As I have gotten older, I have learned so much about how to study the Bible. Let me allow you to look over my shoulder as we read the following verse and begin our study by carefully looking at every phrase and sometimes every word. Take time to see how each part of a verse relates to every other part and how it ties so many Biblical truths together throughout the Bible.
Paul said, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). You might profit by reading this verse more than just one time.
“God…commanded the light to shine out of darkness…”Think first about the emptiness and darkness in our universe before the Spirit of God moved over the face of the deep and God said, “Let there be light.” Imagine a world without any sun, moon, and stars, for this immense darkness is hard to contemplate. However, this darkness is nothing to compare to the darkness of sin around us. Our world almost seems like that of Noah’s when every thought and imagination of man’s heart is on evil continually.
God…has shown in our hearts to give the light…” The Bible speaks so often about that which is a light to our feet and a light to our paths. We who once were in darkness are now in the light which He has given us. He is truly the light of the world, but His plan is to use us to let the light that we have received shine in the world to glorify God.
“God…has shone in our hearts…” Here is the key as to how to let our lights shine. True Christianity is not some ritualistic lifestyle. The first commandment deals with loving Him will all our hearts. If He is not in our hearts, our lives will never impact the world. It begins at this place and impacts how we let our light reflect His.
“To give the light of the knowledge…” Knowledge that is not shared with our lost world is meaningless. We must never let Bible study be simply a mental exercise understanding Bible truths. The knowledge we have is to given to others.
“Knowledge of the glory of God…” Remember when Moses asked to see the face of God and Jehovah passed by so that he might see the glory of God. If you want to see what he saw read Exodus 33:18-19. This is the glory we have in our hearts to let shine into the hearts of others!
“Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” We are so blessed in the theme of the sermons at PBL. We are walking with Jesus and seeing God’s glory as we look at Jesus. Your life will be changed eternally by these lessons.