The Salt Of The Earth Series

The Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5: 13

We have spent a considerable amount of time dealing with the portion of the Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes. I think you would agree those verses were a challenging and insightful study. As our Lord concluded His thoughts concerning the beatitudes, He shifted His focus to an important attribute and responsibility for the church.

Today, we have come to the passage where our Lord addressed the need for all believers to serve as the salt of the earth and light to this dark world. We will discover as we move through these verses both are necessary and much needed in our day. Each of these elements has a distinct and profound effect on their surroundings. So, let’s take a few moments to consider the attributes of salt as we think: The Salt of the Earth. This simple analogy reveals great truth regarding the Christian life and responsibility. Consider:

I. The Presence of Salt (13a) – Ye are the salt of the earth. Christ reveals that the believer is the salt of the earth. This is not something that is open for debate or discussion; we are the salt of the earth. As long as there are Christians, there will be salt.

Salt is necessary to good health. There is salt in the blood running through our body. Our cells need salt to function properly. It is vital to human life. I realize we live in an age where salt is discouraged in the diet and many are told to cut it out completely. Regardless of the scientific opinions, a certain amount is necessary.

Let’s look at this from a spiritual point of view. Just as salt is vital to human life, it is vital to spiritual life. We live in an age that salt is discouraged in the church. Some have removed it completely from their lives. They are unconcerned about their influence. God desires our true worship, our complete surrender, and a desire on our part to make a difference. We are here to reach others for Christ. I want my children to see some salt in my life. I want them to know there is something special about serving God. If we never seem excited about the things of God, how do we expect anyone else to desire what we have?

II. The Properties of Salt (13b) – but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? Salt has certain properties that are always present that cause it to react in specific ways with other elements. We know that:

A. Salt Preserves – It is often used to preserve meat from decay. It works as a preservative. The nation of Israel was God’s people, but they lost their home to bondage. There was no salt, and they weren’t preserved.

I believe that Christians in America have helped prevent the wrath of God from destroying our nation. We can help preserve our families from the decay of this world. Pr.14:34 – Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. We need to preserve our morals, the church, our homes, etc.

B. Salt Penetrates – It has the natural ability to penetrate whatever it touches. We have the ability to penetrate the sin and darkness of this world. We can gain some ground. I don’t want to take a back seat. We are more than conquerors through him that loved us!

C. Salt Purifies – It is often used to purify or cleanse. 2 Kings 2:20-22 – And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they bring it to him. [21] And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. [22] So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

Salt water is used to cleanse sores and wounds of the flesh. We should have a cleansing effect on those around us. The church should have influence in the community to cause others to clean up some areas in their life.

D. Salt Promotes Thirst – It will create a thirst for water when it is consumed. We should create a thirst for Christ. When He is foremost in our life, we can help others desire what we have. I pray we will live a life that others would desire what we have.

E. Salt Produces Change – It has the ability to change things (food, melt ice, rust metal, etc.). Once salt has been added, it immediately begins to react. It is impossible to remove all of it. I hope there is enough salt in us to produce change. We can make a difference!