Redeemed, Spiritually-Growing, Spirit-Directed, Other-Caring, Eternity-Anticipating
Darkness Hides
“People loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” John 3:19b–20
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:12–14
“If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,’ even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:11–12
“At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:8–11
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13–14
“As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one!’” Romans 3:10
Darkness Hides and Light Reveals
“For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:20–21
God’s Light Reveals Christ, our Messiah and Redeemer
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 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. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:1–9
“Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:18–21
“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.’” John 8:12
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46
“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
“To keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,which He will display at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:14–16
We see light naturally through our physical eyes, which can be blinded through genetics, disease, or accident; but, we see God and the spiritual world through insight by His illumination through His Spirit.
Light is Revealed through God’s Word and Holy Spirit
Just as the natural light we see is only a small bandwidth, so Spiritually, in this life we have a narrow vision of Spiritual dynamics and eternity.
1 Corinthians 13:12
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
God gave us The Holy Spirit to guide us through our Spiritual Journey in this life
Ephesians 1:13–14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
John 14:26
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
1 Corinthians 2:10
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
John 16:13
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on his own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.
Our Spiritual understanding is gained through the Bible and the Holy Spirit
Psalm 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Romans 8:14
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Ephesians 5:8
8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Matthew 7:24-25
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Light Reveals the Right Path in Life
Isaiah 9:2
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
Isaiah 50:10
10 Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Light Reveals Deep Mysteries
Daniel 2:20–22
20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. 21 He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.
Light is Revealed through Godly Confidence
Psalm 27:1
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 112:4
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
God’s Light is Revealed to the World through Us
Matthew 5:14–16
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 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 Peter 2:7–9
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Light Reveals Spiritual Health
Luke 11:34
34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
Matthew 6:23
23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Light Reveals Healthy Fruit
Colossians 1:10–14
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Ephesians 5:5–8
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
Light Reveals Commendation
1 Corinthians 4:5
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to lightthe things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Light Reveals Healthy Fellowship
1 John 1:5–7
5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Light Reveals God’s Wrath and Christ’s Coming
Amos 5:18–20 God’s Wrath
18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? It is darkness, and not light, 19 as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. 20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
2 Corinthians 4:1-5: “Let light shine out of darkness”
Light Gives Us Confidence
2 Cor.4:1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Light Renounces Disgraceful Underhanded ways and is Ratified by “Conscience” Truth
2 Cor.4:2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;
2 Corinthians 6:14
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2 Cor.4:2b we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Light is Veiled to the Blind
2 Cor.4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
“Let Light Shine Out of Darkness”: The Proclamation of Christ Jesus as Lord
2 Cor.4:5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
We have a tiny glimpse of the amazing dynamic of what God’s Light truly is – from the time God revealed His Light at the Beginning of Creation until Christ takes us to live with Himself in His City of Light (where there is no artificial light and there is no night), since the Glory of God IS the LIGHT [Revelation 21:23–25].
Darkness Hides and Light Reveals!
God revealed Himself to generation after generation through the Light of Creation, and in the fullness of time through the Light of His Son, Jesus Christ.
God has ordained that those who are transformed through His Salvation in Christ should also be “Lights” in a dark, dark world. “Let there be LIGHT!”