A People of Influence - Matthew 5:13-16

INTRO

People of Influence

“I’m Just a kid.”

EMO BILLY

We are to be a people of influence.

Jesus is calling us to be a people who influence the world around us.

The most important thing about any of us is not what we do, but what we are.

Who we are surpasses anything we do.

Jesus told His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth…the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14).

Big idea: Kingdom Citizens influence the world as salt and light.

Our true impact comes more from who we are

Jesus says who we are is Salt and Light.

How well our words are received

Depends a lot on our relationships

Our relationships influence peoples perception of us.

Their perception shapes their feelings towards us, and these feelings affect how they interpret our words.

In other words what people think about you, affects how they hear you

Paul confidently told the Philippians,

Philippians 4:9 (ESV)

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

He encouraged the Philippians to observe his actions, not just listen to his words.

Paul is saying, Watch my life.

The trustworthiness of what we say is judged by the honesty of our actions.

'The most important things in life are caught, not taught'.

Jesus tells us that as disciples who live out the beatitudes, we are salt and light.

That when we know who we are and whose we are, we influence the world.

Salt and light both change their surroundings.

Jesus is showing the difference in the world's influence on Christians versus the Christian’s influence on the world

We are a people of influence

But Jesus will show us that disciples can lose their effectiveness if they're not careful.

Just as salt when it is diluted can become tasteless and light hidden under a bowl, our influence can fade without constant, disciplined reliance on God.

So let’s walk through this together.

And see how we influence the world as salt and light

1. We Are Salt

Matthew 5:13 (ESV)

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

I love Salt - Savory over sweet

I think many of us who have been in the church for sometime have definitely heard about us being salt and light.

But of the two I think salt is often overlooked.

Light get’s songs, “Hid it under a bushel _____ no!”

But I don’t know any kids songs about salt.

Look at the multifaceted meaning of being salt in our world.

1. To Preserve

When Jesus said we're "the salt of the earth," He was using a clever picture everyone back then would get right away.

Before fridges and freezers, salt was what kept meat from going bad, especially in hot places where food spoiled fast.

Imagine living in a time when, without salt, your dinner would start to rot almost as soon as you got it.

This is the backdrop for understanding why Jesus chose salt to describe our role in the world.

He's saying, basically, that the world without His influence is like meat without salt: it's going to spoil.

Evil and brokenness are everywhere, making things worse, just like bacteria that makes food go bad.

So when Jesus calls us salt, He's telling us we play a role on the kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven.

We're meant to be like that pinch of salt on meat, stopping decay.

Being salt means living in a way that naturally stops negativity and decay around us.

We don't have to preach at people; sometimes, just living right makes the bad stuff seem out of place.

Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element.

Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach it offensive odor.

When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride- table salt-the substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor.

Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine.

Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines.

On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, sometimes even poisonous.

Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel.

When truth and love are combined in our lives, in our church, , then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth," and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith.

In a nutshell, Jesus is saying, "Without me, the world is heading for a bad end. But you, my disciples, you're here to keep things fresh, to stop the rot, and to make the world a better place."

We're called to get into the thick of things, bringing the preserving truth and love of Jesus.

2. For Purity

In 2 Kings, there's a story about Elisha fixing a poisoned well in Jericho.

The locals told Elisha the water was toxic and causing harm.

Elisha used a bowl of salt, tossing it into the well's source and declared, "This is what the Lord says, 'I have healed this water. From now on, it won't cause death or harm to the land.'"

This story illustrates how God uses us, His people, as "salt of the earth" to show His purity.

Jesus makes us pure at the cross.

The exchange was his purity for our impurities.

Jesus never sinned. He was pure.

Here is what is fascinating about Jesus' His purity didn't push sinners away; it drew them in.

It's fascinating that despite His absolute purity, Jesus was a magnet for those society pushed aside—tax collectors, prostitutes, and outcasts all felt comfortable around Him.

What if the way we lived wasn’t holier than though, but something that inspired others to want the good life?

There's a clear distinction between the righteousness that comes from God and the self-righteousness we conjure up ourselves.

