8 Sermon Project Part 4 of 8

8 Sermon Project Part five of Eight

The sixth commandment

Mt.5:21-26

last time we took a look at Mt 5:17-20 this week we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:21-26 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our study.

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:21-26

Mt 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {by: or, to}

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. {Raca: that is, Vain fellow}

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Keep in mind what Jesus had said earlier in Mt 5:16

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

From this verse and Mt5:20, what follows is 6 segments in found in Mt 5:21-48 which serve at least a twofold purpose: (1) To teach what righteousness looks like that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and (2) To describe the righteousness when lived out in the power of the Spirit which gives us a proper opinion of our heavenly Father. Keep the command in Mt 5:16 in mind as you meditate on todays sermon. Ask yourself in each case "Do my attitudes and actions in this area of my life give others I meet a proper opinion of my Father Who is in heaven?" Again remember we are called to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect that the world might see His glory in and through us. This is a "big task" but best of all it is a holy calling which Christ has enabled Christians under the New Covenant to carry out by virtue of our new hearts upon which the Law is written, and the indwelling Spirit Who causes us to walk according to His statutes.

It is interesting that Jesus begins with an emphasis on the sanctity of every human life and the call on Christians to do all they can to honor that sanctity.

So what is the problem with what the Scribes and Pharisees had taught? The problem is that they were not good inductive bible students and because of inadequate observation (the rabbis had taught as "tradition"), Hence they arrived at an inaccurate interpretation of the Law, consequently, and most importantly, they prescribed inappropriate application's based on their willfully inept analysis of the Old Testament Scriptures. Their misinterpretation lead to misapplication of the Law which then led to a liberal attitude toward murder, adultery, divorce, etc... Therefore we see that Jesus calls His listeners and we the readers of His sermon on the mount to exhibit allegiance to a higher standard, a standard of righteousness that far surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and which shines a beacon of light that points the lost soul to our great and holy Heavenly Father. There is the note I said to remember. ( Mt 5:16)

Latter in Mt: 5:48 we will see Jesus climaxes this section with the incredible statement to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are called to measure themselves not by others but by our Father Who art in heaven. Amen.

Okay now Mt 5:26 Christ says Ye have heard This suggests that the multitudes listening had for the most part not studied the Law of Moses for themselves but had only heard the teaching on the Law, most likely from the scribes and Pharisees.

Real quick lets define murder. You say pastor we all know what murder is you don't have to define it. Well if we all knew what it is there would be no need for the sermon today. Right. The Webster (modern version) says that murder is the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice. In the OT passages ( Exodus 20:13 ; Deuteronomy 5:17) the Hebrew word for "murder" refers to pre-meditated, deliberate, intentional murder not accidental killing.

The 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary defines murder as "The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice pretense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express."

Gen 9:5,6 Moses records God's decree after the flood...

And surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. Gen 9:5,6

"I have never murdered anyone". Well Jesus says "Wrong. If you've hated you are guilty." The OT law dealt only with outward actions, but citizens of the kingdom of heaven must beware of sinful inward attitudes. In fact, the attitudes Jesus calls for can only be fulfilled by those who have the indwelling Spirit of Christ.

The Mathew Hennery commentary says this “ The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgment-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!”

look at verse 22. Angry with his brother; in his heart, which is what? Its were God looks in our hearts. Without a cause; this does not mean without an occasion, but rather, in an unreasonable degree, or a mixture of malice hate twords someone. The judgment; the judgment of God. The Saviour's meaning is this: by the law of Moses literal murder is punished with death by common court; but in my kingdom anger in the heart will be regarded and treated as murder. Raca; vain fellow; blockhead. The Saviour puts a case where anger vents itself in railing. The council; the Sanhedrim, which was the highest Jewish court; but here it seems to represent the court of Christ, who will treat all railing accusations of one brother against another as offenses of the gravest kind. Fool; vile wretch; the highest form of reproach in the mouth of a Jew.

