LESSON 1. Salt & Light. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth the light of the world Matthew 5:15-16

Transcription

1 LESSON 1 Salt & Light Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth the light of the world Matthew 5:15-16

2 Meditation Thoughts Are you watching by the wayside For the fainting ones who fall? Do you take them to the Savior, Who has promised rest to all? Do you love to tell of Jesus More than all the world beside? Does it bring a heavenly blessing With God s people to abide? Refrain: Tell me, sister, worn and weary, Tolling o er life s pathway dim; Are you shedding light for Jesus, Are you witnessing for him? Are You Witnessing For Him? #237, verse 2 [DN substituted word sister for brother in Refrain], Hymns of the Restoration, Restoration Hymn Society, Inc., Lee s Summit, MO 64063; Revised Edition Copyright

3 Salt & Light Matthew 5:15-16: Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor, wherewith shall the earth be salted? the salt shall thenceforth be good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Prayer of Meditation & Consecration: As you meditate and offer prayer, ask God to enlighten your mind to ways and people to whom you can daily be Salt & Light. Refer to the study Preface for more detailed information on Shaking & Shedding. As you read the lesson and pray, record your enlightenment on the page entitled Shaking & Shedding found at the end of this lesson. Remember the Lord s Prayer began and ended with thy kingdom come, thy will be done for thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Continue recording as God speaks to your heart. Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! 1 Chronicles 4:10 Meditate and offer prayer now before reading on. Your physical body requires both salt and light to exist, maintain itself and to mature into a healthy, growing body. Too little or too much salt will affect the vital functions in your body and cause many conditions such as: irregular heartbeat, excess acidity, the balance of sugar levels in the blood, muscle cramping, making the structure of bones firm, sleep regularity, blindness and even death, to name just a few. Salt is vital to the communication & information processing nerve cells the entire time that the brain cells work from the moment of conception to death. [ Likewise light is vital important for the health of our bodies: People need exposure to light because sunlight provides ultraviolet B (UBV) rays that help the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps balance the calcium that the body needs in order to maintain healthy bones and teeth. The amount of sun exposure a person needs depends on the climate. Sunlight and light generally also help prevent and treat depression and sadness in people of all ages. The brain begins producing the moodinfluencing chemical called serotonin upon first exposure to light in the morning. To treat or prevent sadness or depression, increase the amount of light a person is exposed to during daytime hours. [ Salt and light are vital to both the physical and the spiritual body. Jesus used the concepts of salt and light a number of different times to refer to the role of His followers in the world. One example is found in Matthew 5. Matthew 5:1-2, 15: [1] And Jesus, seeing the multitudes, went up into a mountain; and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him; [2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them [15] Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be 3

4 In the beginning of this chapter, the teachings of Christ is known as the Sermon on the Mount. When Christ spoke to his disciples he first taught them though the Beatitudes; we often call them be-attitudes of the heart. There are great rewards that we ll receive when we live out each of these beatitudes. Immediately following the beatitudes, in the 15 th and 16 th verses, Christ shifts his emphases of teaching of that which we will receive to what we are called to be: I give unto to you to be the salt of the earth the light of the world; The disciples gathered around Christ were not only the men that Christ would charge with leadership in building up His church but there were also other men, women and children that were followers of Him; thus all were called his disciples. Thus Christ calls all of his disciples to be salt and light. Christ uses ordinary daily life to speak to us so that we may understand how his words are applicable in daily life. This principle is true today as well as it was in times past and will be in times yet to come. Let us examine the background and significances of these verses and what it means to be salt and light. ~ Salt ~ Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century: Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. 1 Christ knew that salt was an important commodity to the people of the 1 st century. It was used to transact trades for goods, buy land, and especially used for preservation of foods like vegetables, meats, fowl and fish. Without salt fresh fish, fowl and meats would not have been safe to eat after a few hours in the heat of the day as they would spoil quickly without refrigeration or freezers. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8). 1 Romans 8:4-7 IV As His disciples we are called to bring words of preservation to all. We are His instrument to live and speak the Word of God. It is the true Word that brings the healing and preservation that is needed. Our response to His Word will minister the balm of healing to all we come into contact. Second, salt was used then, as now, as a flavor enhancer 1 As stated above, salt was also used to season and bring out the flavor of foods so that it would be more appealing to the taste buds. Salt has a savor, a smell and a taste to it. However, over use of salt, both in preservation and seasoning, can ruin the flavor of the food and thus it would not be appealing to consume, regardless of its food value and nutrients that would provide strength and support to sustain the function of the body. 4

