The Seven I Ams Lesson 2: I Am The Light Of The World

A. INTRODUCTION

1. This is the second “I AM” given by Jesus.

2. Why did Jesus use “LIGHT” on this occasion?

a. Early in the morning as the sun arose. “And early in the morning (before sunrise) He (Jesus) came again into the temple” (8:2).

b. The priest lit the candle stand in the temple.

c. Jesus points away from Jews to Gentiles. “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light – a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow” (Isa. 9:2).

d. A contrast between Jesus’ light and the darkness of the Jews who tried to “trick” Him (John 8:2-11), i.e., light to moral darkness.

e. To identify Himself as God, “The Lord is my light and my salvation” (Ps. 27:1).

B. WHAT IS LIGHT?

1. The essence or attribute of God. “God is light” (I John 1:5).

2. The first thing God created. “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3).

3. Light is warmth – comfort.

4. Light enables us to learn.

5. Light dispels fear and brings happiness. “Light is sweet” (Ecc. 11:7).

C. WHAT DOES LIGHT DO FOR US?

1. Light is knowledge and understanding. “Thy light is come” (Isa. 60:1).

2. To show us where to walk. “My God, you light up my darkness” (Ps. 18:28, LB).

3. To protect us in daily life. “When He lighted the way before me . . . I walked safely through the darkness (Job 29:3, LB).

4. Light helps us understand our salvation. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

5. Activates our conscience. “The true light which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9).

D. WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF DARKNESS?

1. It scares us. “A horror of great darkness fell upon him” (Gen. 15:12).

2. It stands for ignorance. “Thy whole body shall be full of darkness” (Matt. 6:23).

3. It stands for sin. “He that hateth his brother is in darkness” (I John 2:9).

4. It stands for rebellion against God. “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19-20).

5. The world was dark when Jesus died. “From the sixth hour there was darkness” (Matt. 27:45).

6. Hell is dark. “Cast into outer darkness” (Matt. 8:12).

E. WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH THE LIGHT?

1. We must receive and believe the light. “I am the light of the world, so if you follow Me . . . living light will flood your path” (John 8:12, LB).

2. We must grow in the light. “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Prov. 4:18).

3. We must walk/obey the light. “Walk in the light” (I John 1:7).

4. We must share the light with others. “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14).

5. We must stay as far away from the darkness as possible. “If we say we are His friends, but go on living in spiritual darkness . . . we are lying” (I John 1:6, LB).

6. We must obey the light we have. “As we obey His commandments . . . the darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in” (I John 2:8, LB).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.