But I say unto you. Christ assumes the right to amend it. Such a claim is based on a claim of divinity. Jesus goes back of the murderous act, and forbids the anger and the reproachful words that precede it and are likely to lead it. He places the murderous heart on the level of actual murder. Of hell fire. The term is often used in the New Testament (Mt 23:33; 5:29; 10:28; 18:9; Mr 9:43), and always denotes a place of future punishment. Murder lies within anger and anger within murder; we wish harm to the object of our wrath, or even wish that he did not exist, and sometime it can even become a desire . Anger “without a cause” is forbidden by the command which says “Thou shalt not kill”; for unjust anger is killing in intent. Such anger without cause brings us under higher judgment than that of Jewish police-courts. God takes cognizance of the emotions from which acts of hate may spring, and calls us to account as much for the angry feeling as for the murderous deed. Words also come under the same condemnation: a man shall be judged for what he “shall say to his brother.” To call a man Raca, or a worthless fellow, is to kill him in his reputation; and to say to him, “Thou fool”, is to kill him as to the noblest characteristics of a man. Hence all this comes under such censure as men distribute in their councils; yea, under what is far worse, the punishment awarded by the highest court of the universe, which dooms men to “hell fire.” Thus our Lord and King restores the law of God to its true force, and warns us that it denounces not only the overt act of killing, but every thought, feeling, and word which would tend to injure a brother, or annihilate him by contempt. What a sweeping law is this! My conscience might have been easy as to the command “Thou shalt not kill;” because I didn't think I would ever be capable of such a thing. but if anger without just cause be murder, how will I answer for it? Well thankfully in verse 23 & 24 Christ shows us what to do about it. Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

OK verses 23 Gift; what is a gift, a religious offering. Altar; what is an altar? A place where the offering was made. Aught; is any cause of complaint. If you about to offer a gift on the altar if you kneel down to pray or worship God, and you remember that a brother or someone hath aught against thee A reason for complaint against you, leave your gift stand up, go and make it right with that person, and then offer your gift. This verse shows that someone guilty of wrongs to there fellow-man cannot offer acceptable worship of God. Did you get that. Cannot offer acceptable worship to God! Stop go make it right then come back. Lord will have forgiveness rendered to our brother first, and then the offering presented. We ought to worship God thoughtfully; and if in the course of that thought we remember that

our brother hath ought against us, we must stop. If we have wronged another, we are to pause, cease from the worship, and hasten to seek reconciliation. We easily remember if we have ought against our brother, but now the memory is to be turned the other way. Only when we have remembered our wrong -doing, and made reconciliation, can we hope for

acceptance with the Lord. The rule is — first peace with man, and then acceptance with God

Mt 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Again Adversary; someone who has just claims against thee. Thi8s is a warning to us, to be reconciled while we are yet on the way to his judgment-seat. This opportunity should not wait It should not be neglected, or it may be a lost opportunity forever, because when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ Its to late. How can we expect to be reconciled with Christ when we wont reconcile with our brother? In all disagreements be eager for peace. Thou shalt not come out from thence. After the debtor was cast into prison he was held until the debt was paid, and if it were not, he remained in prison until he died. The Lord would warn us to make everything right before it is too late. Before the judgment there is a chance; after it there is nothing but payment. Lets close there. Let me ask you this if Christ came back right now has your debt been paid or will you suffer that payment at the judgment seat of Christ?

Fokes it you are here today and you know Christ as your savior let me ask you this. Is there someone you need to be reconciled to? We may not want to but is there someone we need to. We cant be completely reconciled to Christ if we are not reconciled to those who have an Ought against us.

Christ came to confirm the law.

8 Sermon Project Part Three of Eight

Christ came to confirm the law.

Mt.5:17-20

Good morning last study we took a look at Mt 5:13-16 this time we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:17-20 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our study.

