Salt and Light: Embracing Your Gospel Identity!

 

 

 

Sermon on the Mount- 9

 

TITLE: Salt and Light: Embracing Your Gospel Identity!

TEXT: Matthew 5:13-16

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: Encourage believers to embrace their gospel identity with boldness and faithfulness. To be the salt and light to a world in moral and spiritual decay.

TEACH: This week I spent some time contemplating the moral decline of America over the last 20 years. From a biblical perspective I would like to offer insights into the shifts in societal values and behaviors through the lens of Biblical Worldview. Here are some keys areas where moral decline can be observed. (1) Sexual Morality: Over the past two decades, there has been a marked shift in sexual norms, with increasing acceptance of casual sex, pornography, and lifestyles that deviate from traditional biblical views of marriage and sexuality. The Bible teaches sexual purity and reserves sexual relations for the confines of marriage between one man and one woman (1Thess. 4:3-5; Heb. 13:4). It condemns sexual immorality, including adultery, fornication, and homosexual practices (1Cor. 6:18-20; Rom. 1:26-27). (2) Family Structure: The traditional family structure has been increasingly redefined, with rising divorce rates, single-parent households, and the normalization of unwed cohabitation. The Bible sees marriage as a sacred covenant and foundation for family life (Eph. 5:31-33). It emphasizes the roles of parent in nurturing and raising their children in the ways of the Lord (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4). (3) Sanctity of Life: The last 20 years have seen ongoing debates about the moral implications of abortion and euthanasia, accompanied by a strong push for reproductive rights. The Bible underscores the sanctity of human life, asserting that life begins in conception (Ps. 139:13-16, Jer. 1:5). Furthermore, there are explicit commands against taking human life (Ex. 20:13). (4) Truth and Integrity: There has been a noticeable decline in societal commitments to truth and integrity, evident in politics, business, and media, with increasing tolerance of deception and corruption. Whereas the Bible highlights the importance of truthfulness and condemns lying and deceit.

 

“These verses imply the rottenness of the earth; it implies a tendency to pollution and to becoming foul and offensive. That is what the Bible has to say about this world. It is fallen, sinful and bad. Its tendency is to evil and to wars. It is like meat which has a tendency to putrefy and to become polluted. It is like something which can only be kept wholesome by means of a preservative. As the result of sin and the fall, life in the world in general tends to get into a putrid state” (Martyn Llyod Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, pg. 130).

 

This decline is a clear indication of a nation that has departed from traditional Christian values. Who is to blame? Today’s passage will reveal the answer to this important question.

 

TRUTH: These verses are directly connected to the “Beatitudes.” The Beatitudes describes the attitudes and qualities that characterize the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Immediately following the Beatitudes, Jesus transitions to talking about the influence His followers should have on the world. The Beatitudes culminate in a blessed state that may be quiet and internal yet is deeply transformative. This transformation naturally leads to an outward, observable influence in the world. Inner transformation results in outward impact. Another way of looking at it is to see the Beatitudes as the root and salt and light as the fruit. Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote, “We pass, therefore, from the contemplation of the character of the Christian to a consideration of the function and purpose of the Christians in the world in the mind and purpose of God” (Jones, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, pg. 129).

 

I.                             You are the Salt of the Earth: Our Character (v.13)

 

Explanation: (1) Salt has a Preserving Influence: Salt was essential in ancient times for preserving food. Just as salt delays decay, Christians are called to preserve moral and spiritual integrity in the world. In a culture increasingly moving away from God’s standards, our lives, witness, and convictions must stand firm to protect and uphold these enduring values. Are you actively preserving the moral and spiritual well-being of our communities, workplaces, and families or are we conforming to patterns of decay? William Perkins wrote, “We are to apply the truth to men’s hearts and consciousness, as salt is applied to meat” (Perkins, Vol. 1, pg. 223).

 

(2) Salt has a Flavoring Influence: Salt enhances the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable and palatable. Similarly, Christians are to bring the ‘flavor’ of God’s love, grace, and truth into the lives of others, making the gospel appealing through the joy and hope we exhibit. Is your presence enriching other’s lives, reflecting the values of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness” (Gal. 5:22-23)?

 

(3) Salt has a Covenantal Influence: In Leviticus 2:13 we read, “You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.” Of course, this represented preservation and faithfulness. Historically, salt’s primary use was to preserve food from decay. When referring to covenant, salt signifies the enduring, unbreakable nature of God’s promises to us, and our faithfulness to Him. It represents the holiness demanded of the sacrifice when approaching God.

 

(4) Salt has a Thirsty Influence: We are to provide a thirst for those who watch us. Through our lives the world should see Christ and “hunger and thirst” for Him.

 

(i)Therefore, it is a call to Faithful Representation: We are to reflect the unchanging fidelity of God. We should embody steadfastness in all our commitments.

 

Jesus further provides a warning against loss of saltiness: This is a metaphor for believers losing their distinctive Christian character through complacency and compromise. Such loss renders us ineffective witnesses. “Christians are as unsavory salt, when they become unprofitable in their ministry, which hinders them for dispensing God’s Word” (Perkins, Vol.1, pg. 225).

