Untitled Sermon (5)

Matthew 5:13-16

13 You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his flavor, with which shall it be salted? it is thereafter good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light to all that are in the house.

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

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The two powerful themes Christ presented to His followers in Matthew 5:13-16 clearly define their mission and identity: they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world Matthew 5:13-14 . These metaphors unequivocally describe the essential, twofold influence true believers must exert upon a morally corrupt world, acting both as agents of preservation and revelation .

🧂 The Christian as the Salt of the Earth Matthew 5:13

When Christ declared, “Ye are the salt of the earth,” He was emphasizing that His followers are meant to carry a vital, preserving, and purifying influence throughout society Matthew 5:13 .

The Preserving Influence: Salt, known for its saving virtues, prevents corruption, decay, and moral pollution . True Christians, through the grace of God, act as the element that preserves the earth from utter corruption of principle . Whithersoever this grace finds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a preserving power to save all that is good and to destroy all that is evil . This essential preserving power is bestowed upon believers by the Lord .

Source of the Savor: The light and grace that Christians manifest is not self-originated, but is all from the Light and Life of the world . All the virtue in the salt is derived from Christ . This spiritual worth depends on conforming one's life, heart, and mind fully to His service . The saving salt is pure, first love—the love of Jesus .

Manifesting Moral Worth: Being the salt of the earth means carrying the atmosphere of heaven and possessing saving qualities essential for the transformation of character . It is the moral integrity of individuals, such as Joseph and Daniel, that constitutes them the "salt of the earth" . The preservation comes through pure principles of truth and holiness conveyed by the believer's words and works .

The Warning of Loss: If salt loses its savor—if the saving principles of truth are not exemplified by professing Christians—it becomes utterly valueless, "good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men" Matthew 5:13 . A profession of godliness without the living principle is as utterly valueless as salt without its saving properties, resulting in a loveless religion .

💡 The Christian as the Light of the World Matthew 5:14-16

The second theme emphasizes that believers are the active reflectors of divine truth, illuminating the darkness around them Matthew 5:14 .

Christ is the Source: Christ is the great source of all blessings and the author of light, declaring Himself to be the light of the world John 8:12 . He is the "Bright and Morning Star" Revelation 22:16 . All the light that shines forth from the human agent must first be received from Him .

The Duty to Shine: As God's messengers, Christians must maintain a strong connection with God so that they may be the light of the world, letting their light shine to glorify God Matthew 5:16 . We are not to go groaning through life, but to be filled with joy and the blessing of God, reflecting the brightness of Christ's glory .

Shining Through Good Works: The followers of Christ are to shine as lights in the world through their words of truth and deeds of holiness . It is the good works of the Christian that hold the precious influence to preserve the world Matthew 5:16 . True religion—practical godliness, manifesting love, meekness, and gentleness—results in a character that is revealed in outward conduct .

Visibility and Purpose: Just as a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, believers are to be conspicuously different from the world Matthew 5:14 . The light must not be obscured ("under a bushel"), but set on a candlestick to give light to all Matthew 5:15 . This demonstration of godly life and character is crucial, as it leads men to "glorify your Father which is in heaven" Matthew 5:16 . The ultimate purpose is to enlighten and win others to the truth .

True religion is the light of the world and the salt of the earth . This sacred mission demands that believers exhibit in their character and works the unity and oneness that align with the sacred truths they profess . Therefore, we are called to move among men as pilgrims and strangers, seeking a better, heavenly country, and by our influence, taking others with us .