1. Title Slide: The Influence of Those Ruled by God—SALT & LIGHT—Matthew 5:13-16 (SOM--#4)

2. We Want to Discuss the subject of “Salt”…as it pertains to us as Christians.

3. The Godly Are Salt & Light
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
Text: Matthew 5:13…
Matthew 5:13

4. The Godly Are Salt & Light
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”
Text: Matthew 5:14,15…
Matthew 5:14,15

5. The Godly Are Salt & Light
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Text: Matthew 5:16…
Matthew 5:16

6. The Godly Are Salt & Light
We live in a wicked and dark world –
Genesis 6:5
Philippians 2:15
Metaphors describing the influence upon the world of the true kingdom citizen -
We live in a wicked and dark world—full of sin. (1) Genesis 6:5—heart continually on evil (2) Phili.2:15—crooked and perverse generation. Metaphors describing the influence upon the world of the true kingdom citizen…

7. You Are… The salt of the earth…the light of the world…
ONLY IF we possess the attitudes and behavior of the genuine kingdom citizen. (Matthew 5:3-12)
ONLY then can we be a positive influence in the world and bring glory to God.
We can be a positive influence in this world ONLY if we are very different from the world!
YOU ARE…”the salt of the earth...the light of the world…(1) ONLY IF we possess the attitudes and conduct of the genuine kingdom citizen (Mt.5:3-12) (2) ONLY then can we be a positive influence in the world and bring glory to God. (3) We can be a positive influence in this world ONLY if we are very different than the world. A difference that can be felt and seen in our lives.

8. You Are the Salt of the Earth…
“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Text: Mark 9:49,50…
Mark 9:49,50

9. You Are the Salt of the Earth…
“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Text: Luke 14:34,35…
Luke 14: 34,35

10. Pass the Salt Flavor foods Preserve fish
Drain blood from meat
Rub for infants
Treatment for tooth decay and toothaches
An ingredient in the sacred oil
In sacrifices
Absolutely necessary for life
The Hebrews used salt in a number of ways:
Pass The Salt!
The Hebrews used salt in a variety of ways:
Flavor foods
Preserve fish
Drain blood from meat
Rub for infants
Treatment for tooth decay and toothaches
(6) Ingredient in the sacred oil
(7) In sacrifices—Lev.2:13;Num.18:19.
(8) Absolutely necessary for life

11. Pass the Salt “You are the salt of the earth.”
Those who possess the attitudes of the genuine kingdom citizen (Matthew 5:3-12)
Thus, by being godly and united upon truth, they become a positive influence in the world (John 17:14-21)
Pass The Salt! “You are the Salt of the Earth.”
Those who possess the attitudes of the genuine kingdom citizen. (Matt.5:3-12) Jesus began this sermon by discussing the character a person would need to be part of His kingdom.
Thus, by being godly and united upon truth, Christians become a positive influence in the world. (John 17:14-21) Prior to His arrest and crucifixion Jesus prayed that His followers would be ONE—this conduct would convince the world that they belong to Him! Such people will be very different from the world (2 Cor.6:14-17).

12. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
Job said, “Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” (Job 6:6)
The antediluvian world lost its savor. (Genesis 6:5)
Our words must be seasoned with salt-- wholesome and palatable. (Colossians 4:6)
Salt seasons
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
Salt Seasons.
Job said, (Job 6:6) some food cannot be eaten without salt.
In the days of the flood (antediluvian world) salt lost its savor—Gen.6:5.
Our words must be seasoned with salt--wholesome and palatable. (Col.4:6).

13. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
There were not enough salty saints to save the antediluvian world! (Genesis 6:7-13)
Abraham pleaded with the Lord regarding Sodom (Genesis 18:20-32)
Jerusalem, “If you can find a man…I will pardon her.” (Jeremiah 5:1)
Salt preserves
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
(2) Salt Preserves.
There were not enough salty saints to save the antediluvian world. (Gen.6:7-13) Sadly, their hearts were determined to do evil.
Abraham pleaded with the Lord regarding Sodom—in order to save his nephew, Lot. Not even ten righteous souls could be found! (Gen.18:20-32)
Jeremiah told the Jews, concerning the impending doom of God’s people, “If you can find a man…I will pardon her,” (Jeremiah 5:1). Sadly, none were found!

14. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
Salt contains antiseptic and healing properties.
In Bible times, when a baby was born, it received a saline bath to hold down infection. (Ezekiel 16:4)
We live in a “sick” world infected by sin—are we “salty” enough to make a difference and help it heal?
Salt heals
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
(3) Salt heals.
Salt contains antiseptic and healing properties.
In Bible times, when a baby was born, it received a saline bath to hold down infection and disease! (Ezek.16:4)
We live in a “sick” world that has been infected by SIN—are we “salty” enough to make a difference and help it heal? If we aren’t, what hope does this world have?

15. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
Salt burns in a wound!
When the truth of God’s Word is rubbed into this diseased world, it stings (Matthew 5:10-12; Timothy 3:12)
Many prefer a non-irritating brand of the gospel. (2 Timothy 4:3,4)
No offense, no effect!
Salt irritates
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
(4) Salt irritates.
Salt burns in a wound!
When the truth of God’s word is rubbed into the diseased and open wound of this world, it will sting! (Matt.5:10-12; 2 Tim.3:12; Lk.6:20; Jno.15:20)
Many prefer a non-irritating brand of the gospel. (2 Tim.4:3,4)
There’s only one problem with that—no offense; no effect. The wound would remains open and infected!

16. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
In order for salt to season, preserve, heal, or irritate, it must come into contact with that which it is intended to affect!
The salt must get to the problem, where it can penetrate, activate, and change the world! (John 17:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 1:8)
Salt penetrates
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
(5) Salt penetrates.
In order for salt to season, preserve, heal or irritate, it must come into contact with that which it is intended to affect! To affect the problems, it must be among them!
We must get the salt to the problem. There, it can penetrate, activate, and change the world. (Jno.17:13-18; 1 Thess.1:8) The trouble is, we’re too busy “blending in” with the world instead of “blending in our influence.”

17. The Dynamic of Pure Salt
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink…however, you can give him salt.
Consistently godly influence is powerful! (1 Peter 3:1; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22)
The sermon you preach is not nearly as effective as the one you live!
Salt causes thirst
The Dynamic of Pure Salt.
(6) Salt causes thirst.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink…however, you can give him salt.
Consistently godly influence is powerful. (1 Pet.3:1; 1 Cor.9:19-22)
The sermon you preach is not nearly as effective as the one you live!

18. You Are the Salt of the Earth…
“Salt seasons and preserves beef, NOT because it is like beef, but because it is very much unlike it.” - Chesterton
Our positive influence is ONLY found in our holy distinctiveness – (Luke 14:34; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1; James 4:4)
The Dissipation of Polluted Salt. Passage—1 Timothy 6:1.
It is useless—Our savor is found in our holy distinctiveness—Jam.4:4; 1 Pet.1:15,16; Rom.12:1,2; 2 Cor.6:14—7:1
It is to be discarded—trampled under the feet of men. Lk.14:35; Matt.7:23; 25:41.
It is harmful—Rom.2:24. This is what gives our “SALT” its power in an ungodly world—it is different. How can it help influence an ungodly world if it’s the same?

19. You Are the Salt of the Earth…
Brings dishonor and reproach upon God and His people -(Rom. 2:24;
1 Tim. 5:14; 6:1)
Inconsistency in the lives of those who profess to be followers of Christ has indeed caused many to be offended! -(Matt. 18:7; Titus 2:7,8)
The Dissipation of Polluted Salt. Passage—1 Timothy 6:1.
It is useless—Our savor is found in our holy distinctiveness—Jam.4:4; 1 Pet.1:15,16; Rom.12:1,2; 2 Cor.6:14—7:1
It is to be discarded—trampled under the feet of men. Lk.14:35; Matt.7:23; 25:41.
It is harmful—Rom.2:24. This is what gives our “SALT” its power in an ungodly world—it is different. How can it help influence an ungodly world if it’s the same?

20. You Are the Salt of the Earth…
It is to be discarded – trampled under the feet of men – (Luke 14:35; Matt. 7:23; 25:41)
The REAL possibility of one losing their salvation & being lost - (John 15:1-10; Rom. 11:17- 22; Heb. 10:24-39)
The Dissipation of Polluted Salt. Passage—Matthew 18:7.
Inconsistency in the lives of those who profess Christianity has indeed caused many to be offended!
It is useless—Our savor is found in our holy distinctiveness—Jam.4:4; 1 Pet.1:15,16; Rom.12:1,2.
It is to be discarded—trampled under the feet of men. Lk.14:35; Matt.7:23; 25:41.
It is harmful—Rom.2:24. This is what gives our “SALT” its power in an ungodly world—it is different. How can it help influence an ungodly world if it’s the same?

21. The Demand for Salty Saints
The state of our nation and world—abortion, homosexuality, humanism, lack of respect for authority, etc.
The only hope for staying the decay of sin around us—the biggest problem does not lie in Hollywood, Washington, etc. Could it be the “salt has lost its savor?”
The Demand for Salty Saints.
(1) The state of our nation and world—abortion, homosexuality, humanism, lack of respect for authority, etc.
(2) The only hope for staying the decay of sin around us—the biggest problem does not lie in Hollywood, Washington, etc. Could it be the “salt has lost its savor?”

22. The Demand for Salty Saints
“My life shall touch a dozen lives, Before this day is done, Leave countless marks of good or ill, e’er sets the evening sun This, the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray; Lord, may my life help other lives, it touches by the way.” Author Unknown
“You are the salt of the earth.”
The Demand for Salty Saints. Quote from Unknown Author…God’s people cannot influence the world if they are LIKE the world—we MUST be different!

