Light The Way

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Scripture Reading by Lady Pepper (Show Slide)

(Show Slide) Thank you Lady Pepper for the announcements and the reading of God’s Word.

Welcome! to everyone and especially those who are joining us for the first time. My name is Pastor Doc, and I will be sharing the Word of God with you today.

Please have your Bibles ready and Take Note’s

Title of the message this Morning

Light the Way

Week 2 - Matthew 5:13-20

Main Idea

In Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus presents the blessing of God in a new way to the crowds that were following Him.

His hearers would’ve understood that the blessings of the kingdom were not just for those with position and power, but for everyone.

In this next passage of scripture Jesus shares that it’s these very people; the meek, broken-hearted, hungry, peacemakers, merciful, persecuted, etc… that are the salt and light of the world.

It’s their job, and our job, to light the way for others so that all may come to Christ.

Prayer:

“Jesus, let us light the way for others to see your light.

Let us shine brightly in a world of darkness so that others may find their way back to you.”

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20, Philippians 2:12-16, Psalm 119:105, Leviticus 2:13, Mark 9:49

Introduction

Welcome back church! Last week we began a brand new 4-week sermon series called The Way.

We started at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5 and saw how Jesus initiates a new way for the people of God.

It’s one where everyone can participate, where everyone is welcomed, and where everyone is valuable.

And today, we’ll continue in Matthew 5 and see how Jesus calls us to light the way for others to follow…

because no one likes to get so lost you can’t find your way.

Story

Share about a time when you were lost. Where were you and what was happening? How did you find your way again? Did you ask someone for help? Did you get out a map? Did you ask Siri for directions? Make the point that you needed help, a map, directions, etc… in order to find your way again.

Chances are good you’ve all been lost before.

Chances are also good that, like me, you needed to get help in some form or fashion in order to find your way again.

Some of you had to get directions from an actual person, an expert in the area, who knew the way…

And I’m sure you were elated when they were able to give you perfectly articulated instructions to the exact place you wanted to be;

“Just go about three miles down this road, turn right at the red barn, head another half mile down and the place you want is on the right… Oh, and if you hit the field of dandelions you’ll know you want too far.”

It’s this level of accuracy that lets you know you’re dealing with someone who’s traveled the road you’re looking for.

They know it well, they understand the twists and turns.

They also know when you’ve missed it, and what you’ll see if you do.

These types of people are ‘guides’ and they light the way for those of us who’re lost.

In our passage today Jesus identifies all kinds of people who are “lights” for others…

and it makes perfect sense that Jesus would be able to rightly identify this particular type of person;

An expert who can help guide others when they’re lost.

The problem is that the kinds of people who Jesus thinks are experts don’t have any training or credentials to lead others.

Or at least none that we know of. He says they’re poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty…

He calls them “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.”

He must know something we don't and as we’ll see today, He wants to teach us how to light the way for others.

Main Teaching

Read Matthew 5:13-16

As we read this passage it’s important to keep in mind that the “you” of verse 13 and 14 is a 2nd person plural noun, and could be better translated as “y’all.”

Jesus is saying, “y’all are the salt of the earth…y’all are the light of the world”

And the y’all people that Jesus is referring to are all those folks listed in verses 5:2-12.

The poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and others.

This list of people would’ve stood in stark contrast to the kinds of people traditionally seen in the culture as those who possessed salt and light.

Those who had the ability and training to lead others in matters of morality and spirituality.

So what exactly is the significance of salt? Of light?

And what exactly does Jesus want us to do as we follow Him today?

The Salt of the Earth

Let’s begin with the phrase "salt of the earth" which is an expression used to describe someone who is honest, hardworking, and down-to-earth.

It also refers to the idea that salt is a basic and essential ingredient, and that people who are "the salt of the earth" are similarly fundamental and valuable members of society.

Again, this would’ve been a shocking revelation to those listening to Jesus here in Matthew 5…

To be referred to as fundamental and valuable.

The “salt of the earth” also implies that this person is someone who is dependable, reliable and trustworthy, and that they bring a sense of stability and integrity to the people around them.

In short, this passage can be understood as Jesus saying that his followers have a special role to play in the world, and that they must be careful to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.

The poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and others are fundamental and valuable members of society.

To call someone "the salt of the earth" is to express a deep respect and admiration for their character and values, and to acknowledge their importance in the community.

Going even further, it’s important to remember that salt has been an important commodity throughout history.

It’s likely that it was used for a variety of purposes in the time of Jesus Christ.

