Waverly Church of Christ

Perhaps you have heard the proverb, “It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.” This is often claimed to be an ancient Chinese proverb, but its earliest known usage was in a sermon by W. L Watkinson around the turn of the last century. There is more to the proverb — “It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness. In the face of bad times or hopelessness, it is more worthwhile to do some good, however small in response, than to complain about the situation.” However, as many of you know it is easier to complain about the situation. But this isn’t what Jesus teaches those of us who are Christians to do — in His Sermon on the Mount He said:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Shining as lights in the world is an intimidating task, especially when you consider that we live in a world which is becoming increasingly crooked and perverse. However, in this part of Paul’s letter, he gives us both direction and hope. The direction in which we need to go involves:
a. First that we “work out [our] own salvation”
b. And secondly, that we do so “with fear and trembling”

In our lesson this morning I want us to do three things:
a. Develop a greater appreciation for the power God makes available to us as Christians.
b. Increase our understanding of the source and purpose of this power.
c. Make sure that we are allowing God’s power to work in us.