Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we are diving into a message from Jesus found in Matthew 5, a message that speaks to the very core of our identity as Christ-followers and the mission of the Church. We'll be examining the importance of being salt and light, the responsibility we have as the Church to fulfill this calling, and the consequences we face if we fail to do so.

As C.S. Lewis once wrote, "The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose." This quote serves as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of our faith and the Church, and it sets the stage for our discussion today.

Let us now read the Scripture passage from Matthew 5:13-16:

"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 underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Importance

Jesus uses these two metaphors to describe the essential role that we, as His disciples, are called to play in the world. By understanding the significance of these metaphors, we can better grasp the weight of our responsibility as the Church and the impact we can have on the world around us.

The metaphor of salt: In the ancient world, salt was a valuable commodity, used not only for seasoning food but also for preserving it. Salt had the ability to slow down the process of decay, making it an essential tool for maintaining the freshness and quality of food. When Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," He is emphasizing our role in preserving the moral and spiritual health of the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of transformation, working to counteract the moral decay and spiritual darkness that pervade our world.

Salt also enhances the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable and satisfying. In the same way, as Christians, we are called to bring out the best in others, helping them to experience the fullness of life that God intends for them. By living out our faith and sharing the love of Christ with others, we can help to bring hope, healing, and wholeness to a world that is desperately in need of it.

The metaphor of light: Jesus declares that we are the "light of the world," a powerful image that speaks to our role in illuminating the darkness that surrounds us. Light is essential for life, as it provides warmth, guidance, and the ability to see clearly. In a spiritual sense, Jesus is the ultimate source of light, as He is the one who brings truth, hope, and salvation to a lost and hurting world. As His followers, we are called to reflect His light, allowing it to shine through us so that others may come to know Him and experience the life-changing power of His love.

Expose the darkness: This involves standing up against injustice, speaking out against sin, and advocating for truth and righteousness in every area of life. It is not enough for us to simply live good lives; we must also be willing to confront the darkness and challenge the status quo, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular to do so.

Guide others towards Christ: Just as a lighthouse serves as a beacon for ships lost at sea, so too are we called to be a guiding light for those who are wandering in the darkness of sin and despair. By living out our faith authentically and sharing the hope of the gospel with others, we can help to lead them towards the safety and security of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Interconnectedness of these two metaphors: Salt and light are not meant to be isolated elements; rather, they are intended to work together in harmony, each one enhancing and amplifying the other. As we seek to be both salt and light in the world, we must remember that our ultimate goal is not simply to preserve or illuminate, but to bring about lasting change and transformation in the lives of those around us.

Be mindful of the potential pitfalls: Jesus warns that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything and will be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Similarly, if we hide our light under a bowl, we are failing to fulfill our purpose and are essentially rendering ourselves useless. As Christ-followers, we must guard against the temptation to become complacent or to compromise our faith in order to fit in with the world. Instead, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to live out our faith boldly and authentically, always seeking to be a positive influence on those around us.

By embracing our calling to be both salt and light, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those around us, ultimately bringing glory to our Father in heaven.

The Church's Responsibility

As the salt of the earth, the Church is called to preserve the goodness and truth of God's Word, ensuring that it remains untainted by the corruption of the world ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO