You Are The Light Of The World
“You are the light of the world”
By Bro. Yeow | 11 May 2025 | Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)
Matthew 5:14–16 (NKJV) – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...”
What is the first thing you knew when you were born? For many, light is among the earliest experiences of consciousness. Yet, we often take light for granted. In moments of despair or doubt, we may wonder if God even exists. But when we reflect on the natural world—on light, stars, and the power behind creation—we are reminded that God does exist and is the Creator of both seen and unseen things.
Sermon speaker shared a childhood memory of living near the Connaught Bridge Power Station in Klang. In the 1960s, this power station supplied electricity and light to the surrounding areas. He reflected on how light transforms darkness, just as electricity transformed lives in that era. Similarly, stars in the night sky remind us of God’s glory. While planets only reflect light, stars shine from within. In the same way, we are called not just to reflect light but to radiate it through our good works.
The very existence of light points to a Creator. As Romans 1:18–21 states, creation itself testifies to God’s eternal power and divine nature. Our ability to see is meaningless without light—and light, both physical and spiritual, is a gift from God. We must never forget our Creator who gave us both sight and illumination.
Jesus declared in John 8:12 and John 9:5 that He is the Light of the world. In Matthew 5:14–16, He extends this title to His followers, telling us “You are the light of the world.” What does this mean for us? It means that just as Christ came into our darkness to bring change and hope, we too must shine by living out good works that glorify God. Light is not hidden—it is meant to be seen, shared, and spread.
According to 1 John 1:5, “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” This means that living in the light means living in purity, truth, and love. The world is filled with darkness—sin, confusion, and hopelessness—but our good works shine like stars in a dark sky (Philippians 2:14–16). When we act with kindness, courage, and sacrifice, especially in times of crisis, we become visible lights for others to see God through us.
However, we must be cautious not to seek attention for ourselves. Matthew 6:1–4 warns us not to do our good deeds for human praise. Instead, when people notice our actions, we are to direct the glory to God, acknowledging that every ability and resource we have comes from Him. The light must reflect back to God, not ourselves.
The sermon closed with a call to salvation. Galatians 4:4–5 speaks of Jesus coming in the fullness of time to redeem us, and Romans 6:3–5 teaches that we are united with Christ through baptism. To become light, we must first receive the light of Christ by obeying the Gospel—confessing Him, repenting, being baptized, and rising to walk in newness of life.
Key Highlights:
Light is a gift from God—both physical and spiritual.
Jesus is the Light of the world, and He calls us to also be light (Matthew 5:14–16).
Good works are how we shine, leading others to glorify God.
Light is not hidden; it must be visible, impactful, and sacrificial.
We reflect God’s light, not our own glory—the focus must remain on Him.
Creation testifies of a Creator, and we are part of that testimony (Romans 1:18–21).
Christians shine in a dark world by being pure, merciful, and selfless (Philippians 2:14–16).
Salvation through Christ is how we receive and begin to shine with the light of God (Romans 6:3–5).
Let us not be dim or hidden, but shine boldly so that through our lives, others may see the goodness of God and be drawn to Him.