The self-righteous are driven by ego, they tend to judge and repel the very people who need compassion the most.

On the other hand, God's righteousness has a way of drawing people in.

Being "salt" means we're here to reflect God's true righteousness, powered by the Holy Spirit, not to flaunt our own supposed moral superiority.

Salt preserves, it purifies and we see next

3. To Give Flavor

Finally, this is how we know salt.

Salt is famous for making food taste better, bringing out its best flavors.

Without salt, many dishes can taste bland.

Similarly, Christians are meant to add zest to life.

We should embody a vibrancy, fullness, joy, appreciation for beauty, and an energetic spirit that makes us stand out in a world that often feels dull and broken.

Yet, sometimes we see the opposite.

The overwhelming amount of sterotypes - Like watch this

I met with a pastor - shared our vision for Morganton, to engage the city, His response, “That’s good because I could care less about downtown.”

-Early conversations with unbelievers - we see a church that is moving away from the city

This paints a dreary picture and suggests that some Christians choose to disengage from the world instead of embracing their mission within it.

Christians often appear defensive, sidelined, or passive rather than being dynamic and active.

However, embodying the spirit of the living Christ means we show the world a picture of life, health, and vibrancy.

Christians are called not just to exist but to live fully, bringing the flavor of Christ's life and vitality to everyone around them.

4. To Create Thirst

-Remember Texas Roadhouse with buckets of peanuts? - They wanted to make you thirsty.

Talking about the gospel isn't the only way we point others to Christ; it's also the joy and fulfillment we find in Him that makes others curious about God.

Think about it, nothing turns people off more than Christians who talk the talk but don't walk the walk, showing no real change or depth in their spiritual lives.

Jesus gave us a heads-up with His salt analogy. He asked:

Matthew 5:13 (ESV)

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

Salt changes its environment by preventing decay, purifying, and adding flavor.

But if it stops being salt, it loses its value and gets trampled.

Sodium chloride is a very stable compound.

Salt only loses its saltiness only when it becomes mixed with impurities.

This is a warning to Christians who blend in too much, losing the distinct qualities that set them apart.

If you claim Jesus but look like the rest of the world you wont face persecution, but they won't draw people to Jesus either.

Have you ever wondered about Lot’s wife?

Why a pillar of Salt?

Because she was looking back at the broken decay of Sodom wanting to carry it with her.

God says you won’t spread that decay somewhere else.

Luke 17:32–33 (ESV)

Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

Jesus wants you to follow him.

That as you do you make others thirst for the living Christ.

To do this Jesus didn't want us to withdraw from the world but to engage with it.

He prayed not for our removal but for our protection from evil (John 17:15–18).

Being separate from worldliness isn't about physical isolation but about resisting a self-centered lifestyle.

John defines worldliness as the pursuit of personal desires and ego

1 John 2:15–16 (ESV)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

This is more about our inner attitude than our surroundings.

Our real challenges are internal, not external.

You can try to avoid the world and still be worldly in attitude.

You can have k-love blaring, only subscribe to angel and still have the values of the world.

For example Craving personal gain and pride, goes against Christ's teachings.

We're called to show Jesus' love and life through our actions and relationships.

It's Christ living in us that enables us to be the salt, making a difference and showing a better way.

Jesus says not only are we salt but we are light.

2. We Are Light

Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

This is a pretty incredible statement Jesus is making to his disciples in the sermon on the mount.

Because Jesus also says he is the light of the world.

John 9:5 (ESV)

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Jesus is saying, “What I am, you are to be.”

Friends this is the call of the disciple that we would become like him.

How can we live like Christ did? It's not about copying Him like we might try to mimic a role model.

It's about getting our light from Him, not trying to generate it on our own.

If we're just imitating, trying our best to do enough, then we're trying to be the source of that light ourselves.

We'd get all the credit or blame for how bright we shine, but the real power wouldn't come from us.

Think of it like a light bulb.

A bulb doesn't glow on its own; it lights up because it's connected to a power source.

