SALTING THE WORLD

TEXT: Matthew 5:13

INTRODUCTION: Christ regards His people as the “Salt of the Earth.” We need to understand the purpose for this. Salt is a symbol of purity, opposed to yeast, which by fermenting properties hastens corruption

I. IT’S FUNCTION TO SEASON

A. Salt brings out the best flavor

B. It is desired and needed by all

1. Savages will trade valuables for a small portion

2. Cattle will travel a long distance for it

3. Food is bland without it

C. The influence of Christianity will develop the best in man

II. IT’S FUNCTION TO PRESERVE

A. Salt is to preserve from corruption. that on which it is sprinkled

1. It has the property of preserving animal substance from decomposition

a) Salt in meat or any food is dissolved and drawn into the food by the otherwise harmful moistures.

b) Decay uses these moistures within the food to destroy the product.

c) As the moisture is drawn out by the salt, the food is preserved from decay.

2. You must apply enough

B. The world is in danger of sinking into corruption

1. Domestic life is corroded by immorality and intemperance

2. Frivolous amusements tend to become unwholesome

3. A preserving and purifying agent is needed

C. The world is worth preserving

1. Christ does not desire the destruction of civilization, but its preservation

a) He has power to destroy it

b) He died to save and preserve it

c) He commissioned us, His agents and instruments

2. Society is worth preserving against corruption

III. IT’S ACTION

A. Salt is an antiseptic

1. The church is expected to be of the same character

B. Not merely to be pure

1. But to purify

C. Not just during campaigns

1. The constant influence of Christians

2. In every day living

IV. IT’S FAILURE

A. Salt may loose its savor

1. Preserving and seasoning power

2. The church may loose her power to witness

B. When this happens, it is useless for the intended

1. Salt in this country is chemical compound chloride of sodium

a) Loose saltiness or savor there is nothing remaining

b) Enters into very nature of the substance

2. Eastern countries salt was impure, mingled with vegetable or earthy] substance

a) Loose whole of saltiness but earthly matter remains

b) Good for nothing, but to place in paths or walk to use as gravel

c) Still common in east

d) Break peace from main vein and expose to sun, rain, and air though has sparks and particles of salt lost savor, the inner part connected to vein retained its savor

3. Salt from lake at Jebbul

a) Much earth and other impurities are collected with it

b) Much is so impure it cannot be used

c) Such salt soon turns to dust, not to fruitful soil

d) Not only good for nothing, but destroy all fertility wherever it is thrown

e) Carefully swept up and thrown into street to be trodden by man

C. When the church looses the spirit of Christ, she becomes a hindrance rather than help

Salting the World