1. The Christians Influence In Mt. 5:13-16 The Christian’s influence is describe buy two figures 1

2. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 2

3. [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. 3

4. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 4

5. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 5

6. Introduction 6 The person who possesses the qualities mentioned in the beatitudes will be blessed; he will also be a blessing The Christian's influence is described by two figures: salt & light

7. I. Salt 7

8. A. Christians Are Salt The figure of salt implies that the world is in a state of decay Salt: 1. Seasons, making food taste good which would otherwise be tasteless 8

9. A. Christians Are Salt Christians give the world a “spiritual flavor” that is pleasing to God 9

10. A. Christians Are Salt 2. Salt Preserves – it keeps things from decaying 10

11. A. Christians Are Salt The world moves toward sin and corruption – sin is the cancer eating away at the very body of society 11

12. 2 Tim. 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 12

13. Is. 1:5-6 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. 13

14. Mal. 2:6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. 14

15. B. The Danger THE DANGER --- Salt may lose its ability to flavor and preserve The wrong kind of exposure can rob salt o f its seasoning and saving power 15

16. B. The Danger The Christian is exposed to the influence of the world If we are not careful we will give in to the tug of the world and in so doing sin and lose our power for good 16

17. Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God 17

18. B. The Danger Only good men can accomplish good Lk. 22:32 “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” 18

19. C. The Doom Once the salt has lost its power it is “cast out” as useless – it is “trodden under foot” A Christian who has lost his influence for good is worthless 19

20. II. Light 20

21. A. Christians Are Light This implies that the world lies in darkness --- the darkness of sin, of ignorance, of gloom The work of the Christian is to scatter the darkness 21

22. B. Lighted By Another 1 Jn. 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” When born of God we become like Him --- we become lights 22

23. B. Lighted By Another By continued fellowship with Him we keep on shining As long as we walk in the light we reflect the light 23

24. 1 Jn. 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 24

25. C. Light Must Be Seen – Not Hidden “A city set on a hill” Christians must avoid two extremes: 1. A showy display 2. Being too timid 25

26. C. Light Must Be Seen – Not Hidden Light makes no fuss – does not draw attention to itself – nor does it try to hide 26

27. Mt. 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 27

28. C. Light Must Be Seen – Not Hidden Our light is to be constant – not sporadic “Not a comet, but the sun lights the world” 28

29. D. Why shine before men? “That they may see your good works” What men see in life has a great influence over their character – it helps them shape their destiny 29

30. D. Why shine before men? “And glorify your Father who is in heaven” By the power of good works men are turned from darkness to light 30

31. D. Why shine before men? “Though he may not speak a word, a good man is a powerful preacher” 31

32. Conclusion Christians are a two-fold influence: - Salt – in a world of corruption and decay preserve all that is good 32

33. Conclusion Light – reflect Christ to a world lost in sin and darkness - let men see God’s love at work in your life 33

34. References 101 Sermon Outlines (Revised), by Frank L. Cox (Firm Foundation Publishing House), 1971 34

35. Graphics for Scriptures 35