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Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

You are Salt and Light

Intro.

1. NT Christians had an impact on their world, Acts 2:46-47; 5:14, 28, 42; 8:4; 17:6: 28:22.

2. Similarly, Christians must appreciate and use their unique position in the world to advance godliness, righteousness and truth.

I. YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, Matt. 5:13 (Mk. 9:50).

A. Salt Flavors Food. (Christians flavor the world with goodness.)

1. Must retain your basic character (salty), Matt. 5:3-10.

a. By putting sin to death, Eph. 4:20-24; Col. 3:5-10.

b. By growing in attributes of godliness, Phil. 4:8; 2 Pet. 1:5-9.

c. By preaching the gospel, 2 Cor. 2:12-17 (Paul and companions).

d. By using speech that fits the situation, Col. 4:5-6.

2. Do not lose your flavor! Matt. 5:13; Lk. 14:34-35

B. Salt Preserves against Rottenness. (Christians who live by faith are vanguards against spread of sin.)

1. When faithful men and women do nothing, not only do they cease to be faithful, they hasten the advancement of sin, cf. Jude 3-4.

2. Be the Christian who "stands in the gap" to preserve the influence of truth and to avoid the day of wrath! Moses, Psa. 106:23; In Ezekiel's day, Ezek. 22:23-31.

a. Be the father/mother who sets the pattern of reverent obedience and unwavering faith.

b. Be the worker who shows good fidelity in all your labor.

c. Be the saint who guards his/her holiness against sins of flesh.

d. Be the elder/deacon/preacher/teacher/member whose faithful zeal defines not only you, but also this congregation, Eph. 4:16.

C. Salt Creates Thirst. (Christians create interest in Christ by their faith.)

1. Kingdom citizens (disciples of Christ, Christians) live so as to create interest in, desire for greater knowledge about, and participation in the salvation and life in Jesus, 1 Pet. 2:11-12; 3:15-16.

* 2. Are people influenced by righteousness and truth by seeing you and your life? 1 Tim. 4:12 Or...

...are you being influenced by them? 1 Cor. 15:33-34

a. Politicians try to make a sharp contrast between themselves and their opponent so a clear case can be made for support/votes.

b. Does your life make a sharp contrast between sin and holiness so others can see why they should be Christians? Rev. 3:15-19

c. Isa. 2:3: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord..." - Your life should help souls come to the Lord, not hinder them.

II. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, Matt. 5:14-16.

A. Your Life must be a Shining Light in the Dark World of Sin, Matt. 5:3-10. (Give direction to those in the darkness of sin and death.)

1. Your life (light) must be obvious, Matt. 5:14.

2. Your life (light) must function, Matt. 5:15.

3. Your life (light) must have purpose, Matt. 5:16; cf. Phil. 2:14-16.

B. By Walking in the Light of Truth, Jno. 8:12; 12:36.

1. Practice the truth, confess sin and press forward, 1 Jno. 1:6-9.

2. Live to please the Lord, Eph. 5:8-14.

a. Bear the fruit of the Spirit and be accepted by God, 5:9-10.

b. Do not commune with the works of darkness - expose them with the light of truth that guides your path, 5:11-13.

c. Be spiritually alert, not death/apathetic/lethargic, 5:14.

Conclusion

1. The Son of God brought life and light to the world, Jno. 1:4-5.

2. Citizens of the kingdom of heaven (the saved) are salt and light.

a. "Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another" (Mk. 9:50)

b. "Christians are likewise a source of spiritual life for the world. They restrain evil and thus preserve the moral order."^[1]

3. Don't let your salt (life) lose its effectiveness to influence for good.

4. Don't let your light (life) be hidden through the shame and fear of sin.

5. Repent, let your light shine and your salt be tasted!

^[1] Brooks, J. A. (1991). Mark (Vol. 23, p. 154). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: November 13, 2014