Illumination
Today's Three-minute Bible Study
Print, Study and Apply
Title:
Illumination------------------------------------------- Date: 11/24/1999
Keywords:
"light" "world"
Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand
strong in the face of sexual temptation.
Passage: Matthew 5:14-16*
14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill
cannot be hidden.
15. "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the
peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16. "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.
Questions
1. How much light does the world generate on it’s own?
2. Where does your light come from?
3. What are you to do with the light in you?
Practical help
Christians are called to be both salt and light. As salt was used to
preserve meat, so the Christian is used by God to preserve goodness within society.
Light illuminates and provides direction (think of the lighthouse). Not only are the lives
of Christians to help a society keep from moving toward depravity, we are called to point
to something better. Often times Christians get the label of being against everything fun.
This is not true. Authentic Christianity points to where true fun, happiness, contentment,
joy and peace are to be found – and that is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Also
it is within this relationship with God that we find the desire and power to change.
The addiction of pornography results ultimately in the destruction of true feelings. It
breaks our ability to enter into good relationships without the background thoughts of
lust. When we view pornography, we begin to habitually undress people we look at comparing
them to the images we have viewed on the computer screen. Our outward behavior, even if it
is as subtle as the way we look at people, reflects the light or absence of light within
us.
Jesus never calls us to change our outward actions first. Instead he calls us to be filled
on the inside with Himself. This involves acknowledging our condition (I have sinned
against you, Lord) and asking for help (please forgive me and empower me to live a life
that reflects who You are and how much You mean to me).
In time God through Christ can transform you into a light bearer. Then He will challenge
you to let your light shine – not fearing what others will think. When you begin to
do this, you might discover the impure motive of personal pride (look what I have done),
but if you do it in obedience to God acknowledging His power in your life, others will
"see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." That’s
what people need to see. Without seeking a pure life, the only light you can shine for
others are the good things you can do on your own, but it is when people see the
addictions you where unable to change by yourself fall away, that they will begin to seek
the God who changed you.
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Copyright 1999 by eXXit
*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright
The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by
permission."
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