Cities on a Hill

INTRODUCTION

Recap series

Actions speak louder than words.

Part of our witness is the way we live our lives.

We’re going to see Jesus tell us in the sermon on the mount that we are to live in such a way that gospel is evident for others to see.

READ: Mt. 5:13-16.

PRAY

We see Jesus use a couple of analogies here for how we are to live. Let’s take a brief look at each of them.

1. SALT OF THE EARTH

Think about what salt does...

If I put salt in a pot of soup, it makes the whole pot salty.

Salt impacts its environment.

In other words, we’re to live in such a way that we “add flavor to the pot”.

Just like salt makes a whole pot of soup taste better, our actions should be a positive influence on those around us.

Let’s take this to an even deeper level...

Salt has lots of different uses, but in Bible times, it was most often used as a purifying agent — to clean and preserve food.

As the “salt of the earth,” Jesus’s disciples are to purify a corrupt world through their example of righteous living — their actions — and their proclamation of the gospel — the sharing of their faith.

HOWEVER, contaminated salt does NOT promote purity.

The verb translated “lose its taste” indicates foolish or immoral behavior — living in a way that doesn’t match the gospel we proclaim.

It’s referring to a professing disciple — someone claiming to be a christian — whose unrighteous lifestyle promotes destruction rather than purification.

Instead of leading people TO Jesus, their actions are leading people AWAY from Jesus.

Salt that’s contaminated like that is only good for one thing — spreading over an area where you want to kill vegetation.

This is the same fatal effect had when our actions as Christians don’t match what we preach — nothing grows where that salt is spread.

The verb “thrown out” describes the disposal of something worthless — it’s of no use.

When our actions don’t reflect Jesus, we’re of no use for the kingdom of God.

2. LIGHT OF THE WORLD

This is an allusion to Isaiah — describes the ministry of the Messiah.

This tells us that Jesus’ disciples are to be extensions of his ministry, carrying his salvation to the ends of the earth.

This ministry is woven into the very nature of being a disciple — it’s in the job description.

Just like salt, think of what light does.

Light illuminates the darkness.

Light reveals things that are hidden in the shadows of darkness.

Turkey hunting — sat on poison oak.

What does this mean for us? If we’re living like the light of the world, our lives should be convicting for those around us.

Football coaches — wouldn’t curse around a friend because of his open opposition to foul language.

Light reveals a path.

Our lives are examples of what Christ can do.

When others experience hard times, or seasons of anxiety or unrest, our joy and peace that comes from Christ should be like the beacon on a lighthouse for ship lost at sea.

APPLICATION

REALITY: Our lives are to look different from the world around us.

v. 16

If we’re Christians, there should be a noticeable difference between our actions and those of unbelievers. The way we:

Talk — our language should be different.

Treat others — filled with love and respect.

Set priorities — Our relationship with God comes first.

Work ethic — God demands our best in everything we do.

Bottom line, if our life looks identical to the non-believers around us, we’re not fulfilling our role as a disciple of Jesus.

UNDERSTAND: Our actions aren’t where are witness stops — at some point, we have to point others back to the gospel.

Our lifestyle just sets us apart as an example to follow. At some point, we have to explain to those around us who Jesus is. Otherwise, you’re just a good person.

The difference between a Christian and a good person is the difference between life and death — heaven and hell.

That’s how important it is that we follow our actions with the gospel.

BRIDGE METHOD