Subject: Matthew #10 Title: Ye Are the Salt of the Earth Text: Matthew 5:13-16

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1 Subject: Matthew #10 Title: Ye Are the Salt of the Earth Text: Matthew 5:13-16 Matthew 5:13 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. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Introduction We continue to study the portion of Scripture commonly called The Sermon on the Mount. We noted last time that Jesus is setting a standard that is unreachable by fallen man, Pure in heart? Merciful? Perfect? (5:48). Jesus is helping His listeners understand that man, at his very best, falls short of the perfection, holiness and requirements for Kingdom citizenship and living. He will offer Himself, as Messiah, as the solution to the problem. Israel, as God s chosen people, should have been a tremendous blessing to all the Earth. They were to praise, glorify and reflect the goodness of their Creator and God. Their good influence should have reached to the ends of the Earth. By living within the moral and practical expectations of Jehovah, Israel would be blessed and draw other peoples to investigate the God of these people. Jesus is introducing Israel to the qualities and characteristics that will identify the people of God. They would be blessed. - theirs is the kingdom of heaven (3) - they shall be comforted (4) - they shall inherit the earth (5) - they shall be fi lled (6) - they shall obtain mercy (7) - they shall see God (8) - they shall be called children of God (9) - they shall be rewarded greatly in heaven (12) These are the blessings, the positive consequences of Kingdom life. A life that can only be entered in Christ or through Christ. The Metaphors ye are the salt of the earth...ye are the light of the world... (13,14). 1

2 Definition of Metaphor: a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them. There are many, many metaphors in the Bible: * Christ - the Bread of Life - the Great Physician - the Good Shepherd - the Lion of the Tribe of Judah - the cornerstone * The Holy Spirit - the water of life * The Bible - the sword of the Spirit * Christians - soldiers, husbandmen, etc. The text in view uses four metaphors: 1. salt (13) 2. light (14) 3. city (14) 4. candle (15) The last two are metaphors used to describe the second (light) in more detail. What Is the Purpose of Salt and Light?? The text warns the salt not to lose its savor, but let salt be salt. The text also warns, don t hide your light, let it shine. Why should salt be salt and why should light shine? For two very important reasons: 1. That men...may see your good works (16) 2. That men...glorify your Father which is in heaven (16) Israel, God s people, was commissioned to do good works before men, and in doing so, the Father would be glorified. What does it mean to glorify the Father? - praise Him - worship Him - honor Him - hold Him in high esteem - magnify Him 2

3 It is responsibility of the salt and light to direct man s attention to the Creator of the Universe, the God of Heaven, the Savior and Sustainer of Man! They, Israel, and by application, you and I, are to do this by and through our good works. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. I Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profi table for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affi rm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profi table unto men. I Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: SALT Much is written about these two powerful Bible metaphors. There is a variety of opinions concerning the exact meanings of these. Salt may be much more controversial and misunderstood than light. What is the exact meaning of salt? In creating this analogy, God knew that salt could be viewed or interpreted in many different ways. He is not and was not surprised! Here is my take on salt, let s consider all of these: 3

4 1. Salt it is white, pure, it represents purity. 2. Salt is used as a disinfectant, a purifying agent. 3. Salt (NaCl-Sodium Chloride) is a very stable compound. Pure salt never loses its savor or saltiness. 4. Salt gives flavor, it brings flavor to life. It brings taste to something dull and bland. Salt is a seasoning. 5. Salt was used as a fertilizer in history, it helps make things grow. 6. Salt is valuable, it has been used as currency in history, hence, the saying, He is worth his salt. 7. Salt was a symbol of God s eternal covenant with Israel (Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19; II Chronicles 13:5). 8. Salt represented wisdom in Rabbinic literature. 9. The metaphor tells us that we are to be in the world. We are not to be absent or isolate ourselves. Monastery living would seem to contradict this idea. 10. Salt is a preservative. It was used to preserve meat prior to refrigeration. It is supposed to retard corruption. 11. Salt makes people thirsty. 12. Salt makes a difference. It has influence. When salt is added, everything is touched, changed, improved. Now, which one of these is valid. Are they not all? In case you are wondering, God s people, in every time period, are to accomplish these: * pure * purifying agent * stable * flavorful * promotes growth * valuable * symbol of covenant relationship * wisdom * engaging the world * preservative * create thirst * influence 4

5 How Can You Be Salt? When your friend is struggling with some issue of life, you can come along side him or her in prayer. When you invite someone to worship and listen to the preaching of God s Word. When you offer spiritual guidance and hope to your teenager or someone else s. When you meet the new visitor at the nursery door with a smile and kindness. When you help your neighbor with work or a project willingly and charitably. When you put an offering in the plate for a missionary, a church need, a ministry. When someone begins to complain or gossip and you tactfully bring the conversation to a quick conclusion. When you pass along some piece of literature that offers answers and biblical alternatives to life. When you take a moment to greet someone else in genuine love and care at the welcome time in service. When you lead in worship with a smile on your face. When you clear your schedule to help support a particular ministry in your church. A kind word, prayer, an invitation, a helping hand, etc. 5