GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - BE SALT AND LIGHT

CALLED TO BE SALT AND LIGHT IN THE WORLD

Last week, we finished off the first part of the Sermon on the Mount labeled as the Beatitudes.  We looked at blessed are the peacemakers, and we are called to be a bridge between us and God so people can experience the love and forgiveness of a loving God.  Peacemakers reflect God’s heart. 

We also looked at blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of God and that diamonds, the most valuable gemstone, can only be formed under intense pressure and heat. 

The final one was like the second, but blessed are you when you are persecuted and people lie about you and revile you for your great reward awaits you in heaven. 

From Matthew 5:3 – Matthew 7:27 I only have red letters printed.  If you have a red-letter Bible, all the words of Christ are in red ink.  Matthew 7:28 says,” And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.”  Matthew states all of this is one Sermon, one message, the Sermon on the Mount.  The chapter breaks did not occur until the 13th century and verse numbers did not come until the 1500s.

After the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount continues and today we look at Jesus calling His followers salt and light.  It may not seem obvious, but salt and light are very similar. Both enhance the quality of life and help preserve life. Salt improves life by enhancing the flavor of food. It also acts as a preservative, which is important for a culture in which refrigeration has not been invented.

Light improves the quality of life by holding the darkness at bay and extending the amount of time for productivity or leisure. It also is a preservative because it shows the right way to go in the dark and helps someone see dangers that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.

As we begin to look at Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and Light, let us pray!

Sermon Title: Be the Light: Living as Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16 – “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. “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.

1. The Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13)

Illustration: Imagine a plate of food with no seasoning—it’s bland and unappealing. But just a pinch of salt brings out the best flavors. Pepper adds flavor and changes it.  Salt enhances and brings out, brings to the top flavors already in the food. 

Similarly, Christians are meant to enhance and influence the world by reflecting God’s righteousness and love. 

Salt is also a preservative. Salt can be added to something such as pork to give it a longer shelf life.  If you think of flavor as the quality of life, then we should be doing what salt does and enhancing the flavor, the quality of life, as well as preserving and lengthening the lives of those around us. 

But in order for salt to do its job, it must leave the saltshaker.  Sitting next to the meat ready to grill or French fries on the plate, salt in the shaker does nothing to enhance the food it is intended for.

Key Idea: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” As believers, we are called to preserve godly values in a decaying world and bring the "flavor" of God's goodness to those around us.

We can feel like the only experience the Beatitudes is to be a separatist and live in isolation, but Jesus continues teaching

This means that Christ’s church exists for the world’s sake and not its own – we are called to help preserve and enhance life around us.

Salt is a nutrient – we are to nourish those around us

Salt is a preserver – we are called to help preserve life around us – life at every stage is important

Salt is a consumer – when poured on a wound it stings and hurts but it is cleaning and healing the wound

Jesus calls the salt of the earth – we must take this seriously and not lose our saltiness – (be defiled by the world) –

Jesus says in Luke 14:34-35 – “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

the only way for salt to lose its saltiness is for the salt to dissolve and leave behind only the impurities -

the Greek word Jesus uses for hear is akouo, listening with the intent to obey. Not just hearing but obeying what one hears.

Colossians 4:6 – "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

All three apply here – nutrient, preserver, consumer –

Romans 12:2 – "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Be seasoned with salt and not like uncured meat left to rot – ask God – where do you want me to be salty?

BIG IDEA: Preserving and Flavoring the World

Application Questions:

1. In what ways are you influencing the people around you for Christ?

2. What areas in your life have you've started to "lose your saltiness" by blending into the world instead of standing out for Christ?

3. How are you getting out of the shaker (Church) and “flavoring” or “preserving” those outside of the church?

2. The Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)

Illustration: Like salt, light is something that can have a dramatic effect on everything it touches. Light makes it possible to see. A lighthouse warns ships of the coastline;

emergency lights warn drivers of a high-speed vehicle. Light speaks of security and reassurance.

When we are in a dark house and hear an unfamiliar noise, we instinctively turn on a light because we want to be able to see and be seen. (Story of Tony) Jesus says we are to be like that to a neighborhood that dwells in darkness.

Key Idea: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Jesus calls us to shine brightly by living in such a way that others see God’s truth and love through us. Light exposes the darkness and guides people to safety.

Like salt – light affects the environment – there are water organisms that, if sunlight hit them – they would die (caves – oceans, etc.)

A disciple of Christ will stand out like a city on a hill – will have an affect on the environment (science fair projects of plants with varied light exposure – 60 degrees in the sun compared to 60 degrees at night)

John 8:12 – "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Philippians 2:15 – "Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."

Paul says if you are going to be light – be light don’t be a hypocrite and teach and say one thing and then do the opposite

Romans 2:19b – if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,

Don’t say you’re going to be the hands and feet of Christ and never go out into the world to do His Work

BIG IDEA: Shining in the Darkness

Application Questions:

1. What areas of your life shine God's light, and where do you need to be more visible for Christ?

2. What fears or distractions are keeping you from boldly shining your light for Jesus?

3. Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:15-16)

Illustration: Imagine a stained-glass window in a church. When the sun shines through, the colors come alive, creating a beautiful display. Our good works should be like that window—letting God’s light shine through us so others see His beauty.

Key Idea: “People do not light a lamp to put it under a basket but on a stand so it lights up the whole house.  Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The purpose of our light is not to bring attention to ourselves, but to reflect God's glory and lead others to Him.

An oil lamp must be lit – set – refueled – and trimmed in order to produce the best light

Lit – God – Lights the flame

Set – the Holy Spirit calls us where to be – we must follow we must obey – not hide away

Refueled – by His Word, by Worship, by Fellowship

Trimmed – the Holy Spirit trims – trimming involved cutting (candles in my office example)

While good deeds do not save they are a mark of a true believer

James 2:17-20 – So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Your good works bring Glory to God

1 Peter 2:12 – "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God."

Live influential lives for God and His Kingdom (D. Miller story).

Ephesians 5:8 – "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

BIG IDEA: Bringing Glory to God

Application Questions:

1. What specific actions can you take this week to reflect God’s light to those around you?

2. What works are being shown in the light?

3. How can your daily life bring glory to God in practical ways?

Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Takeaway: Jesus calls us to be salt and light—to influence the world, expose the darkness, and glorify God in our words and actions. If we lose our saltiness or hide our light, we fail in our purpose.

Challenge: Choose one way to be salt or light this week:

Speak words of encouragement and truth to someone in need.

Stand up for righteousness in a situation where others are compromising.

Perform an act of kindness that points others to Christ.

Closing Scripture: Daniel 12:3 – "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."