You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Sermons Ye are the light of the world. Christ's disciples are light-bearers rather than light. Christ is, properly speaking, the Light; and Christ's disciples carry that light, in what they are, and what they do, and what they say. I. CHRIST THE LIGHT. It was a dark world indeed when the light rose and streamed forth from Bethlehem (see Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; John 1:4, 5; 2 Corinthians 4:6). 1. Light reveals darkness. Illustrate effect of opening a window in a foul, dark dungeon. We use the expression, "I saw myself a sinner." The gospel light makes so impressive heathen darkness. Illustrate by heathen customs: Malagasy sprinkling the people; Chinese paper-money sent to the dead. 2. Light quickens any life there may be in the darkness. Illustrate by poem, "The ivy in a dungeon grew," etc. There are some germs of truth, even in dark heathen systems, and these the light of Christ is sure to quicken. II. THE WORLD THE SPHERE. A. whole world lies in the darkness. A whole world is grasped in the Divine love. But we still need to learn the lesson of the descending sheet that was taught to St. Peter. Notice how unlimited the sphere of the natural light is. It is impartial; it is universal. It visits poor and rich. It tints alike the flowers of the palace garden and of the garret window in the dingy city street. As day shines over city, village, plain, and hill, over land and over sea, so would Christ, the Day, shine over all the world, bringing life and hope and salvation everywhere. III. MEN THE LIGHT-BEARERS. Easterns did not use tables and chairs. They sat upon the floor; and therefore tall lamp-stands were required, in order that the light might be diffused over all the room. So God would have us be his atmosphere to carry his sunbeam; his candlestick, his lamp-stand, to lift up his light, so that all men might be brought unto him. There has been great difficulty in the way of securing the division of the electric light. But Christ, the Light, can be so divided that each of us can carry forth, and hold up, its full blaze. As lamp-stands, we can hold Christ the Light up, by (1) Christly living; (2) by loving commendations; (3) by active efforts; and (4) by the sympathy that strengthens all other light-bearers. - R.T.
Ye are the light of the world. The Church can diffuse light.1. By reflection. 2. By dispersing it. (L H. Evans, M. A.) I. THESE WORDS AS TREY PROCLAIM THE REDEEMER.1. These words proclaim the moral grandeur of His sentiments. 2. They show the Divine wisdom of His doctrine. 3. The prophetic grasp of His language. II. THESE WORDS AS THEY SPECIFY THE CHRISTIAN. 1. Here is a distinction of persons — "Ye." 2. A distinction of principle — "light." 3. A distinction of efficacy — "light of the world." III. THESE WORDS AS THEY ILLUSTRATE THE WORLD. 1. The world is dark in reference to God. 2. The world is dead, Christianity its salt. (R. Montgomery, M. A.) I. VINDICATE THE TRUTH HERE ASSERTED.1. The world is dark. 2. A contrast to the gloom — of a principle, the antagonist of this moral darkness. Believers are "the light of the world." (1) (2) II. APPLY THIS TRUTH TO THE CASE BEFORE US. 1. In the way of privilege. 2. In the way of duty and obligation. (F. Goode, M. A.) I. EXPLAIN THE SYMBOL. 1. Light an emblem of purity. 2. Knowledge. 3. Action. 4. Unity. 5. Benevolence. II. ENFORCE THE DOCTRINE. 1. The test of discipleship. 2. The criterion at the judgment. (W. W. Wythe.) I. The WORLD'S MORAL DARKNESS IMPLIED. Jesus knew all the attainments of the earth, and He could appreciate their excellency and beauty too;... but nothing of all this could east light on the deepest problems that agitate the human heart — what must I do to be saved? Beneath the surface of all this beauty... we find lurking the most revolting immorality. It is the light of Christianity that solves the deepest questions and answers the most anxious inquiries of mankind. The object of light is to disclose what would be otherwise unseen. This light discloses God, the way to heaven, etc. This holy light possesses a peculiar character, which the light of mere science, literature, or secular knowledge has not and cannot have. And since its dawn, even those bright things that were proposed as substitutes for it, this light has seized and made handmaids to it. Science and religion need not be divided. II. CHRISTIANS ARE THE BEARERS OF THIS LIGHT INTO ALL THE ENDS OF THE WORLD. Kindled from the Sun, they are to go forth and cast their light upon the world. Our mission is to enlighten the sphere in which we are placed, etc. (Dr. J. Cussing.) I. The true disciple's POSITION and calling. His position is like that of a city set on a hill, eminently conspicuous; he "cannot be hid," and he ought not to try to be hid. His calling is from the elevated position he occupies, to shed light upon the whole world. II. The QUALIFICATIONS needed by Christ's disciples for a right discharge of the duties of their position and calling (vers. 3-10): III. The REWARDS of a right discharge of our duties as true disciples. The hatred of men, the esteem and love of men, the unspeakable blessedness of seeing others led by our influence to worship God (ver. 16; 1 Thessalonians 2:19), the approval of God (ver. 9), everlasting blessedness (vers. 3, 8, 12; Revelation 21:10). (The Preachers' Monthly.)These words are descriptive of: — I. The genuine Christian's character — "light." II. The Christian's place and functions. III. The Church's responsibility. (James Stewart.)Example is the source of the Christian's most powerful influence on the world. In analyzing that power there are three or four elements. I. It is the most successful method of illustrating truth and imparting instruction. II. It is a demonstration of the practicability of religious life, as well as the truthfulness of Christianity, and the most successful method of removing objections to it. III. It attracts attention. IV. It is the most successful method of reproving wrong-doing. V. It is also the most successful way of winning the esteem of the world. (Christian Age.) (Anecdotes.) (Anecdotes.) I. CHRISTIAN PROFESSING. TO let our light shine is, undoubtedly, to make a Christian profession. This implies that the true light has been kindled in us. This Christian profession should be made in union with the Church of Christ. II. CHRISTIAN CONSISTENCY. If the light which you let shine in your profession be the true light, there will be good works to be seen. The lowest requirement of Christian consistency is the absence of every evil work — the least immorality vitiates the entire profession. This Christian consistency requires nonconformity to the world, and the good works of an active Christian life. III. CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE. This will be the result of Christian consistency. Our Heavenly Father shall be glorified by the influence for good we thus exert over the minds of those who see our good works. They will ascribe to God the power by which we have been made what we are. They will recognize the truth and Divinity of Christ's religion, and many will be thus led to embrace it for themselves. How does the matter stand between our profession and our conduct? (W. S. Dewstoe.) II. How CAN MEN, THE CREATURES, BE SAID TO GLORIFY THE CREATOR? "God is the eternal fountain of all honour and glory, therefore, strictly speaking, cannot be dishonoured; He cannot but be glorified, because to be Himself is to be-infinitely glorious. God is glorified by our repentance — faith — charity. (H. Hughes, M. A.) (H. Hughes, M. A.) 2. The next thing to do with a lamp is to set it where it may be seen and give light. 3. A lamp must be fed with oil, or it will not keep alight. 4. A lamp must be trimmed if it is to give a good light. (H. J. Wilmot Buxton.) I. That religion, if it exists, cannot be concealed. II. That where it is not manifest in the life, it does not exist. III. That professors of religion, who live like other men, give evidence that they have not been renewed. IV. That to attempt to conceal or hide our light is to betray our trust, and hinder the cause of piety, and render our lives useless. V. That good actions will be seen, and will lead men to honour God. (Dr. A. Barnes.) 1. A Divine work. 2. A separating work. 3. A personal work to every man who is the subject of it. 4. A work which needs sustaining. 5. It consecrates a man entirely to the service of light.giving. II. Consider the PLACING. 1. Negative. 2. Positive. III. The SHINING. (C. H. Spurgeon.) II. THE CERTAINTY THAT IF WE ARE LIGHT WE SHALL SHINE. The nature and property of light is to radiate. All earnest Christian conviction will demand expression; and all deep experience of the purifying power of Christ upon character will show itself in conduct. III. This obligation of giving light is still further enforced by the thought that THAT WAS CHRIST'S VERY PURPOSE IN ALL THAT HE HAS DONE WITH US AND FOR US. It is possible for good men to smother and shroud their light. We can bury the light of the Word under cowardly and indifferent silence. IV. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE. Candles are not lit to be looked at, but that something else may be seen by them. Men may see God through our works. (A. Maclaren, D. D.) (A. Maclaren, D. D.) (A. Maclaren, D. D.) II. WHY SHINE. Not to be seen of men. The Christian must show that he is earnest about religion. Habitual holiness is required. There must be a proper control of the temper. He must shine: — 1. As a member of society he must be blameless. 2. As a subject he must be orderly. 3. As a member of the Church of Christ he must show good will. 4. As a neighbour he must be accommodating. 5. As a father he will have proper regard for the spiritual good of his children. 6. As a son he will show the excellence of his principles. 7. As a master his Christian character must shine. 8. As a servant he will be obedient. 9. He must keep within the limits of his proper place. (E. Cooper.) 1. The world, though corrupt, is very sensible of what Christian practice ought to be. 2. The withholding of a good example may be more fatal to religion than positive irregularities, because the turpitude of the latter destroys their power of seduction. 3. The scandal is, not to see religion opposed by unbelievers, but that Christians dare not maintain their religion with zeal and proclaim it as their greatest honour and glory. 4. It is not enough to be Christians only to ourselves, we must be so before God and men. 5. We are naturally inclined to imitation. 6. Not only the honour but the progress of religion depend upon your examples. The greatest praise we cam bestow upon a religion is to practise it. (S. Partridge, M. A.) I. The positive injunction that Christians are to do all in their power TO SECURE THAT THEIR LIGHT SHALL SHINE AS BRIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. 