Living Abroad from the KINGdom (2)
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Greeting
Announce text: Matthew 5:1-16
Key Text: Matthew 5:1-16
Review
JESUS calls believers the “salt of the earth,” urging us to embody HIS KINGdom ethics—humility, purity, and peacemaking (shalom)—to preserve GOD’s covenant (khesed) in a decaying world. By blending love and truth, like sodium and chlorine forming salt, we reflect tzedekah (righteousness) and holiness as CHRISTlikeness (Philippians 1:6). Three principles guide us to “stay salty”:
Preserve Purposeful Presence: Like salt’s preservative quality (Exodus 30:34–36, 2 Kings 2:19–22), we sustain GOD’s truth through KINGdom living, avoiding worldly compromise (Luke 14:34–35).
Promote Peaceful Unity: “Eating salt” symbolizes loyalty and friendship (Ezra 4:14, Mark 9:50), calling us to foster unity (Ephesians 4:3, Romans 12:18) and avoid division (Mark 9:34).
Pursue Covenant Commitment: Salt signifies GOD’s enduring covenant (Numbers 18:19, Leviticus 2:13, 2 Chronicles 13:5), but impurities or apathy can render us “tasteless,” losing our transformative impact (Matthew 5:13).
Warning: Compromise, hypocrisy, or apathy dilutes our witness, like salt losing flavor, making us ineffective for GOD’s mission (Luke 14:35).
Conclusion: Love + truth = the salt of the covenant. By preserving purposeful presence, fostering peaceful unity, and committing to the covenant, believers remain effective, flavorful agents of GOD’s KINGdom. The sermon closed with a memorable charge: “Stay salty!”
Announce text again: Matthew 5:1-16
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the hillside, and sat down. His disciples came to him.
2 He took a deep breath, and began his teaching:
3 “How good is life for the powerless, because theirs is the kingdom of the skies.
4 “How good is life for those who grieve, because they will be comforted.
5 “How good is life for the unimportant, because they will inherit the land.
6 “How good is life for people who hunger and thirst for God’s justice! You’re going to be satisfied.
7 “How good is life for those who show mercy, because you will be shown mercy.
8 “How good is life for the pure in heart! You will see God.
9 “How good is life for the peacemakers! You’ll be called God’s children.
10 “How good is life for people who are persecuted because of God’s saving plan! The kingdom of heaven belongs to you.
11 “How good is life for you, when people slander you and persecute you, and say all kinds of wicked things about you falsely because of me!
12 Celebrate and rejoice: there’s a great reward for you in heaven. That’s how they persecuted the prophets who went before you.”
13 “You’re the salt of the earth! But if the salt becomes tasteless, how is it going to get salty again? It’s no good for anything. You might as well throw it out and walk all over it.
14 “You’re the light of the world! A city can’t be hidden if it’s on top of a hill.
15 People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bucket; they put it on a lampstand. Then it gives light to everybody in the house.
16 That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.
16 That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.
Prayer for added blessing to the reading of the Word
Message
Message
In the late 19th century, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, located off Oregon’s treacherous coast, stood as a literal "light on a hill" amidst stormy seas. Built on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, it was one of the most dangerous lighthouses to maintain. Keepers faced isolation, brutal storms, and constant peril to keep the light burning. In 1881, during a fierce storm, keeper Henry Jenkins risked his life to repair the lighthouse’s lens after it was damaged by waves that breached the 100-foot-high tower. For days, he climbed the exposed rock, battled gale-force winds, and worked tirelessly to restore the beacon. His efforts ensured that ships navigating the perilous Pacific waters could see the light, avoiding deadly rocks and saving countless lives.
This beacon was not hidden—it shone brightly, visible for miles, guiding sailors to safety. Jenkins’ commitment reflected a selfless dedication to others’ survival, even at great personal cost.
Introduction
Introduction
Big Idea: When we as believers embrace our identity as reflections of GOD's light, we can transform our communities by guiding the lost toward hope and salvation, illuminating pathways through compassion and truth.