Ok lets get started. Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5: 17-20

Mt 5:17 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Many of us work or have worked for a company that has gone through a restructure or change in management or in a line of products etc.. as a worker when the big boys of business come in and tell you we are going to make some adjustments, whats the first thing we think? Oh great more layoffs or I might lose my job. OK now granted that happens in many cases but lets take this debate up to the big boy level. Your employers all meet together and determine whether or not the company is gaining or losing money. If it is losing money they usually come up with a plan to rectify that problem. Now that they have a plan they send someone to the plant to carry out that plan and to fulfill those duties. They are not there to change everything for the worker but to make sure the new plan is put in place not changing anything but to make sure the plan is fulfilled.

OK now in Mt 5:17 Christ says Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. What exactly is He saying here? First you need to realize the preceding verses which we discussed last week were so opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees that some thought that he was a destroyer of the law that he had literially come to change and due away with the old testament law. He replies that he has not come to destroy it, but to fulfil. He does not say that he has come to perpetuate it but to fulfill it. Now as we talked about the big boys of business coming into your work not to change but to fulfill there plan right. well like so Christ took care to revise and reform the laws of men; but the law of God he established and confirmed. The Old Testament stands in all its parts, both as to “the late and the prophets.” The Lord Jesus knew nothing of “destructive criticism.” He establishes in its deepest sense all that is written in Holy Scripture, and puts

a new fullness into it. Before he proceeds to make remarks on the sayings of men of old time and the Old Testament He says He, himself is the fulfillment and substance of the types, and prophecies, and commands of the law. He was not going to change but to fulfill and to clarify. He was to To complete its purpose. He was the end of the law and the beginning of Grace. Since Christ we are no longer under the law but under grace. Does this mean we should not follow the law? Well Paul says Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. See being under grace does not give us a get out of jail free card. Because we are under grace we should all the more obey the law. OK now Christ came to rightly explain the nature and to perfectly enforce the precepts of the moral law, as well as perfectly obey them in his own person as an example, bear the curse which was prefigured in the ceremonial law, and thus fulfil the predictions of the prophets concerning the Messiah. Christ came not to make void the moral law, but to establish it, and give it practical efficacy over the hearts and lives of men, by leading them to love and obey it under grace.

OK lets move to the next verse. Verse 18. Mt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. What He is saying here is that no part of the moral law or of the obligations to obey it shall be done away; nor shall any part of the ceremonial law, till its end is accomplished. Again I feel the need to stress we are not under the law we are under grace but simply because we are under grace does not mean we shouldn't obey the law being under grace gives us so much more the reason to obey the law. Now One jot or tittle. "Jot" means the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, while "tittle" refers to a simple turn by which one letter is distinguished from another. Till all be fulfilled. "Till," Dr. Schaff, say "Till implies that after the great events of Christ's life, and the establishment of Christ's kingdom, the old dispensation, as a dispensation of the letter and yoke of bondage, will pass away, and has passed away while the spirit and substance of the law, that is, love to God and man, will last forever." Even to the smallest letters, the dot of every “i”, and the crossing of every “t”, the law will outlast the creation.

The Old Testament is as sacredly guarded as the New. “The Word of the Lord endureth for ever.” Modern critics have set themselves an impossible task in their endeavor to get rid of the inspiration of the whole sacred volume, or of this book, or that chapter, or that verse. Critics even now conspire ways to change word or meanings of word in God Holy Book, but have had great difficulty in doing so lets take a quick look at Lu 16:17 Luke writes And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Did you get that it is easier for heaven and earth to pass. The law will not fail, it cannot fail because it is of God.

Verse 19 Mt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. You see the Pharisees taught that some commands were more important than others, and that it was a trivial matter to break the smallest commands. The papists still divide sin into mortal and venial. Christ shows that the spirit of obedience does not seek to make such distinction. Our King has not come to abrogate the law, but to confirm and reassert it. His commands are eternal; and if any of the teachers of it should through error break his law, and teach that its least command is nullified, they will lose rank, and subside into the lowest place. The peerage of his kingdom is ordered according to obedience. Not birth, knowledge, or success will make a man great; but humble and precise obedience, both in word and in deed. “Whosoever shall do and teach,” he is the man who “shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Hence the Lord Jesus does not set up a milder law, nor will he allow any one of his servants to presume to do so. Our King fulfills the ancient law, and his Spirit works in us to will and to do of God’s good pleasure as set forth in the immutable statutes of righteousness.