1. This is to be done by the position we take up. 2. By the character which we form. 3. By the exertions which we make for the conversion of our fellow men. II. Look at the negative side of this injunction, which requires that we REMOVE EVERYTHING WHICH TENDS TO HIDE OR OBSCURE THE LIGHT. 1. We should get rid of that undue reserve which keeps the real character from being as powerful an influence for good as otherwise it might be. 2. We should avoid all self-display. (W. M. Taylor.) 1. The glory of God. 2. The well-pleasing of men. II. THE MEANS BY WHICH THIS WITNESS-BEARING MAY BE THE MOST EFFECTUALLY DONE. 1. Light is derived, and therefore humble. 2. Light is self-evident and consistent. 3. Then the light is a joyous and happy sort of thing. (W. M. Punshon.) 1. The word light implies a saving knowledge of the truth. 2. Holiness of heart and life. 3. Happiness. II. THEIR DUTY. Christians are made what they are to attract the world. Must use their blessings for the good of others, their knowledge, holiness, and happiness. III. THEIR MOTIVE. 1. That they may see your good works, not yourselves, but your actions. Three things are necessary to render a work good. (1) (2) (3) 2. That they may glorify your Father which is in heaven. (D. Rees.) 1. The passage read to the end will remove the difficulty suggested. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them." Secrecy in good deeds is not absolute, but relative; not positive, and for its own sake, but in order to exhibit the vitiating effect of ostentation. 2. And so the text seems to offer the antidote to its own difficulty. "And glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Your good works may be seen, and ought to be seen, but to God's glory, and not your own. Not to let our works be seen when they ought to be seen would be to desert our Lord. This rule may serve for some external direction in this perplexed case. Let the separate deeds be hidden, according to the precept of the sixth chapter; let the general design of goodness be known, according to the text. But the principle guide in cases like these is not to be found so much in an external rule as in a spiritually enlightened discrimination, which feels instinctively when is the time for secrecy and when for publicity.How dangerous to our Christian modesty everything must be which takes off from the delicacy of our natural modesty. 1. Do not fear that you incur any danger of ostentation in performing visibly such religious observances as your parents or teachers direct. 2. Be real, let all be really addressed to God. 3. Be consistent. 4. Be modest in other things. These rules will aid spiritual modesty. (G. Moberley, D. C. L.) 2. There is a right way of shedding light. 3. Men are to see the works, not the worker. 4. Men are affected by what they see. (W. W. Wythe.) II. THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS TO EXHIBIT THEIR LIGHT IN A GODLY CONVERSATION. "See your good works." III. THE END with a view to which the exhibition takes place. "Glorify your Father which is in heaven." (W. Curling, M. A.) II. There is a moral constitution by reason of which Christian qualities seem admirable to men. The eye was not made any more for beauty in the outward world than a man's moral nature was made for beauty in the moral world. Men oppose light and yet light is pleasant to them. III. It is upon this state of facts that Christ ordained that men should carry their moral faculties up to the highest degree of excellence. IV. The success of the gospel was made to depend not on preaching, but upon living men. V. The impressions which a Church makes on the moral consciousness of the community in which it byes is a fair test of its life and power. (H. W. Beecher.) I. The holy and exemplary lives of Christians will naturally attract the eyes of unbelievers. By so doing will engage them in some serious reflections upon the Christian religion. II. The holy and exemplary lives of Christians provoke men to a curious observation and examination of them, and also of the grounds and principles from which they proceed. III. The holy and exemplary lives of Christians will be a sure means of recommending them to the favour and esteem, love and friendship, of unbelievers; and consequently a sure means of gaining opportunities of conversing familiarly with them, insinuating truth into them, and making them willing and easy to receive it. IV. The holy and exemplary lives of Christians will so powerfully represent to unbelievers the reasonableness and excellency of the Christian religion, as well as the usefulness and advantage of it, towards the present and future happiness and well-being of mankind, that they will be led to examine into the grounds of it. Hence it appears that we ought frequently to contemplate the examples of good men, out of which there are so many and so great advantages to be drawn. We should learn in them to see our own faults, and to mend them. (Sir William Dawes, Bart. , D. D.) (W. M. Taylor.) (W. M. Taylor.) (S. Slocombe.) 2. A reproducer of this light. 3. A prism, analyrically solving this moral light, and exhibiting its beauties of colour. (S. Slocombe.) (Dr. D. Fraser.) (Dr. Parker.) (D. Fraser, D. D.) (D. Fraser, D. D.) (A. Maclaren, D. D.) (A. Maclaren, D. D.) (A. Maclaren, D. D.) (F. Goode, M. A.) |