Let’s read JESUS’ Words from the conclusion to HIS introduction to the SOTM in context:
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
So, as we were reminded from our review, JESUS is using three metaphors presented in two groupings of images that are the kind of people JESUS envisions HIS followers to be in the world. These images provide two promptings or reminders to us who are believers of our role as participants in the KINGdom of GOD. In the last message, we began with looking at the first of two imperatives (or commands) that can be inferred from JESUS’ words in vv.13-16. I should note, as I failed to say so last week, that these commands correspond to the two groupings of images, okay? We will look at the second one today.
Two Imperatives from the KING:
Stay Salty! (the first grouping: salt of the world)
Stay Lit! (the second grouping: light of the world, city on a mountain)
Now, as I said last week, I’m having a little fun with both of these commands, and hopefully, the humor will help solidify these in your mind. I was a little reticent to use this second command for perhaps obvious reasons, but I bounced it off a few people here and was assured it would be okay. So, these commands are a play on words, using modern vernacular to emphasize an ancient truth.
Again, here is what a quick search revealed when I asked for a modern definition for the word lit:
The word "lit" in modern vernacular is a slang term used to describe something exciting, excellent, energetic, or highly enjoyable. It conveys a sense of enthusiasm, vibrancy, or being "on fire" in a positive way. Its usage has evolved in contemporary English, particularly in youth culture, social media, and casual conversation, often tied to events, experiences, or atmospheres that are lively or impressive.
That sounds positive, right? Like, if at the end of the sermon today, you were to exclaim to the person beside you, “Man, that sermon was lit!” - that would be a good thing! Okay? Glory to GOD!
Why would I then be reticent to use the command? Because the origin of the word lit:
Roots: “Lit” originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), initially meaning “intoxicated” (e.g., “lit up” from alcohol or drugs) in early 20th-century slang. By the 2010s, it shifted to its current positive connotations, popularized through hip-hop, social media (e.g., Twitter, Instagram), and youth culture.
May it be that today’s sermon is lit by the flames of HOLY SPIRIT, and may you and I be lit in a way that blinds those around us!
The sub-title for the theme Living Abroad from the KINGdom or the title for today’s message is ...
Illuminate the Path: A Call to Reflect God’s Light
Illuminate the Path: A Call to Reflect God’s Light
Before we jump into today’s message, there are some Hebrew words we need to look at underlying our passage today because JESUS is crafting HIS own pun in this passage - and I don’t think I need to tell you HIS puns are much better than mine! Right? So, HE is doing some wordplay between the Hebrew words for light and instruction.
In the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the book of Isaiah, the metaphor of light and the "city on a hill" carries significant meaning, providing insight into JESUS’ use of these images in Matthew 5:14–16, where HE calls HIS followers “the light of the world” and a “city on a hill” that cannot be hidden. The Hebrew word for light is the word or.
Hebrew word or
pronounced: ore
translation:
definition: a light
This first appears in Genesis 1 when GOD says, “Let there be light.” “Let there be or.” The word, or, connects to another more famous Hebrew word for GOD’s instruction - the word torah.
Hebrew word torah
pronounced: to-raw’
translation:
definition: direction, instruction, law
The noun Torah (instruction) derives from the verb yarah (to teach, instruct) with its instructive form yoreh (to give instruction), creating a wordplay with or.
Hebrew word yoreh
pronounced: yo-reh’
translations:
definition: to give instructions
So, you see and hear or in each of these words: or, yoreh, torah. In Genesis, GOD’s command “Let there be light” introduces or as a symbol of divine revelation. What we’re going to see is that Isaiah employs this wordplay to depict GOD’s Torah as a light that shines to the nations, guiding them to true life.
What’s kind of funny and interesting about this is when you think about this connection between light and instruction in the Hebrew, we can also see this same connection in the English language. What is the image or icon we use to symbolize when someone has a good idea? In fact, this ought to give it away, but the phrase is often worded this way - a “bright” idea. What is that image or icon, then? A lightbulb.
There’s an old chorus we used to sing in chapel services at our Christian school when we were teenagers that had a line that repeated, “I saw the light! I saw light! No more darkness, no more night! Now, I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight. Praise the LORD! I saw the light!” To see the light means one has been enlightened. So, there are many parallels to the Hebrew in our own language, and perhaps you might even be able to think of more.
At any rate, I hope walking through the meaning and connection of the Hebrew words has shed some light on this topic for you.
This morning, I want to give you three guiding principles for us to “stay lit.”
