Salt and Light
It all begins with an idea.
Matthew 5:13-16 - Greg Byman - 5.28.23
Christ followers must influence for good in the world
Jesus had just described the character of godly people (5:3-12)
Now he says God calls his people to influence others to do the same!
Two groups: “You (plural)” and “The Earth/World”
Jesus sees no blurry line between the two
Gal 3:26 “through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus”
1 Jn 3:1 it is wonderful…we are called children of God!
1 John 5:10-12 We have life if we believe in Jesus Christ
we do NOT have life if we do Not have Jesus!
Christ followers provide what the world does not have
The world’s tools for change are Power, Possessions and Pleasure
none of these influences last long!
everyone hungers for more, bigger, more control!
Matt 6:24 “No one can serve two master” – they seek to rule us!
-God’s tools for change are His people!
no earthly government, no military force
almost always in the minority
Common Christians Uncommonly Influence The World!
salt and light are basic resources in every home
Christ followers are just as important in the world as common household elements!
Light helps us see, live, grow
Light naturally shines out, gets noticed
Jesus declares that we, his followers, are the only sources of
Spiritual preservation, flavor, and light!
You are the salt of the earth vs 13
we preserve good, and stop/hold back decay and rot
salt was a common preservative in Christ’s day
the church hinders/slows down moral and spiritual decay
God uses other restraining forces to hold back evil
government- far from perfect, but prevents total anarchy
families- husbands and wives raising responsible children
However, God’s primary agents of moral preservation is the church!
Jesus warns us not to lose our salty taste vs 13
Modern examples of Christians who lose spiritual influence
Celebrity Christian pastors fall into great immorality
churches who don’t protect children from sex offenders
churches who don’t discipline leaders who abuse authority
manipulation for personal gain, sexual indiscretions
churches who refuse to let their leaders help maintain the integrity of church members!
Christians are useless if we don’t look and live differently!
You are the light of the world vs 14-15
Isaiah 42:6; 49:6 God’s people are a “light to the nations”
Light must be unnaturally hidden (city on a hill, lamp in a house)
Christ followers hide the light of Jesus when they unnaturally refuse to follow Jesus!
Hiding our faith in the world is not a normal option for believers
Do you children see you following Jesus? Co-workers? Neighbors?
Let your light shine…so they may see your good works vs 16
Matt 5:3-11 We must demonstrate godly character!
Good works include believing, behaving and talking
And give glory to your Father in heaven vs 16
1 Peter 3:15 be ready to share where your hope comes from!
let others know that Jesus has changed and empowered you!
Are You Salt and Light?