The Light of God

Temple Baptist Church - 8-18-2013

 

Psalm 36:9

 

Introduction:

A. In our study of God’s light, we need to go back to the First Mention Principle of Bible interpretation for a minute.

1. In the creation, the first thing that God did was give light.

Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (2) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (3) And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (This light that was first given was the eternal light of God’s presence. There was neither natural nor artificial light. There was no sun, moon, or stars. There was no candle, camp fire, or electricity. It was the light of God.)

2. The Bible declares that God is light.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (God does not produce light: God is light and in Him is no darkness at all!)

3. The Bible declares that God dwells in light. We often hear the term “Shekinah Gory” of God. The word “Shekinah” is not found in the Bible but its concept is found all over the Bible.

Exodus 33:22-23 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: (23) And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. ( This glory of God caused Moses’ face to shine for a long period of time so that he had to place a veil over his face in front of the Israelite people.)

1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (This light refers to His holiness for it is a light that sinful man cannot stand its presence. The Bible refers to God as a “consuming fire.”)

4. The Bible declares the eternality of God’s light.

Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (In the end of time, we find once again the eternal light of God. Once again, there will be no natural or artificial light as the heavens are “fled away” and the Lamb will be the light of eternity.)

B.    Our text states that “in thy light shall we see light.” This light is not a reference to natural or artificial light but the light that God gives to man: the light that reveals both His wonderful Person and His perfect Purpose for mankind.

C.  Let us look at this “light of God” for a few minutes.

1. The Light of Comprehension. John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

a. Notice the direct correlation between Jesus Christ, the Word, and light. These three are one and the same. You cannot eliminate one with without eliminating all three. God gives to every man the “light” of God. An inherent revelation of God’s being is in every child born into this world.

b. As man accepts this inherent light, God progressively manifests His person and presence through continuation of this light. Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

2. The Light of Clarification. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

a. Scripture reveals Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (Jesus Christ is not “a light.” Jesus Christ is The Light!)

b. Satan blinds the world to this Light. 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

c. Sinners reject Jesus Christ through their love for darkness. John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

3. The Light of Conversion. Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

a. Conviction: The Scripture makes sinners tremble. Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

b. Conversion: The Scripture makes sinners saints. Romans 10:14-17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

c. Condemnation: The Scripture will judge the rejecter. John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

4. The Light of Confidence. The Bible is God’s Light to guide the believer.

a. In the Light of Scripture, we have the light of safety. Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

b. In the Light of Scripture, we—as believers—have a continuing light of surety: the revelation of God’s way and G0d’s will for our lives. Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

c. A Light to encourage the believer. 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: