Christians the Light of the World
F. Goode, M. A., W. W. Wythe., Dr. J. Cussing. Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 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) As in their own souls they possess Christ. (2) As in their life and labour they exhibit Christ. 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.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. WEB: You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.