Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. I. REMOVE A DIFFICULTY which may have arises from an apparent inconsistency between our text and the words of our Lord in a subsequent part of His discourse. In the sixth chapter our Lord gives cautions. against ostentation in religion. "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men." It may appear from this that secrecy is necessary to prayer and almsgiving; but that it is not the lesson inculcated, is evident from the tenor of Scripture. Solomon prayed before an assembly. Daniel With regard to almsgiving, the Psalmist, speaks of it as properly exciting the esteem of men. "He hath dispersed abroad," etc. The prohibition is of religious acts from a wrong motive, "that they may be seen of men." The reproof of ostentation does not apply when the motive is already good. On the contrary, many advantages may arise to the cause of religion from the exhibition of piety. A Christian that hums with holy love to God cannot be-unnoticed. II. How CAN MEN, THE CREATURES, BE SAID TO GLORIFY THE CREATOR? "God is the eternal fountain of all honour and glory, therefore, strictly speaking, cannot be dishonoured; He cannot but be glorified, because to be Himself is to be-infinitely glorious. God is glorified by our repentance — faith — charity. (H. Hughes, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.WEB: You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. |
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