Being The Light Of The World Series

The Great Commission

Part 3 – Sermon on the Mount – Salt & Light

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith – www.PS127.org

WELCOME

INTRODUCTION TO SERMON

† Jesus cleanses the Temple at the beginning of His ministry

† Jesus explains the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus

† Jesus explains Salvation to the Samaritan Woman at the well

† The People in Jesus’ hometown try to kill Him

† 1 ½ - 2 years of ministering around the land with the Apostles

† The Sermon on the Mount – The Beatitudes

† Today – We are the Salt & the Light

I. INTRODUCTION

Last week we talked about being the Salt.

We talked about staying pure so as not to lose our saltiness, and in turn no longer being good to anyone.

Jesus continues to tell us that we are the light of the world.

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 5:14-16

14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

II. LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Jesus, after telling us we are the salt, and we need to stay pure so we do not lose our saltiness, also says we are the light of the world.

What’s the difference between the Salt and the Light?

Salt has to do with you and the Word and staying pure.

Jesus said if we lose our saltiness, we are useless.

Impurities cause us to lose our saltiness.

If we stay close to the Word, we will remain pure in relationship with God.

The light has to do with you showing God to others.

Not that you are the light, but that God’s light shows through you.

a. What is the Light?

A city cannot be hidden. (The Kingdom of God will produce light)

Citizens of the city should produce light.

We WILL reflect the light that comes from Christ.

But what IS the light?

The Light is the Fruit of the Spirit. The very nature and characteristics of God Himself!

Not spiritual gifts, but the fruits of the spirit.

Spiritual gifts are for building and edifying the Body of Christ, Spiritual Fruits are the characteristics of God, the light that reflects from us that act as a beacon to draw others INTO the body of Christ.

Fruits come from the Holy Spirit within us.

We represent the Kingdom, and God.

Galatians 5:22-25

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Since we are made alive by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, let us then walk in the Spirit!

Let us reflect God’s nature and characteristics.

When you are saved, you receive the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirits fruits WILL be shown through you. It is God’s characteristics coming from inside of us because of Him.

This light from God is like the light from a city on a hill, and cannot be hid!

The fruits which come from you will show of what tree you are from.

Luke 6:43-44

43 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

If I pick an apple, what are the chances it came from an apple tree?

If I pick a pear, what are the chances it came from a pear tree?

If I am displaying the fruits of the Spirit in my life, what are the chances I have the Holy Spirit?

If I am displaying the fruits of the world in my life, what are the chances I do not have the Holy Spirit?

Our fruit will show of what tree we come from, or more specifically, what Kingdom we belong to.

What fruit are you producing in your life?

Is it important?

Jesus thinks so, because He said;

Matthew 7:18-20

“18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

We can recognize by a persons fruit of what Kingdom they belong.

b. What is the purpose of the light?

It is a beacon.