Matthew 4:16

Sat in darkness.

Darkness and light

I. The deep darkness which envelops the world without the gospel. “Darkness “ and “the region of the shadow of death,” striking emblems of error, ignorance, sin, guilt, misery, danger.

1. The heathen world is in this darkness (Romans 1:18).

2. In the very midst of Christendom there is this darkness. Home heathenism, etc. The condition of all unregenerate men.

II. The uprising of a glorious light for the transformation of the darkness. There is no redeeming principle in man’s apostate nature. But for the prospects opened by the gospel, there must be the darkness of final and absolute despair. Materialism, etc., are as powerless as the ancient systems to reach the conscience and renew the heart (Isaiah 38:17; Isaiah 45:8, and others). But glorious is the view in the text, etc. Concerning this light, observe-

1. Its source. The gospel is “light,” and this marks its divinity. “God who commanded,” etc.

2. Its adaptation: To every stage of human society; to the common wants of man-instruction, comfort, etc.; to every order of mind; to every possible condition, etc. The gospel offers pardon for the guilty, etc.

3. Its diffusiveness. A “ great light”-penetrating. Progress of the gospel in apostolic times, etc. In how many dark places has “light sprung up,” etc.

4. Its efficacy. Not a dead letter, but “ the power of God,” etc.

It will finally prevail-“All the ends of the earth shall see,” etc.

1. Has the Sight arisen upon your soul?

2. Are you manifesting it in your life, etc.?

3. Are you doing what you can to communicate it to others? (A. Tucker.)

Light for those who sit in darkness

I. Some souls are in greater darkness than others.

1. The darkness of ignorance.

2. The darkness of error.

3. The gloom of discomfort and sorrow, attended with fear.

4. Hopelessness, “sat in darkness.”

5. In the region of death.

II. For those who are in a worse condition than others there is hope and light.

1. In barbarous nations Christ has won great victories.

2. In the worst hearts Christ has dawned.

3. When these have beheld the light, they frequently become eminently useful to others.

4. The conversion of the deplorably dark brings the highest degree of glory to God.

III. The true light for a soul in darkness is all in Christ.

1. There is light in Christ’s name for a troubled sinner.

2. In His person and nature.

3. In His offices.

4. In His character.

IV. The poor soul in darkness need not despair, for light is all around you. It has already “sprung up.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)