Salt and Light

1. Salt and Light Jesus was “the Master Teacher,” John 7:45-46. The Sermon on the Mount was the Sermon among sermons! Matthew 5-7. Character qualities of Citizens of “the kingdom of heaven,” Matt. 5:3-12. “You are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” Matt. 5:13-16.

2. Matthew 5:13-14 V. 13. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. V. 14. Ye are the light of the world, A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

3. Matthew 5:15-16 v. 15. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candle-stick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. V. 16. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

4. “Ye are The Salt of the Earth,” v. 13 Fact one: It was an honor to be called “the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” But to really be “salt” and “light” involves awesome responsibilities. Fact two: Salt, 2000 years ago was very valuable. It was often traded ounce for ounce for gold! Roman soldiers were often paid, in part, in salt.

5. The Qualities of Salt Salt Preserves from Corruption! - Prov. 14:34; Gen. 18:23-32; Jer. 5:1 Salt Flavors the food we eat; renders food more pleasant and palatable, Job 6:6. - What makes your day good and pleasant; Is it those who lie, steal, rob.. - Or those who obey Matt. 7:12; Titus 2:12; Matt. 22:39; Col. 4:6, etc.

6. The Qualities of Salt Salt Purifies – has been used to cleanse wounds, facilitate healing. Col. 4:6. Salt Penetrates – as “the salt of the earth” Christians are to have a penetrating influence for good. Note: “Christianity is not acid which soils and destroys, but salt which preserves. It is not alkali which consumes and corrodes, but salt which saves from destruction.”

7. Because of its Qualities and what they Symbolize, Salt Widely Used in O.T. Used in all Sacrifices under the law, Leviticus 2:13; Mark 9:49, whereas leaven was not used, Lev. 2:11; Ezra 7:22 Used in binding covenants, Numbers 18:19 Elisha used Salt in healing the waters at Jericho, 2 Kings 2:19-22

8. Salt – Other Facts: Salt does it work by being brought into close contact upon that upon which it does its work. Cf. John 17:11,14. But Salt can lose its flavor, its preserving capabilities, Matt. 5:13. Cf. Leonardo de Vinci’s painting of the last Supper, Judas identified by saltceller… The Salt of Palestine can become insipid, useless, bitter, and nauseous. What about Christians?

9. “Ye are the Light of the World,” Matt. 5:14. Light Banishes darkness, gives Direction. The Value of light indicated – Gen. 1:1-3; Exodus 10:21-22. Jesus is “the light of the world,” John 1:4; 8:12: 9:5; 12:46. For light to do good it must be allowed to shine! Matthew 5:15

10. Christians Must let their Light Shine! Because of Who they are! Matthew 5:14; I Thessalonians 5:5. Because of the Lord’s Command, Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:8. Because it Brings Glory to God, Matthew 5:16.

11. How Do We Let Our Light Shine? Through our Good works, Matthew 5:16. Through our Exemplary conduct, Philippians 2:14-15; Proverbs 4:18. By Teaching the Lost, Philippians 2:16; cf. Revelation 1:20.

12. Application: These two Metaphors enable us to grasp the dignity and far-reaching influence of true disciples. They are salt and light! Salt flavors, preserves, purifies, penetrates, light banishes darkness. But it is not always easy being salt and light! The Challenge Before us.

13. Conclusion: Salt and light represent what every Christian should be. “Unless our practice harmonizes with our principles; our doing with our saying, our working with our believing, our going with our knowing; and our sounding forth with our being sound, the world will pay little attention to the sermons we preach.”