Have You Heard?

Salt and light represent what every Christian should be—a penetrating and illuminating influence, something both to be seen and felt, a power to attract and transform.

PRAYER

Oh God in heaven, grant that we would be fully in your service this day. That all our thoughts, words, and deeds would resound with your glory and good example to all mankind. That as they see our good works they would glorify your name! We praise you that you have not only predestined but called us to be members of your kingdom and as such provided for us this text in Matthew. Would that you fill us with your Spirit so we might increase in faith and knowledge. Enlighten our hearts and salt our speech that we might live in godly conversation and integrity of life.

Message

The Setting of the Bar

Anger

Matthew 5:21–22 ESV

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

Floyd / Chauvin - trial = justice !!

Worship = reconciliation

V26 = prison / punishment / payment

Lust

Matthew 5:27–28 ESV

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Bill Clinton - sex?

purity of thought life

serious about sin ?

Marriage / Divorce

Matthew 5:31–32 ESV

31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

American plague - respectable sin…

Standard of Christ.... Will of God!

Divorce & Remarriage: A Position Paper - John Piper

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/divorce-and-remarriage-a-position-paper

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage? - SBTS - YouTube

Oaths

Matthew 5:33 ESV

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’

Pinky swear / spit handshake / blood oath...

Swear to God… cross my heart… grandma’s grave…

history of oaths… Contract !

fulfillment of oaths…

Matthew 5:37 ESV

37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

God over all things

You = sovereign over nothing !

Retaliation

Matthew 5:38–39 ESV

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

What does justice look like to you?

What is an appropriate reaction to having evil perpetrated against you?

Protection of those you are responsible for…

How does this apply to you today…

Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43–44 ESV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Do you remember those WWJD bracelets?

possibly the most Christ like action / attitude listed so far !

sons of father in heaven

perfect !!

Why He Came

Matthew 5:17–18 ESV

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Matthew 5:19 ESV

19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20 ESV

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Covering / Clarifying / Calling

V19-20 = Current standards in righteousness …

V17-18 = Accomplish it all !!

Close

(Y)Our Response

Sermons a plenty - You may have heard before

Two illustrations = single sentiment

Matthew 5:13–16 ESV

13 “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. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 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 who is in heaven.

Salt

Preserve & Flavor

Requires contact

Light

Exposure & Illumination

permanence / purpose

Statement of Fact

You Are

Your Purpose

Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students, Series I–XIII Christian Influence (Matthew 5:13–16)

Salt and light represent what every Christian should be—a penetrating and illuminating influence, something both to be seen and felt, a power to attract and transform.

PRAYER

Thank you LORD Jesus for fulfilling the law to the upmost degree. Thank you LORD Jesus for imputing your righteousness on our account. Help us in response to these truths to be the salt and light to a world which is in the same desperate state we ourselves once were in, so you would receive glory and they might obtain eternal life!

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