23. Let Your Light So Shine You Are the Light of the World…
Text of Matt.5:14-16—Light of the World—Let Our Light Shine…

24. Let Your Light So Shine You Are the Light of the World…
Those with the character of Christ and who follow Him will radiate His light – (John 8:12; Prov 4:18; Eph 5:8- 10)
Jesus expects His followers to be seen by the world - (e.g.,John 13:35; 17:21; [but Matt. 6:2, 16–18; 23:1–5])
Our Christianity should be evident.
They are "lights" in a dark world - Php 2:14-15
2. Their purpose: to proclaim the praises of God! - 1Pe 2:9;
Ep 5:8b-9
B. THEY ARE NOT A "LIGHT" IN AND OF THEMSELVES...
1. Only in the Lord - Ep 5:8a
2. Christ is the "true" or "original" light - Jn 8:12
3. Citizens of the kingdom are simply "luminaries" reflecting The
One True Light, just as the moon reflects the sun - 2Co 4:6
C. THEIR TWOFOLD RESPONSIBILITY AS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"...
1. They must be visible
a. Implied by Jesus in His use of a "city" and a "lampstand"
as metaphors
b. Jesus therefore expects His followers to be seen by the
world - e.g., Jn 13:35; 17:21
2. They must radiate (give light)
a. This principle conveyed by the idea of the lamp
1) Designed to shine on a lampstand
2) Not put under a basket
b. This principle explicitly stated in "let your light SO
SHINE before men"
-- The purpose of such visible radiation: so men may glorify the
Father in heaven - e.g., 1Pe 2:11-12; 2Co 9:12-13

25. Let Your Light So Shine You Are the Light of the World…
Must be actively walking in the light - (1 John 1:5,6)
Not partaking with those who walk in darkness - (Eph. 5:7)
Walking as children of light - (Eph. 5:8)
Learning what is acceptable to the Lord - (Eph. 5:10)
Exposing works of darkness - (Eph. 5:11)
Walking wisely - (Eph. 5:15)
They are "lights" in a dark world - Php 2:14-15
2. Their purpose: to proclaim the praises of God! - 1Pe 2:9;
Eph. 5:7-15
B. THEY ARE NOT A "LIGHT" IN AND OF THEMSELVES...
1. Only in the Lord - Ep 5:8a
2. Christ is the "true" or "original" light - Jn 8:12
3. Citizens of the kingdom are simply "luminaries" reflecting The
One True Light, just as the moon reflects the sun - 2Co 4:6
C. THEIR TWOFOLD RESPONSIBILITY AS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"...
1. They must be visible
a. Implied by Jesus in His use of a "city" and a "lampstand"
as metaphors
b. Jesus therefore expects His followers to be seen by the
world - e.g., Jn 13:35; 17:21
2. They must radiate (give light)
a. This principle conveyed by the idea of the lamp
1) Designed to shine on a lampstand
2) Not put under a basket
b. This principle explicitly stated in "let your light SO
SHINE before men"
-- The purpose of such visible radiation: so men may glorify the
Father in heaven - e.g., 1Pe 2:11-12; 2Co 9:12-13

26. Let Your Light So Shine You Are the Light of the World…
In Our Morality!
In Our Language!
In Our Clothing!
In Our Habits!
In Our Entertainment!
In Our Attitude!
In Our Spirituality!
They are "lights" in a dark world - Php 2:14-15
2. Their purpose: to proclaim the praises of God! - 1Pe 2:9;
Ep 5:8b-9
B. THEY ARE NOT A "LIGHT" IN AND OF THEMSELVES...
1. Only in the Lord - Ep 5:8a
2. Christ is the "true" or "original" light - Jn 8:12
3. Citizens of the kingdom are simply "luminaries" reflecting The
One True Light, just as the moon reflects the sun - 2Co 4:6
C. THEIR TWOFOLD RESPONSIBILITY AS "THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"...
1. They must be visible
a. Implied by Jesus in His use of a "city" and a "lampstand"
as metaphors
b. Jesus therefore expects His followers to be seen by the
world - e.g., Jn 13:35; 17:21
2. They must radiate (give light)
a. This principle conveyed by the idea of the lamp
1) Designed to shine on a lampstand
2) Not put under a basket
b. This principle explicitly stated in "let your light SO
SHINE before men"
-- The purpose of such visible radiation: so men may glorify the
Father in heaven - e.g., 1Pe 2:11-12; 2Co 9:12-13

27. The Godly Are Salt & Light
We Must Provide Godly Influence For -
Our Nation’s sake –
Our communities’ sake
Our sake
Our children’s sake . . .
For Our Brethren’s Sake -
Mostly – For the Lord’s sake!
Godly Salt and Light People—This is not a time to be passive in our faithfulness to the Lord! We must provide godly influence and examples for…

28. The Godly Are Salt & Light
Are You A Child of God?
If So - Are You Providing The Positive Influence You Should?
Are You Glorifying God?
Summary…

29. What is the Message of Your Life?
The Godly Are
Salt & Light
What is the Message of Your Life?
Invitation…

30. **Our righteous influence will irritate the impenitent…
**When we become too much like the world, we lose our ability to change the world . . .
**Our righteous influence will irritate the impenitent…
**Our righteous influence ought to present an attraction to the lost and dying world. . .
**Salt ONLY works when it is in contact with the object it is intended to affect …
**The Lord needs salty saints, and bright lights and so does the world!!
Invitation…