What the World Needs Now
Speaker: Pastor Pierre duPlessis
Read: Genesis1:1; Isaiah 60:2; Matthew 5:14-16; John 1:4-5, 8:12; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 1:5-7
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. It was said that sin makes the human heart a non-reflective space for light. What does this statement mean to you?
3. Read 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 in several translations. List some of the ways that darkness is manifested in the behaviors of mankind.
4. What does it mean to remain in proximity to Jesus such that we can be a reflection of His light? How do we do that?
5. Matthew 5:14-16 states that as believers we are to be a light in the world. What does that mean to you? What are some practical ways we can demonstrate a reflection of that light?
6. Read 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 5:8-11, and Colossians 1:13-14. What do these Scriptures say about darkness as it relates to believers?
7. How well do you think that you reflect Jesus’ light? What adjustments, if any, would you consider making?
SERMON RECAP
We live in a world of uncertainty where there are many ideas and voices about what needs to happen in the world. Although there are many needs, the sun is one thing that is critical to the existence of the world itself. The absence of the sun would bring catastrophic consequences as prevailing darkness would cause disorientation, the death of plant life and the planet would become a cold, dark, lifeless object drifting through space. Scripture tells us that in the beginning of time, the world was formless, empty and a dark abyss until God spoke and commanded light to come forth. Without the emergence of that light the world would not have been created, it would not have beauty or even life itself. This emphasizes the importance of light in the natural world. God also speaks of light and darkness from a spiritual perspective. The absence of spiritual light is then spiritual darkness which is a threat to humanity. Spiritual darkness is evident in the manifestation of the sinful behaviors of mankind and such sinfulness results in separation from God. Some people are either unaware that they are cloaked in darkness or others may consider it inconsequential as they choose to follow their own will. They fail to understand that there is an alternative to being in spiritual darkness, and His name is Jesus. Jesus came to be a light to the world, and even declared that He Himself is that light. Anyone who follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will be led to abundant life. But it requires that one make an intentional and deliberate decision to move away from darkness and choose to be in the light. It also requires that one remain in proximity to Him and have fellowship with Him, such that he or she becomes a reflection of His light. Believers are commanded to let their reflective light shine before the world so their good deeds are evident, and in so doing, they bring glory and honor to God. What the world needs most in this day and age is light.
