22 December 2013

Parable of the Lamp

Parable of the Lamp
Text: Mark 4:21-25; Luke 8:16-18

Speaker:
Rev. Dr Charles Tan
Series:
2013

Message Notes

PARABLE OF THE LAMP

1. The function of a Lamp

a) To give light
b) To dispel darkness
c) To enable the person/ the family to function in the night

2. The place of a Lamp

a) Not under a basket          (Vessel- Luke 8:16)
b) Not under a bed
c) On a lampstand          Mark 4:21

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD OF GOD

1. You cannot hide the lack of understanding or response to God’s word

Nothing hidden          Mark 4:22

2. Whether the word of God has made an impact on our heart or not would be made
evident

All will be revealed          Mark 4:22

3. Appropriate responses are expected

4. Key challenges:

a) We are responsible

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear          Mark 4:23

b) We are to exercise prudence:-
i) Take heed what you hear          Mark 4:24a
ii) Take heed how you hear          Luke 8:18

CONCEPT: “THE SAME MEASURE”

1. Similar to the Principle of sowing and reapingnbsp;         Galatians 6:7-8

2. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to younbsp;         Mark 4:24a

3. To you who hear, more will be givennbsp;         Mark 4:24b

4. Whoever has, more will be givennbsp;         Mark 4:25a

5. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from himnbsp;         Mark 4:25b

POEMS CT

PARABLE OF THE LAMP

How may we know that we have obtained light from God?
How may we truly know that we are enlightened by the Lord?
Jesus gave a parable to help people check their hearts,
To imagine there is light but to live darkness would tear the heart apart.

The lamp was a common vessel used in every single home,
One of its functions was to bring light, dismissing darkness all forlorn.
But what if the lamp was kept under a basket or under a bed?
The lamp would not function as it was intended, darkness prevails instead.

The Word that Jesus taught about the glorious Kingdom of God,
That was meant to bring light that would shed its rays abroad.
True enlightenment cannot be hidden, it would be seen,
Nothing would be hidden, for the heart has been made clean.

How much light there would be depends on what the heart is able to hear,
If the heart is noble and good, Light will yield great blessing year after year.
The blessings of God are governed by a principle called “same measures,”
To him who hears, revelation of more truths of the Kingdom would be great treasures!

Inspiration: Mark 4:21-25