ARISE AND SHINE FOR GOD

DATE: MARCH2^ND, 2025

TOPIC:ARISE AND SHINE FOR GOD

TEXT:ISAIAH 60:1-5

AIM:

1. To teach that believers are called to reflect God’s glory in their lives.
2. To teach that God’s light empowers believers to overcome darkness and impact the world positively.

INTRODUCTION:

The book of Isaiah proclaims the hope of restoration and redemption for God’s people. In Isaiah 60:1-5, the prophet calls Israel to arise and shine because the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. This passage underscores God’s transformative power, which not only dispels darkness but also radiates His glory through His people, attracting others to His light. As Christians, we are challenged to live in this light, shining forth His glory in our daily lives.

In Isa. 60:1, there is a clarion call toarisefrom the dust of mourning (Isa. 3:26; Isa. 52:1, 2). To shinerefers to their newly acquired spiritual light (Isa. 60:3) and understanding (Isa. 58:8, Ephesians 5:8, 14). The glory of the Lord is not merely the shekinah, or cloud of glory, that rested on the Ark, but it refers to the actual personal presence of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:16, 17). This is exactly what the children of God should reflect to the world around them.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. What does “arise and shine” mean?Isaiah 60:1; Matthew 5:14-16
2. Why is the glory of God significant in a believer’s life?Exodus 33:18-19; 2 Corinthians 3:18
3. How does God’s light overcome darkness in the world?John 1:5; Ephesians 5:8-11
4. What are the practical ways Christians can reflect God’s glory?Philippians 2:15; Colossians 3:17
5. What are the promises of God in Isaiah 60:1-5 for those who shine His light?Isaiah 60:3-5; Revelation 21:23-24

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

When we arise in God’s light, we shine His glory to a dark and waiting world.

MEMORY VERSE:

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” — Isaiah 60:1