ILLUMINATE AND PRESERVE

SCRIPTURE CALL TO WORSHIP -  Exodus 15:1–2 Exodus 15:11–13

CHILDREN’S TIME - John 8:12

Use a white candle for the Jesus candle. Have the sound guys hit the lights when you say imagine how dark it would be in here. Talk about Jesus’s birth and how He is the light of the world and close with how we are the reflection of the light of Jesus.

Good morning! I hope that y'all had a good time together over Christmas, celebrating with family and enjoying the day together. We had a good time with family. With this being the first Christmas since the passing of my mom, we knew it was going to be different. However we had a good time together. My dad had a good day as family came. I had a niece that was sick with flu but the rest of the family was able to gather together and laugh and enjoy the day.

This is the last Sunday of the year. For a lot of people, this time of year begins a transition to hopes and dreams for the new year. People look at where they have come from over the last twelve months, and envision where they want to go in the next. As a church we have been through a lot together over the past year. Our families have been through a lot over the past year. Blessings and hardship. Even in the midst of the hardship, it’s been a blessing to see children baptized and more people join the church — more than we’ve had baptized or join in recent years.

Yet through the hardship, I can tell you as a church that God has not given up on us. These past few weeks, as we've looked at what it means for us to make room, I have felt God's presence in the midst of us. I have felt His guiding and leading. So this morning we are going to begin looking at what we are called to do as followers of Christ and as a church as we venture into the next year.

Please open your Bibles to the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 5:13-20 and then 5:43-48. And if you notice that this passage is the same as your Sunday school - AWESOME! It just so happens that it is. The passages today find themselves in the midst of Jesus's sermon on the mount. Matthew contains the most detail of the Gospel writers on the sermon. Jesus begins each section on the law with "You have heard it said..." This was common practice for a rabbi to say this about a law before giving his own interpretation of it. However, when Christ says it, He is giving not an interpretation, but its actual meaning. So here Jesus is teaching His disciples and a large crowd. It is viewed that the sermon was given early in Jesus's ministry, during a time of immense popularity. People had heard of the things that He did and the things that He had said in the past. So they gather round Jesus.

As to where the sermon took place, there are two locations are traditionally accepted—the Horns of Hattin, a short distance south of the Sea of Galilee, and a hilly region not far from Capernaum, toward the west. Since the thirteenth century AD the mountain known as the Horns of Hattin has been accepted by some as the location for the Sermon on the Mount, and this mountain has twin peaks, separated by a crater-like formation. The second location is now called the Mount of Beatitudes, and a graceful church is erected on the highest “mountain” or hill in the region to commemorate the Sermon on the Mount.

The Mount of Beatitudes overlooks the upper northwestern corner of the Sea of Galilee. The location has a unique amphitheater-type quality—the natural lay of the land forms a distinctive bowl or semi-oval shape just below the crest of the mount, and this terrain would have naturally amplified Jesus’ voice as He addressed the masses. Evidence dating to the fourth century A.D. indicates that Christians designated this particular place as the location for the sermon.

So here we have a group gathered on a mount and Jesus instructs the crowd in what it means to follow Him. He begins with what is known as the beatitudes, teaching about different aspects and people and how they are blessed. It is here where our text picks up:

Matthew 5:13–20 CSB

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. 17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:43–48 CSB

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Let's pray.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Jesus stands as the embodiment of both salt and light, fulfilling the law through His life and ultimately calling His followers to live out the implications of grace. His life challenges believers to not only uphold truth but to express that truth through sacrificial love, revealing God's character to humanity.

This morning I want us to look at our role in this world as Christians and what that looks like for us as we look to the future.

Big Idea: Radical discipleship calls for Christians to be both preservers of truth and beacons of light, confronting moral decay while embodying unconditional love, thus transforming lives and communities from within.

There three things that this passage calls us to do this morning:

ILLUMINATING AND PERSERVING IN THE COMING YEAR

1. Preserve with Purpose

Recommended Study: As you delve into this sermon using Logos, consider researching the cultural significance of salt and light in ancient Israelite society to capture a fuller understanding of Jesus' metaphors. Investigating the historical context of enemy love in Jewish thought compared to Christian interpretation can provide depth. Look into contemporary applications in a polarized world to draw connections for your audience.

2. Fulfill the Spirit of the Law

3. Love Beyond Limits

1. Preserve with Purpose

Matthew 5:13–16 CSB

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Jesus calls His followers the salt of the earth. Salt is a preservative. Long before people had the ability to refrigerate foods, salt was a means to preserve food. Salt is distinct in its flavor and can bring out the flavor in food. Yet it can go bad if it is misused. It is only as effective as the manner in which it is used.

Just like salt preserves, so are those who are followers of Jesus to preserve the teachings of Jesus in the world that we live in. We are called to live distinct lives that are different than that of the world. For those of us who follow Christ, we are called to be different. Our words, our actions, how we care and treat people are to be just different.

Jesus calls us to be salt and not salty. We are called to be steadfast in our belief, but not hate our neighbor. We are called to hate sin, but not the sinner. We are also called to not only be in groups. Salt is most effective when it is used sparingly. You ever ate something that was oversalted? (Talk about the time you accidently used salt in a drink on the symbolism of the lords supper. Have fun with this.) As a church, we effective when we are sprinkled out in the community, not all clumped together.

Not only does Jesus call His followers the salt of the earth, He calls us the light of the world. Last Sunday we had a wonderful time in our candlelight service. There's something about light and the comfort and peace it brings. You ever stop and think about why Christ calls us light? Why didn't He call us something that is powerful? Something that shows might and strength. Like you are the lions, or tigers, or bears (have fun with this, but read the room).

