Matthew 5:16
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven--As nobody lights a lamp only to cover it up, but places it so conspicuously as to give light to all who need light, so Christians, being the light of the world, instead of hiding their light, are so to hold it forth before men that they may see what a life the disciples of Christ lead, and seeing this, may glorify their Father for so redeeming, transforming, and ennobling earth's sinful children, and opening to themselves the way to like redemption and transformation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your light so shine before men,.... Here Christ applies the foregoing simile to his disciples, and more fully opens the meaning and design of it. His sense is this; that the light of the Gospel, which he had communicated to them, the spiritual knowledge of the mysteries of grace, which he had favoured them with, were to be openly declared, and made manifest before men. Light was not given merely for their own private use, but for the public good of mankind; and therefore, as they were placed as lights in the world, they were to hold forth, in the most open and conspicuous manner, the word of light and life: that they may see your good works: meaning their zeal and fervency; their plainness and openness; their sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity; their courage and intrepidity; their diligence, industry, and indefatigableness in preaching the Gospel; their strict regard to truth, the honour of Christ, and the good of souls; as also their very great care and concern to recommend the doctrines of grace, by their example in their lives and conversations: and glorify your Father which is in heaven; that is, that when the ministration of the Gospel has been blessed, for the illumination of the minds of men, to a thorough conviction of their state; and for their regeneration, conversion, sanctification, and comfort; they may give praise to God, and bless his name for qualifying and sending such Gospel ministers to show unto them the way of salvation; and that the word has been made useful to them for communicating spiritual light, life, joy, and comfort, , "Our and your Father which is in heaven", is a name, appellation, or periphrasis of God, frequently used by Jewish writers (s); and is often expressed by Christ in these his sermons on the mount. (s) Vid. Misn. Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. & Yoma, c. 8. sect. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:16 praise your heavenly Father: Religious hypocrites seek praise for themselves; Jesus’ disciples should seek praise for God (see 1 Pet 2:12).
Matthew 5:16
Salt and Light
15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 22): Our Walk in the Presence of the Unsaved
By A.W. Tozer22K35:14UnsavedMAT 5:16MAT 6:331CO 10:31PHP 2:151TI 4:12JAS 2:171PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers. He highlights that God never gives us instructions to live without Him, and that His precepts are meant to be applied in different situations and contexts. The preacher encourages listeners to understand that the Bible provides broad principles of right living, but the specific application of those principles is determined by individual circumstances. The sermon is based on 1 Peter 2:12, which urges believers to have an honest conversation and conduct among Gentiles, so that their good works may glorify God.
God's Dealing With Me - Part 2
By Derek Prince19K36:42BrokennessMAT 5:16MAT 6:33MRK 1:21ACT 2:42ACT 2:46ROM 1:161CO 1:9In this sermon, the pastor shares his personal experiences and the impact of God's work in his life. He mentions a powerful message he preached and the warm spirit in the Sunday morning service. The pastor also talks about a miraculous healing he received, where his shorter leg was lengthened through prayer, resulting in the elimination of back pain. He further shares testimonies of others experiencing leg lengthening and healing during a period of fellowship.
Radical Risk, Radical Reward
By David Platt12K1:01:06RadicalMAT 5:16MAT 28:19MRK 8:34LUK 14:25JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 10:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the vast spiritual and physical needs in the world, including the death of thousands of children due to preventable causes. He argues that the integrity of one's faith is measured by their concern for those in need. The speaker asserts that if the Bible is true and these needs exist, then there is no time to waste on a comfortable Christian lifestyle. He calls for radical sacrifice and urgency in fulfilling the mission given by God. The sermon also highlights the importance of knowing and loving God deeply, as demonstrated by the example of a man who sells everything he has to obtain a valuable treasure.
Self Denial (Reading)
By John Wesley12K31:17Audio BooksPSA 27:14ECC 9:10MAT 5:16LUK 9:23JHN 4:81TI 4:16JAS 1:22In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series and encourages listeners to engage with classic Christian texts in audiobook form. He emphasizes the importance of practicing the teachings of the word of God daily and without interruption. The sermon focuses on the concept of self-denial, as Jesus instructs his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow him. James Christian highlights the significance of applying this teaching to one's own life and seeking strength from God to practice it immediately and universally in all circumstances.
