Sermon on the Mount - Salt and Light

Introduction

1. The Beatitudes describe the various qualities that citizens of the kingdom must possess.
2. The last beatitudes shows the world's reaction toward those characteristics in the citizens of the kingdom.
3. Here Jesus describes the influence He expects His disciples to have on the world.

1. You are the Salt of the Earth

   1. The salt and its flavor (savour)
      1. Salt has the ability to preserve, purify and flavor
   2. The sphere of Christian activity and influence
      1. "Salt of the WORLD" - Our influence is to be on our world, not the future world, or the ancient past or in heaven!
      2. Acts 8:1-4 - Christians dispersed throughout the world influenced the world
      3. Matt. 9:10-13 - Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners in order to teach them
   3. Salt without flavor (savour)
      1. What are the signs of a loss of saltness?
         1. No longer influences the world, the world influences him.
         2. Doesn't seek the fellowship of the church.
         3. Shows indifference toward the work of the church, i.e., evangelism, edification, benevolence
      2. God notices when any given people lack saltiness
         1. Gen. 6 - The whole world became evil and God brought the flood
         2. Gen. 18 - Sodom and Gomorrah didn't have 10 righteous individuals
         3. Lev. 18:24-30 - Canaan was defiled with sin and the land vomited them out
         4. Salt of the earth purifies the world, makes it palatable, and thereby preserves nations

2. You are the Light of the World

   1. In what sense are Christians the Light of the World?
      1. Would Christians be the great philosophers, economists, government officials
      2. The fundamental problems of the world are answered by the Bible
         1. Where did we come from?
         2. Why are we here?
         3. Where are we going?
         4. Therefore, how to be happy and satisfied in life
   2. Why should Christians let their light shine?
      1. (v.16) So that others will turn to the Father
      2. We may be the only Bible the world ever reads
   3. How should Christians let their light shine?
      1. Naturally and unavoidably; Not said to make light shine, but let light shine
      2. Luke 18:9 - Trusted in themselves that they were righteous
      3. Matt. 23:5 - Pharisees did all their works to be seen by men

3. About Salt and Light

   1. How the symbols teach different lessons
      1. Different character in their work
         1. Salt works to prevent decay (struggle against deteriorating morals)
         2. Light serves to illuminate (zealously spreading the doctrine of Christ)
      2. Different manner in which they work
         1. Salt is more secretive (Christian life is not a Sunday show, its private too)
         2. Light shines openly (Christians live for God 24/7)
   2. How the symbols teach a similar lesson
      1. Light has nothing to do with darkness
         1. Eph. 5:11 - No fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness
         2. John 3:19
      2. Good salt must be pure salt
         1. Jas. 4:8 - Cleanse your hands... purify your hearts
         2. 1 Tim. 5:22 - Keep yourself pure
         3. Titus 2:14 - Jesus died to purify to Himself a special people
      3. Both illustrate the teaching that Christians are not to be like the world
         1. Rom. 12:2 - Be not conformed to this world
         2. 1 John 2:15 - Do not love the world
      4. The devil can trick us into thinking something sinful is actually good because it is accepted by the world in which we live
         1. Fornication
            1. 1 Cor. 6:18 - Flee fornication
            2. Heb. 13:4 - Marriage is honorable
         2. Social drinking
            1. Pr. 20:1; 23:31 - Wine is a mocker; Don't look at it
            2. 1 Pet. 4:3 - Drinkings
         3. Dancing
            1. Gal. 5:19 - Lasciviousness, lewdness
            2. Matt. 14:6 - Daughter of Herodius danced and pleased Herod
         4. Immodest dress
            1. Gen. 3:10 - Adam and Eve still naked
            2. 1 Tim. 2:9 - Clothed in modest apparel
               1. Note: "in like manner" = "without wrath and doubting"

Conclusion

1. Are you keeping yourself from the impure world?
2. Is your light shining brightly?
3. Are you the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World?