5 In the same way that salt enhances the flavor of the food it seasons, the followers of Christ stand out as those who enhance the flavor of life in this world. Christians, living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, will inevitably influence the world for good, as salt has a positive influence on the flavor of the food it seasons. Where there is strife, we are to be peacemakers; where there is sorrow, we are to be the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds, and where there is hatred, we are to exemplify the love of God in Christ, returning good for evil (Luke 6:35). 1 Luke 5:32-36 IV We preserve and savor one another through our words spoken, lives we lived and our response or attitude expressed daily. How do we do this? What does the Word of God say about being salt to the world that can preserve and bring savor to lives? In Hebrews 10 Paul is expounding to the believers that we are sanctified through the offering once of the body of Jesus Christ [vs.10], through His death and resurrection. Paul then in verses lays out some very practical and foundational principles we can put into action to help us be salt for the welfare of the souls of mankind. Look up these verses and write down the key words missing and answer the questions. [19] Having therefore, brethren, to into the by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having such an high priest over the house of God; What do these three verses mean to you? Briefly explain how this affects your ability to be salt. [22] Let us draw with a true in full assurance of, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the of our without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; What s the meaning of the word profession in verse 23? [24] And let us consider to unto and to ; What are some other words or synonyms you can use in the place of the word provoke? 5

6 [25] Not forsaking the of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Why is it important to assemble together? What can individuals and the body gain or receive when assembled? How often should the body assemble together as small groups and as the whole? Give examples for assembling. In your own words, what impact on your own life will the Hebrews scripture you read influence your response to people? Take time right now to consider the above verses in light of the prayer of Jabez and write down on the Shaking & Shedding page what the Lord is inspiring you to do to be His salt. Continue below when finished. At the end of Matthew 5:15 Christ also warned about salt losing its savor: but if the salt shall lose its savor, wherewith shall the earth be salted? the salt shall thenceforth be good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. There is a story of a wealthy family that lived in Bible times. The wealthy man bought up large amounts of salt to insure his wealth for future years. In fact they had so much salt that neither him or his wife could use it up and most of the salt had to be stored. They thought they were smart in saving it for the future when they would need it for trade. The salt was placed in the basement of his large home. Over time the unused salt bags sat on the cold, damp stone floor absorbing the stone s moisture and in a process of time the salt became hardened. The salt lost its savor and became good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. All they had saved was not useable for anything. Mark 9:50 suggests that saltiness can be lost specifically through a lack of peace with one another; this follows from the command to have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other. And in Luke 14:34-35, we find a reference to the metaphor of salt once again, this time in the context of obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ. The loss of saltiness occurs in the failure of the Christian to daily take up the cross and follow Christ wholeheartedly. 1 Luke 14:33-34 IV As Christ disciples, women are called to be salt, seasoned with the word of God, as we present Christ to the souls of the earth in such a way that it becomes appealing and pleasing to their spiritual taste buds. Also we are to be salt for the preservation of the body of Christ, supporting one another as we minister unto every member at their point of need. If we withhold our God given calling, then without works our faith is dead and good for nothing, only to be cast out and trodden under foot of men (James 2:15). 6

7 Do you find ways to season and preserve souls unto Christ? Are you involved in sharing what you have for the benefit of the souls of other? Do you sprinkle just tinny amounts so that you can say you have done your duty as a Christian? Or do you horde your salt: your talents, abilities and possessions? If we are not offering ourselves to others as the Lord desires then we are withholding from God and the work He has called us to be. Women need to be about our Father s work and desiring to be salt, generously shaking for the glory of God & the welfare of others. I encourage you to ask God to show you ways you can become salt for Him. On the Shaking & Shedding page, continue writing down how you can be that salt; be specific. ~ Light ~ Matthew 5:16,18: Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid [18] Therefore, let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. We will first consider the meaning of the word light. Below are selections from Webster s Dictionary 1828: [boldness added for emphases] LIGHT, noun lite. [Latin lux, light and luceo, to shine. Eng. luck, both in elements and radical sense.] 5. Any thing that gives light; as a lamp, candle, taper, lighted tower, star, etc. Then he called for a light and sprang in - Acts 16:29. I have set thee to be a light to the Gentiles. Acts 13:47. LIGHT, understanding and wisdom - was found in him. Daniel 5: Means of knowing. By using such lights as we have, we may arrive at probability, if not at certainty. 15. In Scripture, God, the source of knowledge. God is light 1 John 1:4 KJ (1 John 1:5 IV) 16. Christ. That was the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:4 (John 1:9 IV) LIGHT is sown for the righteous. Psalms 97:11. LIGHT, verb transitive lite. 2. To give light to. Ah hopeless, lasting flames! like those that burn to light the dead - As you can see, the word light is both a noun and a verb; a name by which a thing is called and that which expresses action, motion, being, suffering, or a request or command to do or forbear anything. Now let s compare how the scriptures use the word light to the definitions above [boldness added for emphases]. Fill in the blanks. 7

