Let It Shine - Part 1: “Why We Shine”
May 4 & 5, 2025 | Ken Adams, Lead Pastor
Message Notes:
John 1:1-8
Because
The
To help
Group Guide:
Open your group with prayer.
Think about a time when someone lit the way for you—maybe he/she gave you hope, guidance, or pointed you toward Jesus. How did his/her light impact your journey?
In the opening chapter of John, Jesus is described repeatedly as “the light.” In just nine verses, the word “light” appears seven times—a powerful reminder of how central this theme is to understanding who Jesus is and why he came. Jesus is not only the source of spiritual light, but he is also the one who places that light within us. Because Jesus is the light, and he lives in us, we are called to shine in a world that is increasingly dark. The light of Christ is stronger than the darkness—it exposes sin, offers hope, and guides people to truth. Just like John the Baptist bore witness to the light, we too are called to reflect and represent Jesus in a dark world. Our purpose is to be light bearers—not drawing attention to ourselves, but pointing people to the true light, Jesus.
John emphasizes the word ‘light’ seven times in the first nine verses. What stands out to you about that? How does it shape the way you think about Jesus and following him?
1 John 1:5 says, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” What does that mean to you personally? How does it challenge you when you’re tempted to hide in spiritual shadows?
John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When have you seen Jesus’ light push back darkness in your life or someone else’s?
Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” How is that different from simply offering us wisdom or guidance? What does it mean for how we live and walk daily?
Luke 22:53 mentions a time “when darkness reigns.” What does that teach us about hard or evil seasons in life, and how can we keep holding on to Jesus when things feel dark?
Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” How does this prophecy give you hope? Where do you see people around you still walking in darkness, and how might you shine light there?
What’s the difference between shining for attention versus shining as a witness? How do Matthew 5:14–16 and John 1:6–8 help us understand our role in pointing people to Jesus?
What does it practically look like to bring light into someone else’s darkness this week—at home, school, work, or in your community?
How has your perspective shifted after realizing we’re not just part of a church—we’re part of a movement? How can we better live as a
light-bearing movement rather than just a Sunday gathering?
Share prayer needs with each other and close your group with prayer.