Legacy - Part 4 [Notes]

In the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey discovers what the world would have been like if he had never been born. He comes to understand something he never realized before: his life had a profound and great impact on all those around him.  

God has uniquely created each of us with special talents, abilities, and gifts that can be used to make a difference in our world.  Is it possible God wants to use you in a special way to change your world for good? Join us as we begin a new series titled, "Legacy." We will be exploring how God has a unique plan for our lives.

Today's Takeaway // The faith we profess is revealed through the good we do.

My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.¹
– John 15:8 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Jn 15:8). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
– Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
– Matthew 5:14-16 (HCSB)

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden."
– Matthew 5:15 (HCSB)

The challenge is to live out in the public arena what one is intrinsically.²
– J Noland
_{² Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text (pp. 214–215). W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.}

"No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, ^h but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
– Matthew 5:15-16 (HCSB)
_{^h 5:15 A large basket used to measure grain}

Homes were illuminated with small terra-cotta oil-burning lamps. These could be carried around when required, but would normally sit on a stand conveniently located to provide a basic level of illumination for the whole dwelling (this is possible because the homes in mind consisted of single rooms, as was typically the case with Palestinian homes of the period).³
– J Nolland
_{³ Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: a commentary on the Greek text (p. 214). W.B.Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.}

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may seeyour good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
– Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
– Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light ^g in the Lord. Walk as children of light ^h — for the fruit of the light ⁱ results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.⁴
– Ephesians 5:8-9 (HCSB)
_{^g 5:8 Ps 36:9; Jn 12:46
^h 5:8 Is 2:5; Lk 16:8; Jn 12:35–36
ⁱ 5:9 Other mss read fruit of the Spirit
⁴ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Eph 5:8–9). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

1. How do you think people these days view Christians? Positively or negatively? Explain your answer.
2. Read Matthew 5:14-16. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “You are the light of the world?” Why is “light” a good analogy for Christians?
3. Why should we want to be a light in this world? Why would any of us choose to hide the light we have?
4. Read Ephesians 5:8-9. What are some ways we can let our light shine? What are some of the best ways we, as Christians, can bring about good in our society?
5. How might you apply today's lesson to your life?

Gone // 1,000 Names // The Truth // Got It In You

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