Shining Bright: The Power of Salt and Light

Sermon Series: The Sermon on the Mount (Part 2) Bible Passage: Matthew 5:13–16

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your truth. We thank You for Your Word, which guides us and transforms us. Lord, as we study the call to be salt and light in this world, may Your Holy Spirit illuminate our understanding. Teach us how to live in a way that glorifies You, preserves righteousness, and shines brightly in a dark world. Let this message convict, encourage, and empower us to live boldly for Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction: Called to Influence the World

Imagine a world without salt—food would be bland, preservation would be difficult, and life would be less enjoyable. Now, picture a world without light—darkness would consume everything, making navigation impossible and leaving people lost.

In Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus calls His followers to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." These metaphors emphasize our role in preserving righteousness and illuminating truth. Through this passage, Jesus is teaching that our faith is not meant to be hidden but to actively influence and transform the world around us.

Let’s explore three key truths from this passage:

The Preserving Potency of Salt (Matthew 5:13)

The Illuminating Influence of Light (Matthew 5:14–15)

The Glorifying Goal of Faith (Matthew 5:16)

Matthew 5:13 NKJV

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

1. The Preserving Potency of Salt

Understanding the Role of Salt

In biblical times, salt had two primary functions: preservation and flavor enhancement. Without refrigeration, salt was used to keep food from decaying. Spiritually, this means that Christians are called to preserve moral truth in a world prone to decay.

Salt also enhances flavor, making food enjoyable. In the same way, believers should bring the "flavor" of Christ into their communities—offering grace, love, and righteousness. Colossians 4:6 reminds us:

Colossians 4:6 NKJV

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one

Losing Saltiness: A Warning

Jesus warns that salt can become ineffective. While pure salt does not lose its saltiness, the salt in Jesus’ time was often mixed with impurities. If the salt lost its effectiveness, it was discarded. This is a powerful warning for believers: if we conform to the world rather than influence it, we become ineffective in our calling.

We must ask ourselves:

Are we preserving the truth of God’s Word in our families, workplaces, and communities? Or have we blended so much with the world that our distinctiveness is lost?

Matthew 5:14–15 NKJV

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

2. The Illuminating Influence of Light

Jesus: The Source of Light

Jesus tells His followers, "You are the light of the world," yet in John 8:12, He declares, "I am the light of the world." This means that believers reflect His light, just as the moon reflects the sun.

John 8:12 NKJV

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

The world is in spiritual darkness (John 3:19–20), and without Christ, people are lost..

John 3:19–20 NKJV

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

A City on a Hill: A Public Witness

A city built on a hill is visible to all. Likewise, our faith is not meant to be hidden. The world should see the way we live and recognize Christ in us.

Jesus also says that no one lights a lamp only to hide it. A concealed lamp is useless.

As believers, we must ask:

Are we hiding our faith out of fear, or are we boldly shining the light of Christ in our daily lives?

How to Shine the Light of Christ

By living righteously – "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

By sharing the Gospel – "Proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

3. The Glorifying Goal of Faith

Why We Shine: To Glorify God

The ultimate purpose of being salt and light is not personal recognition but to bring glory to God. When people see our good works, they should be pointed to Him, not to us.

This aligns with Isaiah 42:6, where God calls His people to be "a light for the nations." Our faith is not just personal—it is meant to influence the world and draw others to the Lord.

Isaiah 42:6 ESV

“I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,

Jesus is reminding us that our faith is active, not passive. A dim or hidden light does not fulfill its purpose. Our good works should be a reflection of God's love, leading others to praise Him.

Application: Living as Salt and Light

How can we apply this message in our daily lives?

Be intentional about preserving goodness – Stand firm in biblical truth and live with integrity.

Boldly shine the light of Christ – Share your faith, serve your community, and be a visible witness of God’s love.

Remember the goal: glorifying God – Let every good work point people to Jesus, not to ourselves.

This week, ask yourself: Is my life making a difference? Am I preserving righteousness? Am I shining Christ’s light in my workplace, family, and community?

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for calling us to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs Your truth and love. Help us to preserve righteousness and illuminate the path to You through our words and actions. May we never lose our distinctiveness or hide our faith out of fear. Instead, give us the boldness to stand firm, love others, and reflect the light of Christ so that others may see You and glorify Your name. Use us, Lord, to bring transformation in our communities. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.