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SALT AND LIGHT
(Matthew 5:13-16)
…Last time
we saw how the Beatitudes end by pointing out the __conflict__ that
exists between Kingdom citizens and the world. The true believer is too __different__
for the world to tolerate…so persecution happens.
…Suffering causes us to want to isolate ourselves from the world, from the
pain. How are we
suppose to
__live__
in this world that is so opposed to the Lord Jesus?
…Jesus, after describing the character of the Christian, now tells us how to
live in this darkened world. In one word it is
__influence__.
We are called to be the essence of Jesus to others.
TWO PICTURES ILLUSTRATING WHAT
IT MEANS FOR US
TO LIVE IN A PAGAN WORLD
I.
We,
As Christians, Are The Salt Of The Earth. (v.13)
…The world
__needs__
salt because it is corrupt and salt retards the corrupting processes.
A. What
did Jesus mean when He called His followers salt?
1. His
statement is __not__
a command, telling us to be or to do something. No. Rather it is a statement of
what we already are as God’s children. Live up to who you are.
2. His
statement is emphatic, meaning the Christian and __only__
the Christian is salt.
B. How
are we like salt?
1. Salt
is a preservative, as you live for Christ your life will have a __godly__
influence upon those near you. The tendency of our world is to rot. Without
this influence society would quickly rot. Remember Sodom…”not even 10
righteous…,” no wonder destruction came to this city.
2. Salt
is a very __small__
thing and seems insignificant, yet it has the power to influence every part of
it. It has an influence __far__
beyond its tiny size.
3. Salt
seasons, it gives zest or flavor to its surroundings. Without it society would
be bland.
4. Salt
is __different__
from that which it comes in contact. It is distinct and different. “holy”
C. Jesus
tells that when salt loses its saltiness, it is __worthless__.
1. Pure
salt never loses its saltiness.
2. The
salt that is contaminated with impurities loses its saltiness and is only good
for pathway material. It has lost its __value__
and becomes something that men trample upon.
3. Jesus
tells us in John 17:15-19 how to remain salty in a corrupt world. It is the
Word of God __in__
the believer. “This Book will keep you from sin or…”
…To be salt seems to be more of a silent,
__life__
message that preserves and flavors those near.
II.
We,
As Christians, Are The Light Of The World. (vv 14-16)
…The world needs light because it is in
__darkness__
and light reveals truth. It does not matter how well educated a person may be,
if he is
__without__
Christ, he is not “enlightened” but still in darkness. Our world has lost its
sense of
__moral__
bearings. “Save the whales” and “kill the babies”
A. When
Jesus was on earth, He was the light of the world. (John 8:12) Today, those
who __belong__
to Him are brought out of darkness and put into His Kingdom of Light. (Col
1:12-13)
1. The __result__
of this is that you have become light. Like the light from the moon…
2. We
are to live up to who we are …”live as children of light” (Eph 5:8-14)
B. Jesus
used examples to further explain our function as light:
1. You
are to be like that __city__
on a hill. It can be seen for miles.
2. You
are like the lamp in the house. It is lit to provide light. Let it shine.
C. We
will __reflect__
the light of Jesus to those near. This means we will __expose__
the evil and darkness of our world. This will include: the gossip in the
office, the loose talk, the loose __morals__,
greed, racial prejudice, corruption in local politics, and selfishness, etc.
D. Further,
light stimulates __growth__.
Our families and friends should grow in the Christian life because of what you
know and have learned of Jesus.
E. Lastly,
you should see men and women
__turn__
to Jesus through your testimony. Light shows the way. The Lord desires to use
each of us to communicate God’s only way of salvation to those whom we live and
work among.
…To be light seems to be more of a
__verbal__
witness that tells of Jesus, the light of the world.
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1.
The light of Christ should shine through you to others. Live opening for
Christ.
2.
Do you make anyone thirsty for Jesus? You should.
3.
As a Christian, if you live in sin and worldliness, your influence will be lost.
4.
As a Christian, you and you only are the world's only hope. Share the
gospel.
5.
You too can come to Christ today.
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