Introduction: Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
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.
I) What Does Salt do?
Salt spices things us.
Salt preserves things.
Salt stimulates thirst.
Which use of salt was Jesus referring to? The short answer. We are not sure. but it seems quite likely he could have been referring to all 3.
HP + CP + CC = MI
High Potency + Close Proximity + Clear Communication = Maximum Impact
II) What does light do? It makes things visible.
Illuminate the truths of scripture
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NIV)
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
In order for light to fulfill its purpose, it must not be covered up.
Matthew 5:15-16 (NIV)
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.
Romans 10:14 (NIV)
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
I am indebted to Bill Hybles and his book Becoming A Contagious Christian for the material in the sermon.