Lets pray Lord, make me of this thy kingdom a right loyal subject, and may I both “do and teach” according to thy Word! Whether I am little or great on earth, make me great in obedience to thee.

If we break one of the least we may get into the kingdom, possibly, but such a spirit will give you a very low spiritual rank. Look at Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. To break a little commandment is the same as to being guilty of the greatest. No precept of God's law may be set aside on the ground of its comparative unimportance; for the least disobedience to any command of God is highly offensive to him, while obedience in all things is his delight. The least; of the least repute as a teacher, because both by his example and his doctrine he dishonors God's law. Great; worthy of honor as a teacher, because he honors the law by obeying it and teaching others to obey it. Hold yourselves and other responsible for all of Gods commandments not letting the least of them escape. This was the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they listed the commandments in there hearts from great to no big deal, well it is a big deal to God. Mt 5:20 Christ says For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Their righteousness was selfish, and consisted in externals; while the righteousness which God required is internal as well as external, and consists in conformity of heart and life to his revealed will. In Mt 3:7 there righteousness is referred to as that of vipers. They claimed to be the teachers and examples of righteousness, but they lacked the humble spirit of true obedience. Believers are not to be worse in conduct then non believer's. In heart,

and even in act, we are to be superior to the law-writers, The kingdom is not for rebels, but for the exactly obedient. It not only requires of us holiness, reverence, integrity, and purity, but it works all these things in our hearts and lives. The gospel does not give us the outward liberty to sin because we are superior in our righteousness but the rather it produces an outward sanctity through working

in our inmost part of our soul. What a glorious freedom in the law of the Lord. What a king we have in Jesus! What manner of persons we ought to be who avow ourselves to be in his holy kingdom! How conservative ought we to be of our Father’s revealed will! How determined to allow no trifling with the law and the prophets! Let me show you in Ro 10:3 Paul write what many of us find ourselves doing let read For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

God's righteousness; that which he has provided in Jesus Christ. Their own righteousness; by their outward obedience to the law. Have not submitted themselves; not given their hearts to God, or accepted his salvation through Christ. They had no knowledge of God's plan of righteousness, righteousness by believing upon Christ, but rejecting it they sought a righteousness of their own, of works, secured by keeping the law, and by obeying the traditions of men. On the other hand, they refused to submit to God's righteousness through faith.

Quick points I want to point out. #1 Christ came to fulfill the Law in the world and in our hearts.

#2 The law has not and will not ever change as it was clearly pointed out. #3 breaking one of the least commandments makes you just as guilty as someone who broke a greater commandment. #4 your position I heaven will be determined by your obedience not your righteousness because you have no righteousness the righteousness in you is not yours but is that of Christs. And #5 it is through the Grace of Christ you will be entered into His kingdom not by your works, or your own righteousness.

In closing let me say this Let none of you suppose that Christ allows his people to trifle with any commands of God's law. No sinner partakes of Christ's justifying righteousness, till he repents of his evil deeds. The mercy revealed in the gospel leads the believer to a deeper self-abhorrence. The law is the Christian's rule of duty, and he delights therein. If a man, pretending to be Christ's disciple, encourages himself in any allowed disobedience to the holy law of God, or teaches others to do the same, whatever his station or reputation among men may be, he can not be a true disciple. Christ's righteousness, was imputed to us by faith alone, is needed by every one that enters the kingdom of grace and of glory; but the new creation of the heart to holiness, produces true change in a man's temper and conduct conforming them more to the image of Christ.

