SHINING FOR JESUS

Title: SHINING FOR JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 5:14-16
Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:15-16, Ephesians 5:8-10, Isaiah 60:1-3, John 8:12

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus calls His followers to be the “light of the world” — a powerful statement of purpose. To shine for Jesus is to reflect His love, truth, and character in our lives. Our light is not for personal glory but to glorify God and lead others to Him. This Bible study explores the biblical mandate to shine, how we can actively live as lights in a dark world, and what it means to influence others positively for Christ.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CALL TO SHINE

a) Chosen to Reflect God’s Glory
God’s people are chosen to showcase His love and truth, serving as a visible reflection of His presence on Earth (Isaiah 43:10).

b) Being Set Apart as Lights
Christians are called to be distinct, displaying godly character in a fallen world (Philippians 2:15).

c) Bearing the Light of Christ
Our light is not self-generated; it comes from Christ, who is the true Light (John 8:12).

d) A Mission to Attract Others to God
As light attracts, our lives should draw others to seek and know God (Matthew 5:16).

Biblical Example: John the Baptist (John 1:6-8) – John’s life and ministry pointed people toward Jesus, the true Light of the world.

2. LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD

a) Knowing and Applying Scripture
God's Word guides and empowers us to live rightly, serving as the foundation of our light (Psalm 119:105).

b) Walking in Obedience to God’s Commands
True light shines when we live in obedience, aligning our actions with God’s truth (Ephesians 5:8-10).

c) Transforming the Mind
Renewing our minds by God’s Word equips us to reflect His nature (Romans 12:2).

d) Displaying Fruits of the Spirit
Our character shines through the fruits we bear — love, joy, peace, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23).

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1-11) – Jesus overcame temptation by holding firmly to God’s Word, showing us the power of living by Scripture.

3. BEING A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD

a) Exemplifying Christ in Our Actions
Our deeds should reflect Christ’s compassion, integrity, and righteousness, influencing those around us (1 Peter 2:12).

b) Sharing the Message of Salvation
A key part of shining is actively sharing the Gospel, leading others to salvation (Mark 16:15).

c) Standing Against Injustice and Darkness
Christians are called to be voices of truth and justice, standing up against evil (Micah 6:8).

d) Uplifting and Encouraging Others
We shine by supporting, comforting, and inspiring others in faith and hope (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (Acts 16:25-34) – Even in prison, Paul and Silas praised God, leading the jailer to faith in Christ through their steadfast example.

4. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO SHINING FOR CHRIST

a) Avoiding Compromise
The pressure to conform can dim our light. We must resist compromise to maintain a godly testimony (Romans 12:2).

b) Handling Persecution with Grace
Persecution may come, but our response can reflect God’s love and strength (Matthew 5:10-12).

c) Seeking God’s Strength in Weakness
Our light shines brightest when we depend on God’s strength in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

d) Focusing on Eternal Rewards
Keeping an eternal perspective helps us to endure trials with a steadfast spirit (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7:54-60) – Despite persecution, Stephen boldly proclaimed Christ and shone brightly, even to the point of martyrdom.

5. LIVING TO GLORIFY GOD IN ALL THINGS

a) Directing Praise to God, Not Self
When others see our good works, we must point them to God as the source of our light (Matthew 5:16).

b) Living with Humility
Humility is essential to a genuine witness; our goal is to exalt Christ, not ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).

c) Being a Faithful Steward of God’s Gifts
Using our talents and resources for God’s kingdom enhances our testimony (1 Peter 4:10-11).

d) Reflecting Joy and Peace as a Witness
A joyful and peaceful spirit shines brightly, showing the world the power of a life surrendered to Christ (Romans 15:13).

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:3-5, 26-28) – Daniel’s faithfulness, humility, and godly character drew praise to God and influenced a whole kingdom.

CONCLUSION:
To shine for Jesus is to embody His love, truth, and power in our daily lives. The world is in need of the hope and light that come from Christ alone. As His followers, we have the responsibility and privilege of being His representatives, showing the world the way to God. When we live in alignment with God’s Word, depend on His Spirit, and boldly stand for Him, we fulfill our call to be the light of the world, leading others to the glory of God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me a light that shines brightly for Your glory.

2. Father, help me to reflect Your love and truth in all my actions.

3. Give me boldness to share the Gospel and lead others to Christ.

4. Father, strengthen me to stand firm against compromise and temptation.

5. Lord, let my life bring honour and praise to You alone.

6. Fill me with Your wisdom to navigate challenges as a true ambassador of Christ.

7. Grant me humility, Lord, so that my light points others to You.

8. Father, empower me to overcome every obstacle that would dim my light.

9. Lord, let my home and family be a place that radiates Your light.

10. Thank You, Lord, for choosing me to be Your light in the world. May I always shine for You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that your life will be a shining testimony of God’s glory.

2. May the light of Christ in you draw many to salvation

3. I decree that every spirit of fear and compromise is broken over you.

4. May God’s wisdom and grace enable you to stand out for His Kingdom.

5. Your light shall not be hidden; you will shine in every place God has positioned you.

6. I declare that the power of God in you will overcome every darkness around you.

7. May your testimony inspire others to seek and follow Christ.

8. I decree strength and courage to persevere in your calling.

9. Your life shall reflect the joy and peace of Christ abundantly.

10. I declare that you are empowered to be an unstoppable light in Jesus' name.