 

Illustration: Mark is a well-respected member of his church community. He leads a Bible study group and volunteers regularly, known for his deep faith and willingness to help others. His commitment to God and his good works serves as a “preserving” influence within his circle, reflecting the qualities of integrity, trust worthiness and love that Jesus calls for in his followers.

 

Over time, Mark becomes complacent in his spiritual life. He stops prioritizing his personal prayer and Bible study time, relying instead on past knowledge and experiences. Sadly, his relationship with God stagnates. Mark faces a tempting business opportunity promising huge profits. It requires him to engage in questionable, if not outright unethical practices. Eventually, adopting their behaviors and attitudes, often compromising his values to fit in.

 

Gradually, Mark surrounds himself with individuals whose lifestyle explicitly contradicts biblical principles. He begins adopting their behaviors and attitudes, often compromising his values with it. As a result, Mark’s behavior diminishes his credibility. People who once looked up to him for spiritual guidance notice the changes. He no longer speaks or acts with the same moral authority or conviction. His actions betray the gospel’s truth.

 

Application: Live as preservers of godliness in a world prone to moral decay. Live distinctively Christian lives that make a noticeable difference on culture. The Christian is a separate, unique, outstanding kind of individual; there is something in him that marks him out. Let every man and woman examine themselves.

 

II.                         You are the Light of the World: Our Commission (vv.14-16)

 

Explanation: (1) Light has an Illuminating Influence: Light dispels darkness and reveals reality. Christians are called to illuminate the truth of the gospel in world darkened by sin, ignorance, and spiritual blindness. We should live transparently and honestly, allowing God’s truth to shine through our actions and words. Are you shining the light of Christ in your interactions, conversations, and behaviors, or are you allowing the darkness of sin and secrecy to dim your testimony?

 

(2) Light also has a Guiding Influence: Light leads and directs people out of darkness and confusion. Our faith should serve as a beacon, guiding others towards the safety and clarity found in a relationship with Christ. Are you intentional about mentoring, discipling and guiding others in their spiritual journeys, or are we content to keep your faith private and concealed?

 

(3) Light also reflects the Visibility of our Christian Witness: Jesus emphasizes that a lamp must be places where it can be seen and provide light for everyone. Similarly, our faith must be public and active, not private or hidden. You are to bold and public about your faith, actively doing good works that point to God’s glory. Don’t hide your light because you’re afraid of confrontation and persecution.

                 

(i). It includes Preserving God’s Truth: The holy preservative qualities emphasize our role in conserving and guarding the gospel’s truths in a world prone to moral and spiritual decay, which means we are to speak and live truth courageously, holding on to biblical doctrine without compromise.

 

Illustration: Sarah is a dedicated follower of Christ. She enjoys a deep personal relationship with God and actively participates in church activities. Her life radiates the joy and peace of knowing Christ, and her actions often demonstrate the love she has for others. Sarak starts working in a highly secular corporate environment. To fit in and avoid conflict, she begins to shy away from speaking about her faith. Even when opportunities naturally arise in conversation, she hesitates, fearing judgment or alienation.

 

Wanting to be accepted by her peers, Sarah starts participating in activities and conversations that go against her Christian values. She refrains from making godly choices that might set her apart and hides her true convictions. She encounters situations were standing up for biblical principles is necessary, such as defending the oppressed or promoting moral practices. However, she remains silent, opting for comfortability rather than faithfulness. At social gatherings she refrains from praying before meals and discussing her faith.

 

Unknown to Sarah, a few of her colleagues long for spiritual answers and moral guidance. Her decision to hide the gospel light prevents these colleagues from seeing a living example of Christ’s transformative power in her life. They continue in their spiritual searching without guidance which Sarah might have provided. Overtime, Sarah’s spiritual fervor begins to wane as she continually suppresses her faith. The church also feels the impact as her involvement begins to wane. Perhaps, worst of all, by hiding her light, Sarah misses countless opportunities to impact her community and the world for Christ. Her life was meant to be a beacon of hope, now she blends into the secular surroundings instead of illuminating them.

 

Application: Shine forth the light of your transformed life and the light of the gospel. Provide guidance and hope in a dark and lost world. Paul wrote, “Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the world. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret” (Eph. 5:7-12).

 

Take-Away: Jesus provides two powerful metaphors -salt and light -to convey the transformative impact Christians are called to have on the world.

 

1.   Preserve and Flavor: Work to preserve moral and spiritual truths in a culture of moral and spiritual decay. Don’t add to the problem, instead, be the solution.

 

2.  Illuminate and Guide: Reveal God’s truth, illuminate the path to Christ, and boldly let your faith shine for all to see.

 

TIE-UP:

 

1.        Individuals: Reflect on areas of your life where your saltiness or brightness has dulled. Commit to renewing your distinctive Christian character through spiritual disciplines and community engagement.

 

2.        Church: Reevaluate how we are collectively acting as salt and light in our local context. Initiate or strengthen outreach, service, and gospel proclamation efforts.

 

Ask God to help you embrace your identity as salt and light, maintaining your distinctive witness and illuminating the world with truth and hope of the gospel. Pray for courage, strength, and opportunities to live out these mandates effectively in daily life. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph. 5:14b). Christians, we are living in the midst of men and women who are in a state of gross darkness. They will never have any light anywhere in this world except from you and from me and the gospel we believe and teach.

 

 

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