8 Source of knowledge and light: God & Christ 1. Doctrine & Covenants 6:10a-c: 6:10a Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [b] I am the same that came unto my own and my own received me not. [c] I am the which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. [Also see DC 85:12e] 2. 1 John 1:4; 1:5 IV: [5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that is, and in him is no darkness at all Nephi 7:21: For I the, the King of heaven, will be their king; and I will be a upon them forever, that hear my words. Anything that gives light: i.e. understanding and wisdom 1. 2 Nephi 13:5 For the Lord God giveth light unto the : for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding. 2. Doctrine & Covenants 3:6e: but, behold, here is wisdom, and because I [God] show unto you, and give you commandments concerning these things, what you shall do, show it not unto the world until you have accomplished the work of translation. 3. Ephesians 1:17-18: That the of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may unto the spirit of and in the of him; [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Means of knowing: 1. 2 Nephi 9:117 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, and spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of and of the fear of the Lord; 2. Psalms 119:130: The entrance of thy giveth ; they give unto the simple. 3. Doctrine & Covenants 85:3a: And the light [sun, moon, stars] which now shineth, which giveth you light, is through your eyes, which is the same light that your presence of 8 who ; which light proceedeth forth from the, to fill the immensity of space. [3b] The light which is in

9 all things; which giveth life to all things; which is the law by which all things are governed; even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. LIGHT, verb transitive lite. To give light to 1. 2 Nephi 8:12 And my soul delighteth in unto my people, that save Christ should come, all men must perish 2. Psalm 37:30: The mouth of the righteous wisdom, and his tongue of judgment. 3. Doctrine & Covenants 24:1a, 4a-c: Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto thee, Emma Smith, my daughter, for verily I say unto thee, All those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. [4a] Continue in the spirit of, and beware of pride. Let thy soul in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him. [4b] Keep my continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am thou canst not come. [4c] And verily, verily I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen. RECEIVING MORE LIGHT: Doctrine & Covenants 50:6b and that which doth not edify, is not of God, and is darkness: that which is of God is light, and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter, until the perfect day In the analogy of light to the world, the good works of Christ s followers are to shine for all to see. The following verses in Matthew 5 highlight this truth: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16, NASB). 1 Matthew 5:16-18 IV Luke supports Matthew in Luke 11: Luke also gives a warning about letting our light be dimed or even diminished. Highlight how our light increases, underline the warning and circle the result of light within you. No man when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light. [35] The light of the body is the eye; therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. [36] Take heed therefore, that the light which is in thee be not darkness. [37] If thy whole body therefore is full of light, having no part dark, 9

10 the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle lighteneth a room and doth give the light in all the room We are called to be His light and to bear the word of God to a dark world: The idea here is similar the presence of light in darkness is something which is unmistakable. The presence of Christians in the world must be like a light in the darkness, not only in the sense that the truth of God s Word brings light to the darkened hearts of sinful man (John 1:1-10), but also in the sense that our good deeds must be evident for all to see. And indeed, our deeds will be evident if they are performed in accordance with the other principles which Jesus mentions in this passage, such as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. Notice especially that the concern is not that Christians would stand out for their own sake, but that those who looked on might glorify your Father who is in heaven (v. 16, KJV). 1 [Matthew 5:3-18, IV] In view of these verses, what sorts of things can hinder or prevent the Christian from fulfilling his or her role as salt and light in the world? The passage clearly states that the difference between the Christian and the world must be preserved; therefore, any choice on our part which blurs the distinction between us and the rest of the world is a step in the wrong direction. This can happen either through a choice to accept the ways of the world for the sake of comfort or convenience or to contravene the law of obedience to Christ. 1 It seems, then, that the role of the Christian as salt and light in the world may be hindered or prevented through any choice to compromise or settle for that which is more convenient or comfortable, rather than that which is truly best and pleasing to the Lord. Moreover, the status of salt and light is something which follows naturally from the Christian s humble obedience to the commandments of Christ. It is when we depart from the Spirit-led lifestyle of genuine discipleship that the distinctions between ourselves and the rest of the world become blurred and our testimony is hindered. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him can we expect to remain salt and light in the world. 1 [ 1 Read more: What sorts of things hinder you from fulfilling your role as being salt and light to this world? Are there attitudes and lifestyles left undisciplined that prevent you from continually being focused on Christ? Pray for understanding of such hindrances in you and ask for understanding of how to remove them so that you may fulfill you role for God. Write your thoughts on the Shaking & Shedding page. Remember: The Lord has yet more Light and Truth to Break Forth from His Word As the daughters of God, we must prepare ourselves to be His light and salt, ever shining forth the glory of God in our good works, and with words so savoring that all we meet will desire to know more about God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Be His Salt & Light 10

11 ~ Shaking & Shedding ~ Living as a relevant witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ As you work your lesson, ask God to enlighten your mind to ways you can daily be Salt & Light and to guide you to people who will respond to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Below record what God reveals to you. Also, record how the Lord worked through you & always give glory to God. Remember, because Jabez knew the word of the Lord and prayed according to God s word Jabez called on the God of Israel God granted him that which he requested [vs. 10 beginning & end]. Now act upon it PRAYER OF MEDITATION & CONSECRATION: Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! 1 Chronicles 4:10 Date: God Revealed to Me To: God Worked Through Me to Be Salt & Light: Date: 11

12 ~Notes~ 12