Salt & Light

Being a light and an example in the world we live in.

As Christians we must be different than those who don’t follow Christ. You can’t just tell people that you’re a Christian and then use bad language or bully people or be disrespectful to your parents. You must stand out from the rest of the world, not blend in. Here is a short video about what we’re talking about:

Let’s look at the verse that Cliff mentioned in the Video:

Acting like a Chameleon: 1:30

Romans 12:2 NKJV

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Does anyone know what it means to conform? (Take responses)

The word conform means to be similar or identical to.

So, this verse is telling us not to be identical to the World, but to let God transform us into a new person.

As Christians we’re supposed to live our lives dedicated to God. People should be able to tell that we’re followers of Christ based on how we treat others and the choices we make, and we should always strive to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.

You give Him your mind (v. 2a). The world wants to control your mind, but God wants to transform your mind (see Eph. 4:17–24; Col. 3:1–11). This word transform is the same as transfigure in Matthew 17:2. It has come into our English language as the word “metamorphosis.” It describes a change from within. The world wants to change your mind, so it exerts pressure from without. Through a repetitive message, through tolerance, peer pressures at school and society, and culture.

But the Holy Spirit changes your mind by releasing power from within. If the world controls your thinking, you are a conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer.

God transforms our minds and makes us spiritually minded by using His Word. As you spend time meditating on God’s Word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man, God will gradually make your mind more spiritual, He will make you Christ-like.

(see 2 Cor. 3:18).

You give Him your will (v. 2b). Your mind controls your body, and your will controls your mind. Many people think they can control their will by “willpower,” but usually they fail. (This was Paul’s experience as recorded in Rom. 7:15–21). It is only when we yield the will to God that His power can take over and give us the willpower (and the won’t power!) that we need to be victorious Christians.

We surrender our wills to God through disciplined prayer. As we spend time in prayer, we surrender our will to God and pray, with the Lord, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” We must pray about everything, and let God have His way in everything.

For many years I have tried to begin each day by surrendering my body to the Lord. Then I spend time with His Word and let Him transform my mind and prepare my thinking for that new day. Then I pray, and I yield the plans of the day to Him and let Him work as He sees best. I especially pray about those tasks that upset or worry me—and He always sees me through.

This idea of being different from the World means that we are supposed to be Holy or set apart for God. When we’re set apart for God it means we live for Him only. Our daily lives should show others that we’ve made a commitment to follow Christ.

But since we’re supposed to be separate from the rest of the world, does that mean we’re supposed to stay inside our house and never talk to anyone, so we won’t be swayed to do the wrong thing? No!

The Bible says that we’re supposed to influence the rest of the world. Instead of conforming to the world, we’re supposed to transform the world.

How can we help transform our world today?

1. The Bible Tells us to be salt and light in the World:

Matthew 5:13–16 NASB95

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

This verse tells us that as Christians we are the salt of the earth.

Salt in those days had two primary uses. It was a preservative and added flavor to foods just like it does today.

Salt

•Preserves

•Flavors

•Purifies

•Creates Thirst

1. They did not have refrigeration, so salt was used as a preservative.

2. When meat was butchered, it will soon begin to rot because of bacteria.

3. Salt kills the bacteria and prevents the meat from rotting.

4. Because of Man’s sinful nature, we’ve seen the world progressively getting worse, rotting away.

5. As followers of Jesus Christ, He intends that we be a purifying influence in our world. We should always stand up for what’s right and take a stand for righteousness. We should influence the rest of the world toward following Christ.

Another interesting thing is that salt makes people thirsty. Think about salty popcorn or French fries, you absolutely need a drink after you’re done eating these things.

As Christians, we should live our lives in a way that makes people thirst or desire a true relationship with Jesus Christ.

The second part of this passage talks about how we are the light of the World.

The world that we live in is a spiritually dark place. This means that the world we live in is filled with people who don’t follow Christ. These people are in desperate need of hope that can only come from knowing Christ as their Savior and having a relationship with Him.

Proverbs 4:18–19 NKJV

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.

We are called as followers of Christ be lights in the world, to show people the way to have a relationship with God.

John 12:36 NKJV

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.

Illus. Have you ever been in a really dark room (lights off) And then a light goes on (Teacher holds up flashlight) All of a sudden, you’re drawn to that light. The light is the only thing you can see in the darkness and in this big dark room, this one small light can make a huge difference.

When you let your light shine, other people will want to know Christ like you do. They will want to experience the hope that you have, and they will become followers of Christ because of your influence (and pretty soon, the world will become a much brighter place).

But if you keep your light hidden, (Leader covers flashlight) If you choose not to live your life for God, who will tell others about Christ and the hope that comes from knowing him. You must not only tell others about Christ, but you must live your life in a way that draws others to Him.