Where Is the Way Where Light Dwelleth
As children of God, our purpose is to reflect the beauty of Jesus and show forth His excellencies to the world.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that just as jewels require light to reveal their beauty, so do we need the light of God to reflect our true worth. He illustrates that without God's illumination, we remain in a crude state, lacking the ability to showcase the beauty of Christ within us. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their identity as chosen people, called to display the excellencies of Jesus, who brings us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Simpson urges us to allow God's light to shine through us, reflecting His love and beauty to the world.
Text
Jewels, in themselves, are valueless unless they are brought into contact with light. If they are put into certain positions they will reflect the beauty of the sun. There is no beauty in them otherwise. The diamond that is stored in a dark gallery or remains down in the deep mine displays no beauty whatever. What is it but a piece of charcoal, a bit of common carbon, unless it becomes a medium for reflecting light? So it is also with the other precious gems. if they are many-sided, they reflect more light and display more beauty. In its crude state the diamond does not reflect light at all. We are in a crude state and are of no use until God comes and shines upon us.
The light that is in a diamond is not its own possession; it is the beauty of the sun.
What beauty is there in the child of God? Only the beauty of Jesus. We are His peculiar people, chosen to show forth the excellencies of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Let us reflect today His light and love.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Light
- Our Crude State
- The Source of Our Beauty
- Reflecting God's Light
- We are called to show forth God's excellencies
- We reflect God's light and love
Key Quotes
“We are in a crude state and are of no use until God comes and shines upon us.” — A.B. Simpson
“The light that is in a diamond is not its own possession; it is the beauty of the sun.” — A.B. Simpson
“We are His peculiar people, chosen to show forth the excellencies of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Recognize that our value and beauty come from God's light and love, not from ourselves.
- Seek to reflect God's light and love in our daily lives by showing forth His excellencies.
- Remember that our purpose as children of God is to glorify Him and bring Him joy.