November 1, 2015
Evening Service

Luke 8:16-18

This morning we began a study series on the “Parables of Jesus.”  A parable is defined by Webster as “A story that illustrates a moral lesson.”  These parables of Jesus came with two purposes.  First these parables use real life scenarios to add to the understanding or illustrate the truth in such a manner that those who are chosen could grasp it more clearly.  Secondly, (Luke 8:10) the parables hid some of God’s truth from those who were not given the ability to understand.  G. H. Lang wrote this:

“The disciples listened with a mind eager to understand and ready to believe and obey:  the rest heard with either listlessness, or curiosity, or resolute opposition.  To the former more knowledge would be granted; and the latter would be deprived of what knowledge they seemed to have.”

Our parable for this evening is “The parable of the Lamp” found in Luke 8:16-18, Matthew 5:14-15, and Mark 4:21-25.  In Matthew the verse comes immediately following the “Be Attitudes” we just studied from the Sermon on the Mount.  In Luke and Mark, the verse comes following the "Parable of the Sower.”  Let’s see what the Lord has for us tonight.

 Luke 8:16-18 And no one lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel or puts it under a couch; but he sets it on a lampstand so that those who enter in may see the light.  (17)  For nothing is secret that shall not be revealed; nor secret which shall not be known and come to be revealed.  (18)  Therefore be careful how you hear. For whoever has, to him shall be given; and whoever has not, from him shall be taken even that which he seems to have.

·         The lighting of the lamp here refers to a person being “illuminated” to the knowledge of the gospel message.  When we come to the knowledge that we are a sinner and we need a Savior, our lamp is lit when we accept Jesus as that Savior.

·         The next point is what we do with our new found salvation.  Is it to be hidden and suppressed in our lives away from everyone else’s view?  Certainly not, we are to place the lamp in a prominent area that maximizes its ability to illuminate others.

·         The two things mentioned here that could be used to cover up our lamp (new found faith) are first a vessel (bushel).  A vessel or bushel is referring to a unit of measure used in the working world.  The question then becomes are we to hide our faith from those we work with and around by going about our business the same old way?  No, we are to allow our new faith to change how we work into one that is in line with what pleases our Savior (lampstand).

·         Secondly, He mentions a couch.  This could be referring to our home, comfort, rest and leisure.  Do we allow these things to keep us from shining our knowledge of the gospel?  No, we should expect to be brought out of our “comfort zones” at times to testify of our faith.  We are expected to live a life that all can see the changes Jesus has made in our lives, sometimes that means being uncomfortable or even inconvenienced.  We are putting Him first in our lives.

 

The second part of this parable (read verses 17), reveals to us that even if we try to hide our freshly lit lamp it will eventually be revealed to all.

 

2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the things done through the body, according to that which he has done, whether good or bad.

·         This is not pertaining to our salvation, but it speaks of the responsibility we all carry to share the light of the gospel message to this dark and dying world.  If we fail or succeed we will receive our just reward.

·         We are all aware of the “Great Commission” given at the end of Matthew to the apostles and is also passed on to us.

 

Mat 28:19-20  Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  (20)  teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.

·         Paul is telling us we will be held accountable for our actions on the commission.   It is our responsibility as a church, body of believers, and individuals to let our light shine, by words, actions and our lifestyle.

 

Verse 18 (read) simply says we must not only be “hearers” of the Word, but we must also be “doers.”  If we are faithful in the little things, such as sharing the gospel with others, even greater things will be given unto us.

·         God will use you in mighty ways, if you are first faithful in the small things.  His will is going to be accomplished; the question is;

o    “Are we committed enough to Him that He will allow us to take a big part in His kingdom?”

·         We often are robbed of blessing because we are not doing what pleases God and thus He is unable to use us.

·         Are we just a fan of Jesus or are we a committed follower?  A fan is an enthusiastic admirer who cheers for Jesus at his convenience, yet invests little.  A follower is one who is fully committed and works daily to please His Savior because he loves Him.  Jesus defined a true follower like this:

 

Luke 9:23  And He said to all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

·         When we choose to place a limit on when and what we will do for our Savior, we are placing a basket over our lamp of faith limiting our ability to impact others.

·         When we deny ourselves and carry our cross daily, we are placing our lamp high on a lampstand for all to see and be illuminated by.

 

Lord, may we be yielded totally to Your will and allow our light to shine brightly for Your glory.