Some possible uses of salt in ancient times include:

Preservation of food:

Salt was used to preserve meat and fish, as it helped to remove moisture and inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Seasoning:

Salt was used to add flavor to food, and it was likely an important ingredient in many ancient dishes.

Medicinal uses:

Salt was believed to have healing properties, and it was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as sore throats and skin conditions.

Religious and cultural significance:

Salt was considered a symbol of purity and was often used in religious rituals,

Covenant of Salt

Num 18:19 such as the Jewish ceremony of the "Covenant of Salt."

Numbers 18:19 NKJV

19 “All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to the Lord, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you as an ordinance forever; it is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord with you and your descendants with you.”

Trade: Salt was a valuable commodity, and it was traded over long distances.

it would’ve been an unbelievable compliment from Jesus to be called, “the salt of the earth.”

What a feeling to be seen as valuable, in a community that often pushed aside those who were poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry, thirsty, persecuted, and reviled.

Instead of pushing these people aside, Jesus essentially says, “you’re necessary and needed.”

And in the next verse, He tells them exactly what they’re to do when He calls them the “light of the world.”

The Light of the World

In Matthew 5:14 Jesus says, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

This statement can be understood in a few different ways,

but one possible interpretation is that Jesus is saying that his disciples, and by extension, all believers, have a responsibility to spread the message of God's love and salvation to others.

By living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus, they can be a shining example of righteousness and goodness to those who are lost, and can help to guide people towards a deeper understanding of God.

The metaphor of light also brings a sense of direction and purpose, as light illuminates the way and helps one to find their way in darkness. Especially when you’re lost.

Jesus is asking his disciples to be guides for others, to help them find their way to God and salvation.

In a culture where only the religious elites were given this responsibility, it’s hard to understate how shocking this would’ve been.

Add to this that instead of being told to stay out of sight and out of mind, Jesus compares them to a “a city on a hill that cannot be hidden,”

Can you imagine folks filled with encouragement and purpose at this moment during Jesus’ teaching.

He is asking his disciples to be a visible and evident presence in the world,

not to hide their faith or keep it to themselves, but to let it shine and be known.

The apostle Paul picks up this same idea in Philippians 2:15-16 when He says, “you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

Cling to Jesus, shine the light of the gospel, for you are the “salt of the earth.”

Light the Way for Others

Jesus is calling his disciples both then and now to be a gospel influence in the world and to share the message of salvation with others through their words and actions.

Where can you shine this week?

Where can you encourage others in the gospel?

Where can you love others like Jesus has loved?

These are the questions we keep at top of mind as we follow Jesus through life.

And when you feel discouraged or frustrated, as you most certainly will at some point, remember that Jesus is the fulfillment of scripture.

He is the promise, come to life, raised from the dead, interceding at the right hand of God on your behalf. Trust Him.

Conclusion

As we wrap up in our passage, let's read the last section together.

Read Matthew 5:17-20

Did you catch where Jesus says “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

He’s saying that He will finish the job He came to do.

He will see it through to the very end…and He’s building a church of salty redeemed saints to help in the project.

You don’t have to have a PHD, you don’t have to be a rabbi, you don’t have to have Greek or Hebrew training.

Jesus is calling the poor in spirit, meek, merciful, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and others…

He’s calling all of us.

You are the salt of the earth! You are valuable and your story matters!

Shine bright friends, and let the gospel reflect throughout your life as the lost find their way and sinners are saved.

Let’s pray together.

Salvation:

The Word of God says in:

John 3:16 NKJV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:13 NKJV

13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you’d would like to receive Jesus today, please pray this prayer with all of us:

Lord I believe that Jesus is the son of God, and that He died On the cross for my sins and His resurrection from the dead gives me eternal life. I ask forgiveness of my sins, and I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.

PastorDoc@FaithVision.org

Church Office: 909-922-8090

And I will send you a Bible & a Free Book on how to begin your first 21 steps with Jesus (show the book)

(Show Slide)

***Leave slide up until Pepper gets in position***

Lady Pepper Please Join Me

Pepper: Any comments or thoughts?

Pepper Praise Reports

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Lady Pepper do we have any prayer request

Let us pray (P/P)

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Vidria -

Ray - Relationship / General

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Kim Dad - Michael

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Gregg - Healing

Sonny - Stroke

Vadrea - Healing

Rachel - Neighbor - Pregnant

Faith Vision Family & Friends

See you next Sunday @ 10:55 on Facebook Live!!

This is Pastor Doc & Lady Pepper with:

Faith Vision Christian Ministries

Closing Blessing

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

And don’t forget … “Stay Salty my Friends”

Have a Great Week! GOODBYE !

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