Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I.       Introduction:

Genuine Christianity has Pizzazz. There is a zesty quality that is communicated to others that is appealing.

II.    Release An Intense Flavor: A Strong Taste Is Taken From Life

A.    An Essential Ingredient Is Called For

1.      The Spice Of Christianity

2.      The Seasoning Of The Earth

B.     A Bland Seasoning Is Rejected

1.      Tasteless Christianity Is Contradictory

2.      Tasteless Christianity Is Worthless

Illustr.: Grocery Store Samples are given out so we can get a taste of the product. The idea is that the flavor will sell the product. In the same way, we are to release the flavor of Christianity so that those who taste it will be sold on it.

Application: Spice It Up! The Proof Is In The Pudding

III. Radiate An Intense Light: A Clear Image Is Brought To Life

A.    A Conspicuous Light Is Anticipated

1.      A Christian Is Expected To Shine

2.      A Christian Is Expected To Be Obvious

B.     A Concealed Light Is Abnormal

1.      Light Is Meant To Shine

2.      Light Is Meant To Be Shared

C.     A Christian Light Is Appealing

1.      Revealing The Goodness Of God To Mankind

2.      Resulting In Praise To God From Mankind

Illustr.: We ought to be Christians in large type, so that it would not be necessary (for others) to be long in our society, or to regard us through spectacles, in order to detect our true discipleship. The message of our lives should resemble the big advertisements which can be read on the street-boardings by all who pass by. ---F. B. Meyer in Our Daily Walk. Christianity Today, Vol. 33, no. 10./

Application: Let It Shine!

IV. Conclusion:

Life and faith are inseparable. Genuine Christian faith is expected to exude the flavor of Christ and demonstrate the goodness of God in the life of the believer. A life that is bland (without the flavor of Christ), or that is dull and drab (without the light of Christ) is not genuine Christianity.