8 Sermon Project Part Three of Eight

Exhortations and warnings
Mt.5:13-16

Good morning last time we took a look at Mt 5:3-12 this time we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:13-16 These will be the focus of today's sermon.



Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:13-16 Lets Read
Mt 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Let start by talking about salt because part of this passage we are studying today talks about salt. Most of us like some salt. Do we not? Today salt is considered a seasoning, most of us like our high cholesterol food, French fries always good with salt yummy in fact the more salt the better the flavor right? You name it, and we like to salt it. It good. Isn't it? Well did you know in the old days salt was not only used for seasonings? Yea before refrigerators salt was used as a preservative, to keep foods from rotting, to keep them good to eat. Let me ask you when the salt they used to keep there foods eatable lost it's saltiness what do you think happened to the food? What happened to the salt? Thats right they through it away. Why? Would you eat it? No it became worthless, uneatable, rotten and good for nothing. I wouldn't eat it and I don't Imagen you would either.

Well in Mt.5:13 the Bible says Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Did you get that? Christians we are the salt, we are the seasoning, we are the preservative of the earth. As believers in Christ it is our responsibility to to add flavor to introduce Christ to the lives of others, to be a preservative to keep and uphold Christ among the world. It's our Job because thats what salt does! And I must say most of us are pretty lazy about it. We have lost our savor. If we have lost our savor then who are we going to share God's word with others, how can we hold Christ up in our lives so others may be preserved by His salvation offered to them by His grace? You can't, you have become worthless, good for nothing, and should be thrown away.

Salt preserves from corruption. Salt is worthless if it has lost its qualities. It preserves no longer. It is fit only to be cast out and trodden under foot. So, if those who are the salt of the earth cease to communicate the saving power through Christ, they are fit only to be cast out, and Christ will cast such out of his mouth we read this in Re 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Now as Christians our character should be a preserving force to keep the rest of world from utter corruption. But if we are Christians only in name, then the real power is gone, nothing can save them, and they are of no use to whom they are around. There is a secret something, which is the source of the believer’s power. that something is our savor Whats our savor you ask? Faith our faith is our savor. it is not easy to define it, but yet it is absolutely essential to usefulness. A person may be of some use even if he fails in certain aspects. but a Christian who is not a Christian is bad all round, he is “good for nothing”, and utterly useless to anybody and everybody and Utter rejection awaits him. He will “be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.” That person is no preservative, they do not even preserve themselves from contempt. The text is very clear and positive upon that point. What unscriptural nonsense to tolerate man’s being born again, and yet losing their salvation, and then getting it again. If it were so then man would be for ever hopeless. We could not be born again, and again, and again. We would be beyond the reach of mercy. But who is hopeless? Is there anyone to whom it is impossible to restore? Real quick Mr 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Lets look at one more Lu 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Are you hearing?Are you listing? The great lesson here is, that if grace itself fails to save a man, nothing else can be done for him. “If the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” You can salt meat, but you cannot salt salt: if grace fails everything fails. Father do not permit us to lose our my savor, but ever keep us full of thy grace and truth. Amen..

