KEEP YOUR LIGHT SHINING

KEEP YOUR LIGHT SHINING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 5:14-16

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:15-16; Ephesians 5:8-11; John 8:12; Isaiah 60:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9; Proverbs 4:18.

Key Verse: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, KJV)

INTRODUCTION
Jesus declared that every believer is the light of the world. This means that Christians are called to reflect the character, truth, and love of Christ in a dark and sinful world. Light dispels darkness, reveals truth, provides direction, and gives hope. Wherever a true believer goes, God's light should shine through his or her life.

The world today is filled with moral darkness, fear, corruption, hatred, and spiritual confusion. God has strategically placed His children in families, schools, workplaces, communities, and nations to be shining lights that point people to Jesus Christ. Our lives should influence others positively and bring glory to God.

Keeping your light shining requires a daily walk with Christ, obedience to God's Word, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. As believers remain faithful, their good works become a testimony that draws people to salvation and honours God.

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR IDENTITY AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Every believer has been called to shine for Christ.

a) Jesus Has Made You The Light Of The World (Matthew 5:14)
Your identity is found in Christ, who has called you to influence the world for Him.

b) Christ Is The Source Of Your Light (John 8:12)
Our light shines because we follow Jesus, the true Light of the world.

c) You Have Been Called Out Of Darkness (1 Peter 2:9)
God has brought you into His marvellous light to proclaim His praises.

d) Arise And Shine For God's Glory (Isaiah 60:1-3)
God's glory upon your life enables you to become a blessing to others.

Biblical Example: Moses (Exodus 34:29-35). After spending time in God's presence, Moses' face shone with God's glory, demonstrating that fellowship with God produces spiritual radiance.

2. REMOVE EVERYTHING THAT HIDES YOUR LIGHT
Believers must avoid anything that prevents their testimony from shining.

a) Reject Sin And Compromise (Ephesians 5:8-11)
Sin dims the believer's light and weakens Christian testimony.

b) Do Not Be Ashamed Of Christ (Romans 1:16)
Boldly identify with Jesus wherever you are.

c) Avoid Worldly Influences (James 4:4)
Do not allow the values of the world to extinguish your spiritual passion.

d) Walk In Holiness Daily (1 Peter 1:15-16)
A holy life shines brightly before both God and people.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:3-5). Daniel's integrity and faithfulness distinguished him above others and made him a shining testimony in a pagan nation.

3. LET YOUR GOOD WORKS GLORIFY GOD
Our lives should point people to God rather than to ourselves.

a) Live An Exemplary Life (Matthew 5:16)
Your conduct should inspire others to honour God.

b) Show The Love Of Christ (John 13:34-35)
Love is one of the brightest expressions of the believer's light.

c) Serve Others Faithfully (Galatians 5:13)
A life of humble service reflects Christ to the world.

d) Proclaim The Gospel Boldly (Mark 16:15)
Sharing the message of salvation is one of the greatest ways to let your light shine.

Biblical Example: Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42). Through her good works and acts of kindness, Dorcas became a shining example of Christian love and service.

4. KEEP YOUR LIGHT BURNING UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS
Believers must remain faithful throughout their Christian journey.

a) Remain Connected To Christ (John 15:4-5)
Continuous fellowship with Christ keeps your spiritual light burning.

b) Be Filled With The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to shine effectively.

c) Persevere Through Trials (James 1:12)
Difficulties should strengthen, not extinguish, your faith.

d) Look Forward To Christ's Return (Matthew 25:1-13)
Remain spiritually prepared and faithful until the Lord comes.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul remained faithful to the end, keeping his spiritual light shining until he finished his race.

CONCLUSION
Jesus did not call believers to hide their faith but to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs His light. Our words, attitudes, actions, and lifestyle should continually reflect the character of Christ so that others may come to know Him. A shining Christian life becomes a powerful testimony that transforms lives and glorifies God.

Therefore, guard your relationship with Christ, walk in holiness, remain filled with the Holy Spirit, and never allow the darkness of this world to dim your light. As you continue to shine, many people will be drawn to Jesus Christ, and God will receive all the glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me the light of the world through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let Your light continually shine through my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every sin and compromise that seeks to dim my light, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and empower me to shine brightly, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to live a life that brings glory to Your holy name, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a bold witness for Jesus Christ wherever I go, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let my good works draw many people into Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen me to remain faithful through every trial and temptation, in Jesus name.

9. Father, use my life to influence my family, church, community, and nation for Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to keep my light shining until the day I see You in glory, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your light shall shine brighter and brighter before men.

2. Every power assigned to extinguish your spiritual fire shall fail in the name of Jesus.

3. You shall be a shining example of Christ in your generation.

4. The glory of God shall continually rest upon your life.

5. Your testimony shall attract many souls into the Kingdom of God.

6. You shall never walk in darkness because the Lord is your everlasting light.

7. Every good work of your hands shall bring glory to God.

8. The Holy Spirit shall continually empower you to live victoriously.

9. Your influence for Christ shall increase from one level of glory to another.

10. You shall keep your light shining, fulfil your divine purpose, impact your generation for Jesus Christ, finish your race faithfully, and receive an eternal reward in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.