Salt and Light

Introduction

Human desire to be influential

Jesus commands us to be influential

Influence Illustrated

Salt

Light

How to be influential?

Be Different

I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church.

Charles Spurgeon

Salt and light add something new to their environment

How are we different?

Kingdom-focused ethics (see your good works)

Be Engaged

Withdrawing from the world is attractive

In the world and of the world = easy

Out of the world and not of the world = easy

In the world not of the world = hard

Uncomfortable

Hostile

Challenged

Jesus tells us to be different from the world, but calls us to be in it influencing it

Glorify God

The result of engaged difference is the glory of God

Does Jesus want us to do our good works in secret or before men?

God character will always be visible and extends beyond prayer & giving

The Pharisees purpose in public works was their own glory

The Christian’s purpose is the glory of God

Our passion for evangelism should be a passion for God’s glory

Conclusion

To be influential as Jesus calls us to be, we must be different.

To be influential as Jesus calls us to be, we must be engaged.

If we are influential as Jesus calls us to be, we will see God glorified.