Verse 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
A city set on a hill. OK lets take new York do you think we could hide a city from the world the size of new York? Not a chance. Lets look at this another way. Did you now when other countries think of the US they think of new York, or LA the large cities. Why do you think that is? The large cities set an example to how the rest of the world see us. Just as you a servant of Christ set an example as to how the world See's Christians. As a Christian we need to make sure the light of Christ is visible in us. When we run around in sin how do you think others will preceive Christians? There gonna think they are all Hippocrates, and sadly many of us are. The scriptures say in Mt 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? We are known by our fruits and others will see us for what and who we truly are. We set the example for the unbelievers, It is Christ working through us that brings light to the world. We are the vessels carrying the knowledge of salvation to those whom are lost. You go to work one day professing Christ yet the next day you are cursing, and making or laughing at perverse jokes, or being judgmental twards your coworkers, well stop it, thats not setting your city on a hill for all to see that is bringing shame to the very name of Christ. Romans chapter six pops into my mind let me share it with you real quick. I'm not just going to read this verse to you im telling it to you because this is what many of you expect. Ro 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? You live in sin you continue in sin yet you want God to abound grace in your life well it don't work that way God forbid. Through Christ we are dead to sin and free to glorify Him and share His word to people he bring into our lives. A few years ago it was about a week before Christmas, me my wife and two children were in myers to get my daughter a pair of pants, we had $25 to our name and after looking we found the least costly pair of pants they had cost $18.00 we looked at each other and said how can we affored this its only going to leave us with $7 for the hole week, we havent even got any presents for the kids on christmas morrning yet, but we knew our daoughter had to have the clothes so we stoped and said a quick prayer and told the lord our sittuation and said we leave it in your capible hands. Well as we headed to the check out a lady came running up to us. We had never meet or seen her before, but she opened her mouth and said excuse me I was walking out of the store and I seen you and your family and had an overwhelming feeling that God wanted me to give this to you that you really need it right now, and also to let you know he is with you and love you. We were speechless as she handed us an envelope, at the moment we did not know how to react we just said thank you as she walked away, you know we never saw her again. But as we opened the card inside was a Gift card for $100 we got all teary eyed and praised the lord that he new our needs. That lady that had the courage to listen to God as he spoke to her heart had a great impact on our lives and our faith. You see she was letting her light shine, her city was not hid but was set on a hill. We were able to by a few outfits for the kids, and even a toy or two for under the Christmas tree, But guess what 2 weeks later we had the same thing happen in the grocery store were another lady we did not know came up to us and gave us $20 to help with our groceries. There is no doubt this was God shining his grace through complete strangers. Let me ask you this, Do you let your city be seen on a hill? Or have you hid it in a valley so people just pass by? Every person God brings into our liefs is an opportunity to shine for Christ. Let your city be seen.

Lets read Mt 5: verse 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Candles and candlesticks were not used in Scripture times. It would be foolishness to light a lamp and put it under a bushel. You would not get any light, the light would be covered. I mean really what would be the point? Just plain foolishness. When you accepted Christ as your Saviour he put a light in you for the purpose of shining so that other may see clearly the way to salvation. If you hide the light so it don't shine then the light really ain't doing you, it ain't doing God, and it ain't doing others any good because they cant see it, you just never know there may be someone in our lives whom their only chance to see the light of God may be through us, and if we are not letting that light shine we not only have missed a great opportunity to lead someone to Christ but we may have deprived them of there only chance to hear the truth about Christ and salvation. Scary thought to think we may be responsible for someone not hearing the word of God. Think about this how many opportunity's have you missed? If we let our light shine then all around can see and we can see those whom need the light and can help or guide them so they don't stumble or fall.
Mr 4:21 says And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Is not the light of Christ that was freely given to you suppose to be set in the open for all to see, absolutely it is. Look at Lu 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Our light is to be set on a candle stick so that who ever enters or crosses our path may see our light and see Christ. One more Lu 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. Not just for strangers but also our light in Christ should be seen by everyone whom enters into our lives.

Is your city on a hill or a valley? Does our light shine for everyone whom passes through our lives to see? Or is it hidden under our sin, behind a bushel or under a table?when you are out in public and your looking around and you know God points out someone to you do you let them keep walking past or do you share your light with them?

In closing Let your light shine, the more you study Gods word and pray the brighter your light will be. Don t skip out on an opportunity to help others to show them the way to Christ, it may be there only chance to hear Gods word or to see Gods grace in action. Don't hide your light. Your light is not yours to hide but it is that of Christ in you. Put their to bring others into His kingdom.

Invitation into His kingdom
Brothers, sisters, let your light shine, if your reading this today and your not sure if you have that light you can! It is available to you, Christ died for our sins that we may be made holy through Christ, all you need to do is accept Christ for who he is the son of God, and for what he has done for you on the cross, and he will put his light in you. Don't wait he is speaking to you today let him in.