SEARCH Lesson 146 – THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

Key Verse

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
— Ephesians 5:8

Christians as Radiant Lights

Matthew 5:14-16; Daniel 6:1-28
  • John 1:1-9
  • Acts 13:47
  • Philippians 2:14-15
  • 1 John 1:5-9

Matthew 5:14-16; Daniel 6:1-28

Physical light makes vision possible, provides for life on earth, results in warmth and comfort, and dispels darkness. In Genesis 1:2-5, we find that light was so important God devoted the first day of creation to making it in order to dispel darkness. Without physical light, death ensues. Spiritual light is even more important. Malachi the prophet refers to Christ as “the Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2). Without spiritual light there would be no eternal life.

QUESTIONS

  1. Read carefully John 1:1-9. What is the source of spiritual life? What happens when spiritual light is “screened out”?
  2. Considering then the importance of spiritual light, what do you think would happen to your school, your work world, your community, and the world in general if all Christians failed to follow Christ’s command in Matthew 5:16?
  3. Describe how Daniel, as the first of three presidents under Darius the king, “let his light shine.” Refer to Daniel 6:3-4.
  4. The 2 presidents and the 120 princes sought to find fault with Daniel so that they might accuse him to the king. Daniel was not only faithful to his God, but he was faithful to his country and to the king’s business. They could find no fault, but what scheme did they devise against him, and why?
  5. Once the decree was signed by the king, how did Daniel respond?
  6. The light from Daniel’s life had generated faith in the king’s heart in the only true God. How was this manifested in the king’s words to Daniel?
  7. What specific character trait radiated from Daniel causing the king to say in verse 16 and again in verse 20, “whom thou servest continually”?
  8. How far did Daniel’s light shine as a result of his steadfast faith and deliverance from the lions’ den?
THEME THOUGHTS