Scripture References: Matthew 5:13-16 (Main) Titus 2:1-10; John 8:12
Intro: This sermon revisits Jesus' familiar words from the Sermon on the Mount: "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16). Jesus spoke this to ordinary people, giving them profound dignity, identity, and purpose. He invites us today to understand and live into this same calling as children of God.
Key Points:
- You ARE Salt (v. 13): Identity, Value, Potency
- Identity, Not Just Action: Jesus declares who we are. It's about our core identity in Him, lived out 24/7, not just occasional behavior. We represent the family name.
- Inherent Value: Beyond preserving or creating thirst, salt was immensely valuable historically (currency, covenants). Salty believers add value to the world through godly character and wisdom.
- Quality Requires Depth: Be high-quality "salt of the earth" (mined), not superficial scrapings. This requires intentional effort – digging deep into Christ.
- Warning - Losing Saltiness: Compromising holiness or closeness with God makes salt useless, trampled underfoot. Stay spiritually potent.
- You ARE Light (v. 14-16): Influence, Visibility, Action
- Shared Mission: Jesus is the Light (Jn 8:12); He commissions us into the "family business" of shining His light.
- Purpose - Illumination: Light guides, shows the way to God. It's not for blinding others with harsh opinions or judgment.
- Life is the Message: Actions speak louder than words (Titus 2). Our lives should adorn God's truth, making it attractive and silencing opposition.
- Shine Clearly: Don't hide the light or let life's struggles ("mud") dim your witness. Keep the lens clean. Shine first "in the house" – our families see us most clearly.
- Good Works Glorify God (v. 16): Righteousness
- Holiness Expressed: Good deeds ("righteousness") are the outward expression of our inner identity ("holiness"). They demonstrate our faith actively.
- Ultimate Goal: Let people see these actions (practical service, care for others) so they glorify our Father in heaven, not us. Our lives point beyond ourselves to Him.
Conclusion: Jesus calls us to fully embrace our identity as valuable salt and influential light. This requires maintaining a deep, vital connection with Him (staying salty) and letting His character shine clearly through our actions and integrity (being light), beginning in our homes. Our authentic lives should draw others to glorify our Father.
Call to Action: Reflect honestly: Are you living out your identity as potent salt, dug deep in Christ? Is your light shining brightly, or is it obscured? Ask God to reveal any areas needing cleansing or recommitment. Intentionally pursue righteous deeds that reflect God's love and point others to Him.
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The Gospel of Matthew: Salty Radiant Christians (Matthew 5:13-16)
with Steve Whitmer
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