Turn on the Light (Matthew 5:13-20)
Gearl Spicer, December 12, 2021
Part of the The Gift Of Christmas series, preached at a Sunday Online service
Matthew 5:13–20 (Listen)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
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.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
The Gift Of Christmas
Turn on the Light
Matthew 5:13-20
12/12/21
Do you remember when Jesus turned the light on in your heart?
Christmas is the time we are privileged to shine our lights into the hearts of all we meet!
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." vs. 14
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." vs.16
Three challenges at Christmas -
I. Challenge #1 - Accept your assignment -vs. 13-15
A. We are a reflection of His great Light
B. Remember to allow your light to shine on all
II. Challenge #2 - Live in a way that your light represents Jesus - vs. 14-16
A. We are responsible to live in a way that makes a difference
B. We are assigned to bring glory to God in all we do
III. Challenge #3 - See Him as an affirmation of all prophecy-vs. 17-20
A. Christmas ushers in the kingdom of God
B. The call to righteousness extends to every heart at Christmas
Three lessons -
1. Jesus expects us to reflect His Light!
2. Jesus expects us to represent Him in the world!
3. Jesus fulfills all prophecy!
Is your light on?