“I AM…”
Scripture:
John 1:4-8; 8:12
C.I.:
The Light of the World
INTRO.:
When Jesus calls Himself the “Light of the world” – its
important to know what He’s talking about.
1.
In John, the word “World” is used to mean 3
different things – (quote 1:10) & explain!
a.
Thus, Jesus is not talking about a physical light –
but a spiritual light.
b.
His “Light” reveals things – as they truly are:
i.
Obedience vs. Disobedience (Gen. 3:7), “Then
the eyes of both of them were opened..
ii.
Hope vs. Despair (II Kgs. 6:16-17), “Elisha
said, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than
those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, I pray,
open his eyes that he may see.’ – And the Lord opened his
eyes, and he saw, the mountain was full of horses and chariots
of fire all around Elisha.”
iii.
Truth vs. Error (Jn. 9:39-41), “Jesus said,
‘For judgment I came into the world, that those who do not
see may see; and that those who see may become blind.’ – The
Pharisees asked, ‘We are not blind too, are we?’ – Jesus said,
‘If you were blind, you would have no sin; but because you
say, “We see,” your sin remains.’”
c.
By Jesus light we look through the eyes of faith
& see things as they truly are (II Cor. 4:18)
d.
Let us therefore, now look and see – 3 truths about
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD…
I.
Three Truths about “The Light of the World”
A.
“The Light of the World” _________________ Enlightens”
(John 1:9)
1. (1:9a), “There
was the true light which coming into the world enlighten
every man.”
a.
The word “enlightens” = To give light to, to make clear!
b.
There are many “lights” out there – all which attempt to make
life clear:
1) Science: Some scientists
are afraid (of where the facts lead, their peers, of the consequences
of a divine Creator) – (Rom. 1:21-23), “For even
though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God; but they
became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart
was darkened. – Professing to be wise they became fools, -
and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God, for an image
in the form of corruptible man.”
2) Philosophy: - (I Cor.
1:20-21), “Where is the wise man? – Where is the scribe?
– Where is the debater of this age? – Has not God made foolish
the wisdom of the world? – For the world in its wisdom did
not come to know God, - God was well-pleased through the foolishness
of the message preached to save those who believe.”
c.
Thus, the “true light” in the world - came from God
and not from man!
2. (1:9b), “There
was the true light which coming into the world enlightens
every man.”
a.
Jesus just causes things to make sense - He answers the “BIG
QUESTIONS OF LIFE”…
1) “Where did we come from?”
– (Jn. 1:3), “All things came into being by Him,
and apart….”
2) “Where are we going?”
– (Jn. 14:2-3), “In MY Father’s house are many dwelling
places….”
3) “Why are we here?” – (Jn.
4:34), “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this
is the whole duty of man,” – “Jesus said, ‘My food is to do
the will of Him who sent..”
b.
Our lives only truly make sense – to the extent they are found
in Jesus
B.
“The Light of the World” _________________ “Exposes”
(John 3:19-21)
1. Just as visible light
exposes things in the darkness – spiritual light (exposes)
things for what they are!
a.
(Jn. 3:19-20), “…light [Jesus] has come into
the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light [Jesus];
for their deeds were evil. – For everyone who does evil hates
the light [Jesus], and does not come to the light [Jesus],
lest his deeds should be exposed!!!”
b.
The “True light” (JESUS) exposes:
1) Our Motives – (12:4-6),
“Judas Iscariot asked, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for
300 denarii, and given to the poor?’ – Now he said this, not
because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was
a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what
was….”
2) Our Loves –
(i)
(3:19), “…men loved darkness rather
than the light, because their deeds were evil.”
(ii)
(14:15), “If you love Me; you will keep My
commandments.”
3) Our Rewards – (5:28-29),
“…an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs
shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; those who did
good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed
evil deeds, to a resurrection of judgment!”
c.
What has He exposed in you? – If He has exposed a heart of
darkness – He also exposes a way out
1) (3:21), “But
he who practices the truth [17:17] comes to
the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen as having been
wrought in God.”
LORD’S SUPPER
C.
“The Light of the World” is _________________ “Essential”
(John 12:35-36)
1. Coming to the Light is
essential - if we are to avoid the darkness!
a.
(12:35a), “Jesus said, ‘For a little while longer
the light is among you. – Walk while you have the light, that
darkness may not overtake you.”
b.
We have seen that Jesus and His will for us – is characterized
as spiritual light – and so the choice to turn away from Him
& His will must – of necessity – be characterized as spiritual
darkness!
1) ILLUST.: Candle!
As long as you stay within its reach – darkness
cannot get to us.
2) Point is it is up to us
to have as our lifestyle (i.e., “walk”) – the light
– (quote 1 Jn. 1:5-7)!!!
2. Coming to the Light is
essential - if we are to understand our destiny!
a.
(12:35b), “… he who walks in darkness does not know
where he goes.”
1) The person whose lifestyle
(“walk”) is darkness (sin) – does not truly understand
their destiny
2) God has used many terms:
“outer darkness,” “eternal fire,” “place of weeping &
gnashing”
b.
Those who walk “in the light” – know their destiny
– and so they avoid the darkness!
3. Coming to the Light is
essential - if we are to be saved.
a.
(12:36), “While you have the light, believe in the
light, in order that you may become sons of light
b.
When we place our trust in God (who is Light) – and walk by
that light (obey Him) – then truly we are His sons – SONS
OF LIGHT!
c.
(Quote Gal. 3:26-27), “You are all sons of God…”
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