"You are the light of the world. A city on a hilt cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14, 15.
"'Ye are the light of the world.' The Jews thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 306, 307.
You can let your light shine to others! You may reflect the character of Christ! You can share the love of God!
Christ longs to fill the world with light, joy, and peace. Those who are united with Christ in service will use their ministering gifts to bless the lives of others. The light that shines from Christians—the difference in the way they live and act—is not self-originated. Christ is the light, the life, the salvation for all who will believe. We are not the source of light—but its channel. We simply minister!
In this study you will discover—
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
1. In the Sermon on the Mount, what high expectation did Jesus set before His followers? Matthew 5:14.
Matthew 5:14 (NIV) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
2. What especially should not be done with spiritual light? Matthew 5:15.
Matthew 5:15 (NIV) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
3. How would Christians share the light given to them by Jesus? Matthew 5:16.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
4. How did Jesus tell His followers to be different? Matthew 5:20.
Matthew 5:20 (NIV) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
5. Jesus then began to give a series of examples using this format: "You have heard ... but I tell." In the first one He referred to murder and its consequences. Why do you think He related anger to murder? Matthew 5:21, 22.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
6. You have heard about adultery—what about lust? Matthew 5:27, 28.
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Tell how Jesus was deepening the understanding of the seventh commandment:
7. You have heard about oaths—what about swearing? Matthew 5:33-37.
Matthew 5:33-37 (NIV) "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34) But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35) or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36) And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37) Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
8. You have heard "hate your enemies, ... but I tell you." Matthew 5:43-46.
Matthew 5:43-46 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
How is the Christian's behavior to be different from the usual?
9. How is a Christian to be different when giving to the needy? Matthew 5:2-4.
Matthew 5:2-4 (NIV) and he began to teach them, saying: 3) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
10. How should Christian prayers be different from those of hypocrites and pagans? Matthew 6:5-8.
Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7) And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
11. What lesson is given regarding the difference in fasting? Matthew 6:16-18.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17) But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18) so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Explain the difference between heart religion and religion for show:
12. Where do true motives for ministry originate? Matthew 5:8.
Matthew 5:8 (NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Note: Only the Christian with honest, pure motives can effectively minister to others. In our modern world many professed Christians are big on appearances but short on true ministry.
13. What commendation is given for faithful ministry? Matthew 25:21.
Matthew 25:21 (NIV) "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Teaching Sabbath School
The Bible states that teaching is one of the ministering gifts. Those interested in teaching will find in the Sabbath School many opportunities to use this gift. In the Adventist Sabbath School there are eight different divisions—Cradle Roll, Kindergarten, Primary, Junior, Earliteen, Youth, Adult, and Extension or Branch Sabbath School.
The Bible is our textbook. What we know about Jesus and salvation comes from the Bible. Sabbath School lessons are printed for classes in every division. These lessons are merely helps in studying the Scriptures. Anyone interested in beginning as a new teacher should let the Pastor and Sabbath School superintendent know. Teacher training courses can be arranged to develop your teaching skills. Teaching is another great avenue of ministry!
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.