(Education for Exultation) Building Our Lives on the Bible
By John Piper7.9K37:21PSA 119:11PSA 119:105PRO 3:5MAT 5:16MAT 6:33JHN 17:172TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of the Bible in our lives and its role in bringing about exaltation in God. He emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The Bible equips believers for every good work, which ultimately brings glory to God. The speaker encourages listeners to stand firm in the word of God and not be swayed by worldly advancements, emphasizing the need to conserve and preserve the relevance and radical nature of the Bible in our lives.
Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905
By Evan Roberts4.7K00:11Our Response to GodGod's Glory1CH 16:8PSA 96:3PSA 145:3ISA 43:7MAT 5:16ROM 12:1COL 3:23HEB 13:151PE 2:9REV 4:11Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer to God in return for His blessings and grace. The sermon serves as a reminder of God's eternal presence and the importance of our response to His love and mercy.
(Mount Vernon) Daniel
By Keith Daniel4.5K56:34DanielDAN 3:16DAN 12:3MAT 5:16PHP 4:61TI 4:12HEB 13:5JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a wise and righteous life. He uses the example of a man who behaved wisely because of God's presence with him. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own lives and ask if they have turned many to righteousness and if their lives have shaken others for God. He also highlights the qualities that made this man's life impactful, such as integrity, transparency, humility, and faithfulness. The speaker encourages the audience to live according to the New Testament standard, being careful for nothing and bringing every thought into obedience to God.
A Godly Example
By Erlo Stegen3.9K21:11Living WorthyMAT 5:161CO 10:31EPH 5:3PHP 2:151TI 4:12TIT 2:71PE 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a good example, especially to young people. He mentions a survey conducted in American jails, which found that over 90% of serial killers admitted to using pornography when they were young. The preacher urges the congregation to set a clear pattern of integrity and to be a positive influence on both believers and unbelievers. He also highlights the alarming statistics of the pornographic industry, stating that the average age of those involved is 11 years old. The sermon concludes with Bible verses encouraging young people to be examples in speech, life, love, faith, and purity.
The Awakening of 1904 in Wales
By J. Edwin Orr3.8K29:182CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 44:3JOL 2:28MAT 5:16JHN 3:16ACT 2:17ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 5:14This sermon delves into the powerful impact of the Welsh Revival of the early 20th century, highlighting the widespread spiritual awakening that swept through Wales and beyond. It explores the transformative effects on individuals, communities, and even societal norms, showcasing the profound changes brought about by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during this revival period.
Crisis-01 Crisis of Identity
By Stephen Olford2.7K52:26MAT 5:16ROM 8:282CO 3:17JAS 1:25In this sermon, the preacher recounts the story of Paul's conversion on the Damascus road. He emphasizes the significance of Paul's encounter with Jesus and his subsequent choice to follow Him. The preacher then poses the question to the audience if they have answered the call to follow Jesus. He addresses the issue of feeling worthless and lacking identity, asserting that God has a purpose for every life. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding God's plan and purpose for each individual, drawing from the book of Romans and emphasizing the certainty of our relationship with God and His calling in our lives.
When the Blessing of God Sends Fear Into the Earth
By Carter Conlon2.1K1:01:12PeaceMAT 5:16MAT 6:332CO 5:172TI 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in God and making the glory of the risen Christ a reality in our lives. He encourages believers to be transformed and to live in a way that causes others to desire God. The preacher also mentions the reign of Solomon, which was characterized by great peace. He shares a personal experience of being a positive influence on his coworkers through his work ethic and faith. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to live a life that glorifies God, regardless of the opposition or challenges they may face.
The Movements Between World Wars
By J. Edwin Orr2.1K24:382CH 7:14PSA 85:6ISA 57:15JOL 2:28MAT 5:16ACT 1:8ROM 12:11EPH 5:14COL 3:1JAS 4:8This sermon recounts historical revivals and movements of God in various countries, highlighting the impact of prayer, powerful preaching, and the work of true Christians in bringing about spiritual awakenings. It emphasizes the role of individuals like W. P. Nicholson, John Sung, and others in sparking revivals amidst challenging circumstances, leading to conversions, missionary work, and lasting spiritual transformations.
