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Dr. Ronald Powell
This Week's Message
Salt & Light
Our Text:
Matthew 5:13-16 King James Version (KJV)
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, 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.
I. Introduction:
Is your life making an impact? Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:13-14). In other words, our impact on others should be as significant as the effect salt has on food or light has on darkness. People should see something compelling in us. As we abide in Jesus, He shines through to impact those around us.
II. We are called to be salt.
A. Salt preserves.
In ancient times, it was used to keep meat from spoiling. Salt was as important to meat preservation as a refrigerator or freezer is to us today. When our character faithfully represents Jesus Christ, we have a positive influence on our culture.
B. Salt flavors.
As believers, our lives should make a difference, just as salt changes the taste of food. Even if we're not well educated, wealthy, or powerful, we can impact others. By allowing the Holy Spirit to live through us, we bring powerful change to the "flavor" of society.
C. Salt penetrates.
It doesn't take much of this seasoning before the whole dish tastes like salt. That's how pervasive the influence of a godly life can be.
D. Salt creates thirst.When you walk in peace, confidence, and security-especially in the midst of pain or suffering-you demonstrate that you've found the source of peace. Your godly lifestyle creates a thirst for the truth.
E. Salt spreads.
A little salt can flavor the whole batch of food. That's the way the gospel works. The message of Jesus Christ began with a small group of disciples and spread all over the earth. Sharing what Jesus has done for you personally is one of the most effective forms of evangelism.
F. Salt can lose its strength.
Jesus said, "If the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything" (Matt. 5:13). In biblical times, salt was collected by evaporating sea water. Dirt or sand was sometimes collected along with the water. Because the resulting mixture was not very salty, it would be discarded as useless. In a similar way, believers who tolerate sin in their lives lose most of their ability to impact others for the gospel.
III. We are called to be light.
A. Light comes from Christ.
Jesus told His followers that they were the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). The faithfulness of Jesus' disciples- who were, for the most part, uneducated fishermen-changed the world forever.
B. Light points the way.
A lighthouse guides ships through treacherous waters. A lantern illuminates a path at night. Ask God to give you opportunities to counsel other believers or share the plan of salvation with those who haven't been enlightened.
C. Light reveals.
One tiny candle can be seen across a huge room. You don't need remarkable credentials to share the truth about Jesus Christ.
D. Light can grow dim.
In a kerosene lantern, the wick must be kept trimmed to get a bright flame. If the wick is too long, it creates soot, and the light shines less brightly. That's similar to what happens when we tolerate sin in our lives. However, if we walk in obedience to Christ, we won't hinder His light from shining through us.
IV. Conclusion:
What kind of impact are you having? Are you being salt and light in your community? Or is the impact of your life diminished because of sin, compromise, or worldliness?
Your conduct, character, and conversation either draw people to the Son of God or drive them away. The Lord calls us to purity. When we seek to please Him with our lives, we become salt and light to the world.
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