Matthew 5:13-20: "The Sermon on the Mount"

Matthew 5:13-20

How to Impact this World.

“The Sermon on the Mount”

Jesus taught with emphasis on righteous character and the blessing it brings to the life of the believer.

Jesus describes Christian character that flowed from within.

Heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

This part deals with conduct and our attitude towards the world.

1. Impact of True Righteousness

A. Salt (v. 13)

“Salt was one of the earliest of all preservatives and was a valued commodity in the ancient world. Without any source of refrigeration, salt became the means of preserving meat from decaying, as the ancients rubbed down meat and fish to preserve it for regular use. Seafarers just a century ago would salt down their fish and meat to preserve them for the long transatlantic journeys. Salt was so important as a corruption preventative in the ancient world that wars were fought over it, and entire economies were based on it. In short, salt could literally make the difference between life and death in a time when fresh food was unavailable.”

B. Light (vs. 14-16)

Light helps us to be seen and light helps us to see. Psalm 115:1, Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

2. The Importance True Righteousness (vs. 17-20)

Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:23-25.

Greatness in the Kingdom of heaven will not be based on one's gifts but upon how one handles the Word of God. Someone is watching you!

Jeroboam: 1 Kings 15:30, “He made Israel to sin.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Be sure your righteousness is real!