If you unplug it, no matter how perfect the bulb is, it won't shine. The bulb isn't creating the light; it's just showing the light from the electricity it's hooked up to.

In the same way, trying to shine by just copying what other "light bulbs" do won't work.

We shine when we're connected to Christ, our power source.

Our ability to shine with Christ's light doesn't come from our own efforts.

It comes from staying connected to Him, drawing on His strength and letting His light shine through us.

How are we the light of the world? Only through a connection with Jesus Christ

Only by Him living through us as He did when He walked the earth.

He doesn't just show us how to shine; He is the light.

Jesus paints a vivid picture of our calling with two images: a city glowing on a hill and a lamp shining in a home.

Just as a city on a hill stands out, impossible to hide, so are believers meant to be visible, shining examples of faith.

There's no such thing as a hidden Christian.

Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones wisely pointed out:

“If we find in ourselves a tendency to put the light under a bushel, we must begin to examine ourselves and make sure that it really is ‘light.’ ” _ Martin Lloyd-Jones

Think about it—do we dim our glow, or do we shine bright, offering warmth, safety, and guidance like a beacon on a hill?

We're like lamps in a household, not hidden under a bowl but placed on a stand, lighting up the entire room.

This image shows us our purpose: to illuminate, revealing things as they truly are, promoting life, and persistently breaking through darkness.

Jesus, our ultimate example, didn't deepen the darkness;

He illuminated our world, exposing sin and imperfection, and drawing people towards Him with the stark contrast of His pure light.

He didn't compare Himself to others to prove His goodness; He simply was the standard of goodness.

We're strategically placed by God, like lamps on a stand, to shine wherever we are, even in the darkest places.

We are made to be visible, to illuminate life around us, and placed precisely where our light can have the most significant impact.

Our presence reveals truth, exposes sin, and highlights goodness, drawing others to the light we share.

It is incredible when we live out this calling!

The significance of light in our lives comes with a hefty responsibility.

Jesus doesn't mince words about this: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

He's giving us a direct order, not just a friendly tip.

He's saying, "If you're the light, you've got to shine!"

And how do we shine?

Through beautiful, eye-catching deeds of kindness and compassion.

When we are connected to Christ, we can’t help but pour out kindness and compassion.

Jesus emphasizes that our actions should not only be good but should catch the eye and heart, making people take notice.

John Stott puts it perfectly:

Indeed, the primary meaning of “works” must be practical, visible deeds of compassion. It is when people see these, Jesus said, that they will glorify God, for they embody the good news of his love which we proclaim. Without them our gospel loses its credibility and our God his honour. _John Stott

real, tangible acts of compassion are what Jesus is talking about.

When people see these acts, they recognize the love of God we're sharing.

Without them, our message loses its punch, and God's reputation is at stake.

And the goal of all this shining?

So that people see our good works and end up praising God.

That people would bend a knee to King Jesus.

It's all for His glory, echoing David's prayer, "Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory" (Psalm 115:1).

Jesus' statement, "You are the light of the world," is both astonishing and empowering.

It means we're called to mirror Him in this world, a task so grand we wouldn't dare claim it ourselves, but Jesus does.

He said you are the light of the world.

And in His plan, light will overcome darkness.

Just imagine, the Bible tells us, "The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father" (Matthew 13:43).

C. S. Lewis once noted that the heavens only reflect or suggest the glory of God. But we share the glory of the Father with Christ. And we will be more glorious than the heavens. Lewis says:

Nature is mortal. We shall outlive her. When all the suns and nebulae have passed away, each one of you will still be alive. Nature is only the image, the symbol.… We are summoned to pass in through nature beyond her to the splendor which she fitfully reflects. _C.S. Lewis

But remember, we're called to be light right now.

Church, Let's make a choice to sit at Jesus feet and like Moses coming down from the mountain we can’t help but to shine as brightly as we can in a world that desperately needs it.

A Pastor shared a story that sits with me. He writes, "One night at the end of a special Saturday night worship service a thunderstorm unleashed a bolt of lightning that plunged the church into darkness."