Americas Evidence for Salvation
By Bob Utley1.9K04:47MAT 5:16MAT 7:21JAS 1:221PE 2:9This sermon challenges the notion that mere religious actions or events are enough to have a relationship with God. It emphasizes the need for genuine personal commitment, active involvement in spreading the Gospel, and living out one's faith consistently in all aspects of life. The speaker highlights the importance of being the true representation of Jesus in the world, rather than just going through religious motions.
The Light of the World
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K48:20MAT 5:16MAT 28:19JHN 8:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and the consequences of living a sinful life. He warns the audience that all secrets will be exposed on the day of judgment, and urges them to repent now to avoid calamity. The preacher also encourages everyone to actively participate in spreading the gospel, not just leaving it to pastors. He emphasizes that the best form of preaching is through one's actions and interactions in daily life. The sermon concludes with a plea for sinners to open their eyes to the light of Christ and be grateful for the opportunity to see and accept the truth.
World-Changer by Micheal Brown
By Micheal L. Brown1.8K05:23PSA 37:4PRO 4:18ISA 41:10MAT 5:16PHP 1:61TH 5:17HEB 12:1JAS 4:81PE 2:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to live a life that counts for God, to let our light shine in darkness, and to seek after Him wholeheartedly. It challenges listeners to prioritize God above all else, to pursue His will, and to trust in His promises for a bright future. The message encourages a life of passion, purity, and perseverance in faith, knowing that God will bring His work to completion in us.
Why Revival Tarries - Part 4
By Henry Blackaby1.7K09:21PSA 51:10ISA 6:1MAL 2:16MAT 5:16MAT 9:37JHN 17:17ACT 1:81CO 1:182TI 2:21JAS 1:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctification by the truth of God's Word, highlighting the transformative power of encountering God's holiness and being challenged to conform to the image of Christ. It shares the impact of personal revival and how being a witness of God's truth can lead to the sanctification of others, resulting in a ripple effect of spiritual growth and mission work. The speaker reflects on a powerful revival experience in a church, demonstrating the fruitfulness of genuine encounters with God and the subsequent transformation of individuals and communities.
Dead Men Tell No Tales
By Rolfe Barnard1.7K1:01:41ConversionPRO 21:2MAT 5:16MAT 7:21LUK 16:192TI 2:19JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher expresses his heartbreak over the state of the world and the church. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong testimony and warns against giving a weak or uncertain sound. The preacher urges listeners to face their sin and calls for a revival of confession, heart searching, and agonizing prayer. He shares a story about a soldier who died holding onto a handbill from a meeting nine years prior, highlighting the power of a lasting testimony.
The Spies
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K46:07JOS 14:8MAT 5:16ACT 14:22ROM 12:2PHP 4:8TIT 2:111PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of Canaan as a representation of religion. He argues that Canaan was never meant to symbolize heaven, as there are no negative elements like Canaanites or giants in heaven. The speaker emphasizes that the majority of people do not personally explore or experience religion, but instead rely on the reports and actions of others. He distinguishes between those who bring an evil report of religion, characterized by a dull and heavy spirit, and those who bring a good report, exemplified by Caleb and Joshua. The speaker concludes by urging Christians to act like Caleb and Joshua and bring a positive report of their faith through their daily lives.
A Prized Relationship
By Ian Murray1.6K34:57MAT 5:16JHN 20:1JHN 20:11JHN 20:17GAL 2:20JAS 1:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of valuing and utilizing our relationship with God. He mentions the story of Jacob serving seven years for the love of Rachel, highlighting the devotion and love that should be directed towards Christ. The preacher also discusses the danger of forgetting our first love for God and encourages the congregation to maintain a deep love and devotion to Him. He reminds them of the comforting words of Jesus, who taught them to pray to their heavenly Father and trust in His provision. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for a strong love for Christ and a firm faith in Him.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Freed From Wordly Attitudes
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:11PRO 4:23MAT 5:16MAT 6:33LUK 12:15ROM 12:2PHP 4:81TH 5:22JAS 1:221PE 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking upright in a crooked world, focusing on avoiding greed, being cautious about unnecessary curiosity, and filling the mind with useful information that aligns with God's will. It challenges listeners to judge themselves, prioritize spiritual growth, and seek to live a life that glorifies God by being concerned about others and making decisions based on God's kingdom principles.
