Salt and Light

The Word

Salt and Light (Matt. 5:13-16)

As Jesus began his public ministry, he gathered disciples in order to teach them how to live for the Kingdom. As he once encouraged them to be salt and light, we are called to the same lifestyles as his followers.  

CONTEXT

  • Since we could not make it to God, God came to us in the person of Jesus.
  • Jesus called a group of disciples together in order to model and to multiply Kingdom living.
  • In the Sermon on the Mount, he articulated how a disciple’s beliefs should determine a disciple’s behavior.

CONTENT

  • Kingdom identity always precedes Kingdom activity.
  • SALT
    • As salt’s primary purpose was preservation, Christians’ presence is meant to preserve the earth from further sinful decay.
    • Salt cannot lose its saltiness, it simply loses its impact when it is contaminated with lesser things.
    • Followers who seek the role of popularity over preservation will eventually experience ruin.
  • LIGHT
    • As light’s primary purpose was illumination, Christian’s presence is meant to illuminate the world to the ways of God.
    • The greatest light coverage is always united, uplifted, and unfiltered.
    • If we shine our lights correctly, people will praise the One we illuminate rather than the ones illuminating.
  • Don’t contaminate the salt and don’t cover up the light.

CONCEPT

  • We are better together than when we are on our own.
  • We are unable to impact a world that is influencing us.
  • We are more effective for those on the inside when we prioritize those on the outside.