With the congregation seated in total darkness, he felt his way to the kitchen to find some candles.

He handed out the candles to everyone present.

People lit their candles in much the same way as many churches do on Christmas Eve, each person lighting the candle of the person next to them.

The worshipers then made their way through the church's winding hallways to the front door.

He writes: "Peering out, we could see the rain coming down in sheets," the Pastor remembers.

With traffic snarled, people were running for the nearest shelter.

Looking around they realized that the entire city was in darkness.

"There in the darkness we stood," He writes, "a little band of Christians, each clutching a light, not sure whether to venture out into the storm or stay inside the church in hopes that the storm would soon blow over."

Isn’t this an appropriate analogy for many of us in the church?

We know there is a world out there enshrouded in darkness.

There is world out there that is bland and in need of spice.

Yet, what do we do about it?

Do we face the storm and shine our light? Do we add some spice to the world?

What if we commited to being visible light for Christ, doing acts of beauty that draw people's eyes upward.

Let's live in the truth that we are, and always will be, the light of the world.

Conclusion

Here is where I want to answer the question, how?

First I would remind you, Jesus doesn't say, do these things and then you’ll be salt and light.

He tells his disciples you ARE salt and light.

Church this is who we are.

We are salt and light when we walk in the way of Jesus.

I think the key is how many of us are practicing the way of Jesus?

How many of us are disciples?

I want to look at the power of habit briefly.

Living out our faith in the hustle and bustle of everyday life means embracing a few key habits that reflect the heart of Jesus:

1. Embrace Servanthood -

Imagine putting others' needs before your own not out of obligation, but out of love.

It's about seeing those around us and asking, "How can I make your day better?" “How can I serve you?”

2. Strive for Excellence -

In everything we do, let's aim high.

Whether it's at work, home, or in our communities, doing our best is a way to honor God and inspire those around us.

Remember, it's not about the accolades for ourselves but about pointing back to Him with gratitude for our abilities.

3. Live with Integrity -

Walking the talk isn't always easy, but it's worth it.

Integrity means our inside values meet our outside actions, even when no one's watching.

It's the long road, but it's the right one.

4. Be Trustworthy -

Character and trust are the bedrock of meaningful relationships.

They're about being someone people can count on, knowing that what you say and do comes from a place of authenticity.

5. Lead by Example -

Whether we realize it or not, eyes are on us.

It's not about being perfect but about being real, showing that following Christ makes a tangible difference in how we live and love.

6. Guide Others to Christ -

Our lives should be signposts to Jesus, offering glimpses of His grace and truth.

Sometimes, it's through words; other times, it's through actions or simply being there for someone.

Always be ready to share the hope that fuels you.

7. Get to Know People -

Truly knowing those around us, from neighbors to colleagues, allows us to serve them better and share life more deeply.

It's about genuine interest in their stories and well-being.

8. Infuse Life with the Flavor of Positivity-

We live in a continually negative world.

There are few things that drag us away from the way of Jesus than cynicism and negativity.

We are salt, remember.

Now positivity isn't about ignoring reality but choosing to see God's hand at work even in tough times.

It's contagious, uplifting those around us and lightening burdens.

9. Speak Life - Our words have power.

Let's use them to build up, not tear down.

Steering clear of gossip and handling conflicts with grace goes a long way in fostering peace and understanding.

10. Pray Intentionally -

Starting each day by lifting up those we'll meet, asking God to use us to shine His light and love, sets the tone for meaningful interactions and Holy Spirit led appointments.

In weaving these habits into the fabric of our daily lives, we not only grow closer to Christ ourselves but also invite others to discover His transformative love and grace.

Am I truly being 'salt' in my daily life? How can I enhance the lives of those around me with my presence?

What does 'light' look like in practical terms for me? How can I illuminate the darkness around me with hope and truth?

How do my actions reinforce the gospel I profess to believe? Are there areas where I need to align my behavior more closely with what I say I believe?

Do my actions reflect the identity that Jesus declares over me as the salt of the earth and the light of the world?