Because light brings hope. Light brings peace. Light brings comfort. That’s what you and I who are followers of Christ have. We have the hope of Christ, who is our peace and comfort. And we live in a world that is so desperate for hope and peace. Do you realize that in this moment, Christianity has an opportunity to shine. In 2025, two Christian artists hit the Billboard 100. Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake. Shows like The Chosen are getting the attention of Hollywood, and we are seeing all across our campuses a revival breaking out of young people coming to Christ. There are churches in our area that are growing, in our association that are growing, and not just by Christians switching churches. They are growing through people are coming to faith in Jesus. Why?

Because the world is in darkness and is desperate for hope, peace, and love. You and I who are followers of Christ get to have this opportunity to be salt, to live distinct, and to share the light of Christ in a world that is so desperate. The world needs to be shown the light of Christ that is within us. The light we have is to be shared, and not hidden. Light in a room that is already lit does little to add light. But put that light in a place filled with darkness, and that light can be seen all over.

Perhaps you could discuss how Jesus calls His followers to be like salt and light, emphasizing the preservative nature of salt and the revealing quality of light. The passage suggests that believers are to influence the cultural and moral fabric of the world by highlighting God's truth and love. Encourage listeners to consider practical ways they can maintain personal integrity and testimony in their community, embodying the steadfast nature of Christ, who preserved God's covenant people and brought eternal light through His sacrificial love.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be salt and light. We are called to preserve with purpose. So how do we do that? First, we must fulfill the spirit of the law with love.

2. Fulfill Spirit of the Law

Matthew 5:17–20 CSB

17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus did not come to do away with the law. The commands that were given to the people by God through Moses. The commands that are framed in the Ten Commandments. Jesus did not come to do away with them. He fulfilled the law. You see, the point of the law was to reveal that humanity could not save themselves. Jesus becomes the embodied fulfillment of the law through His death, burial and resurrection. That’s why He said He is the fulfillment of the law. Not only does He fulfill the law, He commands His followers to be salt and light by fulfilling spirit of the law in our words and actions. Through genuine love and justice.

Jesus was asked the question, which command was the greatest. Matthew records this in Matthew 22:38-40

Matthew 22:37–40 CSB

37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

So how do we fulfill the spirit of the law with love? How do we obey and teach others to obey? By loving God with our everything, and reflecting that in our love for people. It is not just professing our love for God with our words. It is not just attending church when the doors are opened. It is in EVERY part of our lives. How you and I live should be a reflection of what Christ has done in our lives. It is not just coming in here and talking about how you love God and why - it is going out in the world and showing the world you love God.

It is more than just living by a checklist. It is living lives that show the change that has happened inside of us. It is asking to pray for people in the grocery store. It is being kind to the waiter or waitress. It is standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Caring for the least in society. That’s why Jesus in His parable on the sheep and the goats says in Matthew 25:40 “40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Fulfilling the spirit of the law also means that when we put Him first in everything, we do it all for the glory of God. No matter the cost. So many people who profess Christ do not actually put Him first. I’m not just talking about church attendance. I’m talking about in doing what is right. I’m talking about being willing to put Him first no matter what. As followers of Christ, we have to be willing as Paul said to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” When we do that, we are fulfilling the spirit of the law.

Fulfilling the Spirit of the Law also means to stand for the things that He stands for. We are to stand up against the things that are wrong. We are to hold true to what God calls sin and not be swayed by what the world says. The Christian life is not a reflection of the world, it is a reflection of the transformative work of Christ. And that means what God calls sin and says is wrong, we are to also call sin and say is wrong.

Being salt and light means that we are to fulfill the Spirit of Law. It also means that we are to love beyond limits.

3. Love Beyond Limits

Matthew 5:43–48 CSB

43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

In everything we do, our love for Christ is to be the source. It doesn’t mean that we only love our family and friends in the name of Jesus. It means we love EVERYONE in the name of Jesus. This was a radical teaching in Jesus’s day. It meant to love the Gentile, the Samaritan, and the Roman. It meant to love the diseased and the poor. These were people in Jesus’ day who were hated, despised, and rejected. These were people who the Jews didn’t want to have anything to do with. So to hear this idea to love your enemies was such a radical idea.

And yet, it still is. Jesus calls us to love beyond limits. Jesus calls us to love the people we love, like, and hate. Jesus calls us to love the relative who we will cry at their funeral, but won’t go on vacation with. Jesus calls us to love those who have wronged us. Jesus calls us to love those who hate us. Love isn’t just saying “I love you.” It is actively loving someone and making choices for their well-being. That means when they lie, cheat, or steal from us, we forgive them. When they wrong us, we don’t wrong back. When they talk about us, we don’t talk about them.

Loving beyond our limits means that we are willing to lovingly confront those who have wronged us. It means we hold a standard that reflects Christ, and when that standard isn’t met, we hold people accountable. That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 18 that you should go to that person who wronged you. Not to lord over them, but to bring healing. That’s loving beyond our limits.

Loving beyond limits means that we have to be willing to ask forgiveness for wronging someone. Loving beyond our limits means letting go of the past. Past actions, past mistakes, and moving forward.

Hard? Yes. Loving people is hard. Loving people is challenging. But the alternative? To hate, and to be filled with hate? That isn’t Jesus.

So as we as a church look forward to the future, let’s do so seeking to be salt and light in our community who so desperately need this. Let us fulfill the spirit of the law in lives, and let’s be willing to love beyond our limits.

Maybe explore Jesus’ radical teaching on loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. Emphasize this as the ultimate expression of being light in a dark world, where love overcomes hostility. Suggest that embodying such love reflects the perfection and completeness that Christ himself demonstrated—the essence of divine love. Encourage believers to practice forgiveness and kindness towards adversaries, thereby transforming relationships and communities, and demonstrating the profound love of Jesus to the world.

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