Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Lord Jesus had to address many problems

2. These problems were dangerous:

a) To life in general

b) To the spiritual life in particular

3. His instructions were always:

a) Clear

b) Candid

c) Corrective

THE ISSUE OF HOW WE SEE THINGS IN LIFE

22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22-23

1. The human eye

a) Obviously, we use our eyes to see
This is with reference to the physical aspect of sight

b) The eye may be used symbolically

2. The Lamp

a) The Lamp was the main means of giving light in ancient days

b) There were no street lamps

c) Without the lamp, there would only be darkness

d) The Eye was compared to the Lamp

3. If the eye is good

a) It is like a well-lit lamp

i) It sheds needed light

ii) The way is clear

iii) The traveller would be able to walk safely and avoid accidents

b) The body is full of light

i) Righteous

ii) Wholesome

iii) Happy in the Lord

4. If the eye is bad

a) There is only darkness

b) There is an absence of light

c) One cannot see:

i) That which is good and righteous

ii) That which is holy and wholesome

iii) One cannot appreciate the Lord

5. If light is darkness, how great is that darkness

a) False righteousness

i) Self-righteousness

ii) Hypocrisy

b) Seeking the applause of men

c) Missing out on the blessings of God

CONCLUSION

1. We need Light

2. Light is found:

a) In the Lord Jesus

I am the Light of the world

John 8:12

b) In the Scriptures

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path

Psalm 119:105

3. The Lord’s challenge

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

a) To be the light of the world

b) To be put on the lampstand

c) To shine before men and thus glorify God