(John) His Own Nation Received Him Not
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:00:01RejectionMAT 5:16JHN 12:37JHN 13:34JHN 14:2JHN 15:26JHN 17:202CO 8:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the capacity of the nation and the immutability of the world. He emphasizes the activity of the Lord and the deity of the tongue. The preacher also discusses the mentality of the rulers and the simplicity of the gospel. He encourages the audience to examine the miracles performed by Jesus in the twelve chapters of the Bible and highlights the lack of belief despite witnessing these wonders. The sermon concludes by mentioning that Jesus turns his attention to his own followers and begins teaching them important truths.
To Be an Antioch Church
By James Hudson Taylor IV1.6K49:32AntiochMAT 5:16MAT 28:19ACT 1:8ROM 12:12CO 5:17GAL 6:171PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of commitment and service to God. He shares a personal experience of speaking at a mission conference in Taiwan, where many young people committed themselves to world missions. The speaker also discusses a project he was involved in, where they loaned sheep to farmers in order to help them overcome poverty. The project caught the attention of the central government, and a Communist Party member acknowledged the service of the Christians involved. The overall message is that Jesus has saved us to serve Him, and that true poverty relief comes through teaching and empowering others rather than simply giving money.
Jehovah's Disobedient Servant
By Charles E. Fuller1.5K51:11DisobediencePSA 61:2PSA 100:2PRO 13:15JON 2:1MAT 5:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding forth the Word of God in these critical days. He acknowledges that the world cannot offer lasting peace and security, and that true peace and security can only be found in the Lord Jesus. The preacher leads the congregation in prayer, asking for forgiveness of sins and strength for those facing persecution. He encourages believers to be patient in difficult circumstances, assuring them that God's foreknowledge extends to every incident in the lives of his children. The sermon concludes with a hymn about the hope of a heavenly home.
(Happenings Ahead) the Demands of the Last Days
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:13:52Last DaysMAT 5:16MRK 16:15ROM 13:11EPH 5:8PHP 2:151TH 5:2TIT 2:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of unbelief in the last days. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus' invitation to come to him for salvation, as the opportunity may be lost in the future. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians to actively spread the gospel and not be complacent in their faith. He references 2 Timothy 3, which describes the characteristics of people in the last days, and warns against having a form of godliness without true faith. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the congregation to wake up and live according to the teachings of Jesus.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven--As nobody lights a lamp only to cover it up, but places it so conspicuously as to give light to all who need light, so Christians, being the light of the world, instead of hiding their light, are so to hold it forth before men that they may see what a life the disciples of Christ lead, and seeing this, may glorify their Father for so redeeming, transforming, and ennobling earth's sinful children, and opening to themselves the way to like redemption and transformation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let your light so shine before men,.... Here Christ applies the foregoing simile to his disciples, and more fully opens the meaning and design of it. His sense is this; that the light of the Gospel, which he had communicated to them, the spiritual knowledge of the mysteries of grace, which he had favoured them with, were to be openly declared, and made manifest before men. Light was not given merely for their own private use, but for the public good of mankind; and therefore, as they were placed as lights in the world, they were to hold forth, in the most open and conspicuous manner, the word of light and life: that they may see your good works: meaning their zeal and fervency; their plainness and openness; their sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity; their courage and intrepidity; their diligence, industry, and indefatigableness in preaching the Gospel; their strict regard to truth, the honour of Christ, and the good of souls; as also their very great care and concern to recommend the doctrines of grace, by their example in their lives and conversations: and glorify your Father which is in heaven; that is, that when the ministration of the Gospel has been blessed, for the illumination of the minds of men, to a thorough conviction of their state; and for their regeneration, conversion, sanctification, and comfort; they may give praise to God, and bless his name for qualifying and sending such Gospel ministers to show unto them the way of salvation; and that the word has been made useful to them for communicating spiritual light, life, joy, and comfort, , "Our and your Father which is in heaven", is a name, appellation, or periphrasis of God, frequently used by Jewish writers (s); and is often expressed by Christ in these his sermons on the mount. (s) Vid. Misn. Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. & Yoma, c. 8. sect. 9.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:16 praise your heavenly Father: Religious hypocrites seek praise for themselves; Jesus’ disciples should seek praise for God (see 1 Pet 2:12).