Matthew 5:14-17

“Ye are the light of the world…” (Matthew 5:14).

Not only are you the salt of the earth, but Christ told His disciples, in His listing of the traits of a Kingdom Man, “Ye are the light of the world.” As with the use of the word “salt,” Christ uses “light” as a metaphor to teach a spiritual truth concerning the witness of the Apostles in the wicked and perverse generation in which they lived.

Paul used the same metaphor in Philippians 2:15:

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world”

Jesus said of Himself, “…I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (or of Christ)” (John 8:12). Christ taught that those who follow (or submit and obey) Him; that it was a proof that He (the Light Himself) dwelled in them. Therefore, they walked not in darkness (with no revelation of truth), but in the Light, or in Christ, or in the Truth (in revelation).

Physical light dispels the darkness. It reveals what could not be known unless there be light. So it is with the child of God indwelt by the Spirit of God. This means he is used as a revealer of truth. Jesus used the following analogies:

1)    “…A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”  (Matthew 5:14)

So the child of God cannot be hidden, because the light lives in him and shines out of him in word and deed. Jesus said, “cannot be hid.” This is a fact.

2)    “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light (or revelation) unto all that are in the house.”  (Matthew 5:15)

Christ said to the Apostles, “Ye are the light…” Being lights, or revealers of truth, by their words and deeds, which cannot be hidden; for they are on a candlestick, or placed in a position to allow the light in them to be seen first to all in the house. Child of God, this is where the husband, the daddy, should begin being used as a light of God’s truth. As head, this is your position, husband and daddy.

Then secondly, “Let your light so shine before men…” (Matthew 5:16). That is, let the truth that lives in you be a guide, and a witness of Jesus Christ and His Righteousness and Holiness to all that are around you in the world (or outside of your home).

Why? That they (in the house and outside the house) “may see your good works (words and deeds)”; and also to glorify, or to honor, Christ living in you (Galatians 2:20), to “…glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

So, not only are you Salt (or a Preserver), but you are the Light of the world.

You may ask, “Now, I know where to be the light (in the home and outside the home); but how do I be the light?”

Paul answers this question in Philippians 2:

(Verse 14) “Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” That is, rest in the Plan, Purpose, and Providence of God. Know that your times are in His hands (Psalms 31:15a). Know that there are times and seasons of tears, tests, tribulations, and even persecutions for His Name’s sake. Know that “…he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalms 121:4, read 1-6). Trust His Promises of Provision, Protection, Peace, and Power (Philippians 4:13, 19). Know that He is the Origin of the storm and the Sustainer in the storm and the End of the storm, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).

(Verse 15) “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” But how? By…

(Verse 16) “Holding forth the word of life…” That is, by submitting to and obeying the Word of God, and enduring in the same. Thereby being the light in the darkness, for Christ is the Light that lives and abides in the Born Again one. Therefore, live truth; stand for truth; walk in the truth; and die in the truth. Reveal to those in the home and outside the home that God’s Word is the Answer to all problems and questions. Show them that it is more to you than your necessary food (Job 23:12c); more than any gold (Proverbs 3:14-15).

You are the light of the world by “Holding forth” the Word of God. That is, in your attitude, actions, and attire; it is your walk, your witness, and your will to please God above everything.

Saved man, if you want to please God and be a witness for Him in 2013, then be salty, be a preserver; be the light, be a revealer of truth. Then and then only will you walk in the Peace of God. Then and then only will you be what you were called to be as a servant and friend of Jesus Christ.

Examine yourself now, before the storm comes, for it will come.