In our previous lesson (Part 3) we explained the light of Christ in three inter-related aspects: Salvation, Good Works, and Truth. All three work together inseparably, like the legs on a three-legged stool.

Salvation shows that the light of Christ delivers us from being in the condition of darkness / spiritual deadness. We are given spiritual life by Christ's light and transferred / transported from the kingdom of darkness (Satan & the world) into Christ's kingdom of light. We were dead in trespasses and sins. Salvation through the light of Christ gives us spiritual life. We become alive to God / to the things of God. See Isaiah 49:6; John 1:4; Acts 26:18, 22-23. You may find a more extensive list of verses in the notes of lesson three.

Good Works come forth in the lives of people who have experienced salvation through the light of Christ. Their path is now given light, so that they may walk the heavenly way. In the flesh they could not have done this, but the light of Christ has provided new birth / salvation. This gives them the desire and ability to love, to seek, and to obey the Lord. See John 1:16-17; 8:12; Ephesians 2:8-10; 5:8. You may find a more extensive list of verses in the notes of lesson three.

Truth is the powerful light of Christ, who is also called "The Word." His word penetrates our minds and hearts. He illuminates and gives spiritual life through speaking into us. The light of His truth overpowers the lies of Satan and the world. The light of Christ's truth invades the fleshly prison of the darkness in man. Man's lust, pride, and fallen / corrupted will are transformed by the power of the light of the gospel of Christ. See Psalm 36:9; 43:3-4; 119:105,130; John 1:14-18; 3:19-21; 6:63; 8:30-32;10:27-28; 18:36-37; Romans 1:16-17; I Peter 1:23-25. You may find a more extensive list of verses in the notes of lesson three.

Salvation: The work of the person of Christ.

Good Works: The purpose and the result of the work of Christ.

Truth: The means of communication, application, and empowerment for the people receiving the light of Christ.

In lesson one, we introduced "The ministry of Christ's light" (Luke 1:76-79). At the end, we briefly touched on the subject of "Our responsibility to the light" (Luke 11:33-36). Let's develop that further.

Luke 11:33-36 - Our responsibility to the light
We must not hide this light. There is a danger of false light. We need to discern the light, receive the light, and act upon the light. See John 8:10-12; 12:35-36, 44-46; Acts 26:18; II Corinthians 11:1-3, 13-15; Ephesians 5:1-17; I John 1:1 - 2:6.

Luke 11:33 - Study the context of Luke 11:16-33. Unbelieving people were asking Jesus for a sign (Luke 11:16). Jesus condemned their motives (Luke 11:29). He pointed out the testimony of Jonah and of Solomon (Luke 11:30-32). Jonah's preaching and Solomon's wisdom were enough for others. They must see that Jesus' life and words were all the sign that they needed. In this context, Jesus is stating in Luke 11:33 that He has come as a light. He is not hiding it. He is clearly showing that He is the Messiah by His words and actions. This verse is different than Matthew 5:14-16, where we are told to be the light of the world.

Luke 11:34-36 now tells us how important it is to receive the light of Christ. Jesus uses the metaphor of the physical eye. It is the lens that brings light to the brain. But if the eye is unhealthy, it cannot get the right image to the brain. The KJV uses the word "single" to translate a Greek word that means "single (pure), open, holding nothing back." It comes from a root word that means "generosity." The idea is that an eye disease, or injury holds back the comprehension of a true image. Also consider that our eyelids need to be wide open - not half closed or squinting. Other translations use such words as "good, clear, and healthy" to describe the "single eye." The light may be good, but if our vision is impaired, we will not benefit from that light.

What impairs our spiritual vision / understanding? - pride, stubbornness, lust, prejudice, and fear. These things not only hinder the reception of good light from God's word, but also make us vulnerable to false light - deception from Satan (doctrines of demons) and people (false teachers). In Mathew 6:19-24, Jesus places this teaching about the eye in the middle of a discussion about guarding what our heart seeks and treasures. We cannot serve God and at the same time be a slave to riches.

If we truly receive the light of Christ, we will start walking away from darkness. See Ephesians 5:8,14-15 (Ephesians 5:1-21); II Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1. We will put away foolish and fleshly things and hold forth "the word of life" to others, shining as "lights in the world" (Philippians 2:1-16). There will be resistance and spiritual warfare. Respond as "the children of light, and of the day" (I Thessalonians 5:5). Put on the "armor of light" (Romans 13:12) See I Thessalonians 5:1-11; Romans 13:11-14 cp. Ephesians 6:10-20. Man naturally cannot desire or receive God's light, but Christ has made a way to bring us to His saving light. See I Timothy 6:16 cp. John 14:6; I Peter 3:18; II Peter 1:16-21; Ephesians 5:14.

How is Jesus the light of the world? Consider these three basic answers: Salvation, Good Works, and Truth. They point us in the right direction so that we can seek the Lord and follow Him the rest of our lives (Isaiah 1:18; 55:1-2,6-11; Hosea 6:3,6; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-34).

Salvation - Salvation delivers us from the control of Satan's dark kingdom and brings us into the kingdom of God's dearly beloved Son. We receive forgiveness of sins, spiritual life / new birth, and deliverance from the deadness of trespasses and sins. We are risen to a new life which also entitles us to an inheritance in the kingdom of light - an eternal kingdom of truth and purity. There is only one way / one gospel. All other messages are darkness / false light.

See Isaiah 49:6; Acts 13:46-47; Luke 1:76-79; 2:29-32; II Corinthians 4:3-6; 11:3,13-15; Colossians 1:12-14; II Timothy 1:7-10; I Peter 2:9; I John 2:8-11, Revelation 21:23-24; 22:1-5.

See also John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 26:18,22-23; Galatians 1:3-9; Ephesians 2:1-6; Colossians 2:8-10; I John 2:15-27; 4:1-6.

Good Works - The light of Salvation shows us how to walk. We are to walk in the light of God's ways, not in the darkness of ignorance, sin and evil. Christ gives us light so that we can obey.

See; Psalm 97:10-12; Mathew 5:14-16; 28:18-20; John 3:18-21; 8:12; 12:35-36,46; Ephesians 5:1-21; I John 1:5-7; 2:6 cp. Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:8-10 [cp. Titus 3:3-8]; Hebrews 13:20-21.

Truth - The light of salvation comes to us by God's word and by God's Spirit. We need wisdom, discernment, and understanding from God. His truth makes us free from the deception of Satan, the world, and the flesh. We get our sense of direction; we establish our values and priorities through the light of Christ. Truth is not just something that we know. It is something that we do.

See Psalm 36:9; 119:105,130; Proverbs 6:23 [Proverbs 6:20-27 cp. 2:1-22]; John 1:4-5,9,14-18; 5:24-26; 6:37-40,44-45,63; 8:30-32; 10:27-30; 12:35-36,46; 17:13-22; 18:36-37; Romans 1:1-6,16-17; 10:8-17; Ephesians 5:1-21; Colossians 1:3 - 2:10; James 1:2-8,17-18,22-25; 2:14-20; 3:13-18; I Peter 1:22-25; I John 1:5-7; 2:15-27; 4:1-6; III John 1:3-4.

See also Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 111:10.