Three Guiding Principles to Stay Lit:
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
In the conclusion of JESUS’ introduction to HIS SOTM, JESUS identifies HIS followers as “the light of the world” and a “city on a hill.” As we saw from our brief look at the Hebrew words underlying this text, the word for light - or - is at the center of the word Torah, meaning instruction. It is also at the center of the word yoreh, which is to teach. What Isaiah is revealing is that GOD’s Illumination and HIS Law are inseparable. Where is this wordplay from Isaiah found?
In Isaiah 2:1-3, Isaiah presents GOD’s Light as Divine Instruction that will flow to the nations.
2 Now it will come about that In the last days The mountain of the house of the Lord Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it.
3 And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach [yoreh] us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For the law [Torah] will go forth from Zion And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
So, Isaiah is describing the temple of Jerusalem which is one of the highest points of ancient Jerusalem. In the narrative of GOD’s story, YHWH has destined this temple hill to become the highest of all mountains - not in literal height, but in spiritual significance.
Mountains in the Hebrew Bible are symbolic views of where Heaven and Earth come together. Eden is described as a high and holy mountain. There are probably a number of mountains you can think of from the OT where significant events took place: Mount Sinai, Mount Carmel, etc. In this Scripture from Isaiah, he makes reference to the Garden of Eden with all of the nations rivering up to it.
The Hebrew word for stream in v.2 is the word:
Hebrew word nahar
pronounced: naw-hawr’
translations: stream
definition: rivers
He uses the verb form of this word, to reference the noun form found in Genesis 2:10:
10 Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers.
These four rivers watered all the nations of the land. The difference between Genesis and Isaiah is the direction the rivers are flowing. In Genesis they flow out to water the nations, and in Isaiah, the nations are the river that flow up to Jerusalem.
For what purpose? To get instruction from YHWH - HIS teaching. The nations will flow into Jerusalem to receive GOD’s teaching (yoreh - to instruct), where HIS instruction (Torah) will go out to instruct others.
Isaiah is looking forward to a day when GOD’s salvation will be for all nations, not just Israel. Judah had turned from GOD’s teaching, but Isaiah has hope and believes one day all nations will seek GOD’s instruction eagerly.
So, what is the result when these nations seek GOD with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength?
4 And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.
The result is not only peace, but they will work together for the betterment of everyone. It produces a world where peoples hearts have been transformed by the life-giving instruction of YHWH.
Then in v.5, Isaiah says:
5 Come, house of Jacob, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
So, here is more wordplay from Isaiah, that YWH is shining a light (or) on Israel, whose capital Jerusalem is the city on a mountain. The light is meant to be a guiding light that permeates Israel and sheds light on their path and spreads to the nations. Israel is meant to embody a way of living by HIS instruction.
Of course, as we know, Israel fails to fulfill this - they fail to walk in the light of YHWH. Instead of being a source of life and peace, they get mixed up in the same actions as the nations around them. Later, Isaiah recognizes the only hope for this to happen is through ONE Israelite - a servant figure. Isaiah draws upon the images from Isaiah 2, when he says:
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
So, where GOD was brining justice in chapter 2, now the SERVANT is bring justice to the nations, and HE (the SERVANT) will be “a light to the nations.”
6 “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness, I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations,
7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
So, the SERVANT shifts from the chapter 2 narrative of walking in the light to becoming THE LIGHT, and HE lives in a way that brings justice to the nations. This was the intention for Israel in living out their covenant relationship with GOD all along, so they would become the embodiment of GOD’s instruction.
Later, in Isaiah 49.6, Isaiah reinforces this notion:
6 He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
I wanted to point something out here because I think this is so cool. Do you know what the Hebrew word for salvation is here? It’s Yeshua - the name of JESUS, WHO is, of course, the SERVANT Isaiah is talking about. Isn’t that amazing?
From these passages, we can see the connection Isaiah has made between light and GOD’s Word - HIS instruction - that JESUS is building upon.
Collectively, these remarks stress that we as believers are to anchor ourselves in GOD’s revealed instruction and allow that instruction to illuminate every aspect of life.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
When we memorize and meditate on GOD’s Word, it keeps us from sin and it guides our every step.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
And that leads us to the second guiding principle.
Three Guiding Principles to Stay Lit:
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
2. Radiate Good Works (that Promote Justice and Peace)
2. Radiate Good Works (that Promote Justice and Peace)
In Matthew 5:16, we see that good works are the visible outcome of letting one’s light shine.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
When we are living under GOD’s Light - HIS Instruction, it will transform our lives. This isn’t something we’re striving toward, it’s who we are - the transformation is who we’re becoming in CHRIST. The natural by-product of that is that we will live differently.
Back in the book of Isaiah, GOD says HE is going to make the SERVANT a covenant of the people:
8 Thus says the Lord, “In a favorable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages;
And then later in Isaiah 60, Isaiah describes a group of people who are living in this covenant:
1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you.
3 “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
YHWH is addressing a group of people In a deep state of darkness - like before Creation - who have been restored by the SERVANT. GOD’s Light is shining on them, so that nations will come to their light.
In some of the earlier passages of Isaiah that we looked at, we saw the mission of the servant was to deliver justice to the nations.
1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.
We also saw from his prophetic vision, a world in which the nations were transforming weapons of war into tools for cultivation, a classic peace symbol.
And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.
These themes we’ve seen echoed over the course of this series covering the Beatitudes. When we as CHRIST’s followers live out the ethics of JESUS that we have been looking at in the Beatitudes, we will seek GOD’s justice in the world. We will do right by GOD and by others, and this will include working towards peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
JESUS said in John 8:12,
12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
By following CHRIST’s teachings with pure motives, we will no longer walk in darkness. HIS HOLY SPIRIT lives within us and continues the sanctifying process - that transformative work in us making us into true Image-bearers of light.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
And as HE does, we will live as lights revealing HIS Light within us:
15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
So, that our righteous acts shine brighter and brighter.
18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
As believers, we are called to express the light they receive through concrete deeds that advance justice, reconcile conflict, and nurture communal well‑being. This isn’t activity to earn our salvation - this isn’t something we do. These works are a result of who we have become.
And this leads us to the third and final guiding principle.
Three Guiding Principles to Stay Lit:
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
1. Live Under GOD’s Light (Instruction)
2. Radiate Good Works (that Promote Justice and Peace)
2. Radiate Good Works (that Promote Justice and Peace)
3. Be a Visible Beacon to Others
3. Be a Visible Beacon to Others
JESUS uses the phrase “city on a hill” in Matthew 5.14 to stress public visibility. HE then kind of introduces some humor in Matthew 5.15 to stress the same thing:
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Earlier, we saw from Isaiah, where Isaiah portrayed Jerusalem as a city on a mountain that acted as a radiant focal point that draws all people:
2 Now it will come about that In the last days The mountain of the house of the Lord Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it.
Then we saw how Isaiah repeated this notion with his people depicting them as a restored community shining for the world.
1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
3 “Nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.
Just as those images in Isaiah point out, so JESUS instructs HIS followers not to hide their light, but to let it shine for all to see. We should not shrink back in fear.
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ...
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
So, GOD’s Perfect Love living within us enables us to ...
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
… so that we can
12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
So, the practical effect of being seen is that our lives should be unmistakably evident, inviting others to the source. This is the overarching goal of our lives as a testimony to the goodness of GOD - to bring others to salvation.
“For so the Lord has commanded us,
‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles,
That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ”
Consequently, as believers we should live openly and consistently so that their character and conduct act as a beacon, drawing observers toward the Creator.
So, pj … What’s the point?
Conclusion
Conclusion
As believers, we are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill that shines GOD’s transformative instruction (Torah) through our good works, as JESUS declares in Matthew 5:14–16. Just as the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse keeper risked all to keep the beacon burning, guiding ships to safety, we must live under GOD’s light, radiate HIS justice and peace, and stand as visible beacons of HIS love. By anchoring ourselves in HIS Word, we avoid the darkness of fear or compromise, embodying the Beatitudes’ ethic to bring salvation (YESHUA) to the nations. Let us shine boldly, reflecting CHRIST’s covenant through actions that reconcile, restore, and draw others to glorify our FATHER, illuminating the path to HIS KINGdom until the new creation dawns.
Closing prayer & benediction
24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.’
Scripture records the following words in v.27:
“So whenever they use my name to bless the Israelites, I will bless them.”
So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!
