Being Salt and Light: Impacting the World Positively

Summary

God has called us not just to be different from the world, but to make a positive impact in it. It’s easy to think of faith as a list of do’s and don’ts, but Jesus calls us to something much greater: to be salt and light, to bring flavor and illumination to a world that is bland and dark without Him. Salt preserves and enhances, and light reveals and guides. In the same way, our lives are meant to bring out the best in the world and to point others toward God by the way we live, not just by what we avoid.

Too often, we settle for simply not doing harm, but God’s purpose for us is to actively do good. Using the example of sexual purity, it’s clear that God’s standards are not arbitrary rules meant to rob us of joy, but loving boundaries designed for our flourishing and the flourishing of others. Sexuality is God’s idea, meant for intimacy and oneness within marriage, and when it’s misused, it doesn’t just harm us—it robs the world of the positive impact we could have. The world is suffering, not just because of what Christians do wrong, but because of the good we withhold when we hide our light.

The call to purity is not about shame or legalism, but about love—valuing ourselves and others as God does. When we compromise, we not only hurt ourselves, but we also lose our ability to be a beacon of hope and truth to a world that desperately needs it. The world is confused and hurting, and it needs people who will stand up for what is good, not just by saying “no” to what is wrong, but by championing what is beautiful and right. This means being unashamed of God’s standards, advocating for what brings life, and loving others enough to point them to a better way.

Ultimately, our purpose is to reflect God’s character—His holiness, kindness, and love—so that others might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. We are called to be encouragers, healers, and beacons of light, not just rule-followers. The world needs authentic followers of Jesus who will live boldly, love deeply, and shine brightly.

Key Takeaways

- God’s call is not just to avoid negative impact, but to pursue positive impact. Like salt and light, our lives are meant to enhance and preserve what is good, and to guide others toward truth and hope. Settling for “not doing harm” misses the immeasurable opportunities to bring blessing and transformation to those around us. [01:26]

- Sexual purity is not about arbitrary rules, but about God’s loving design for human flourishing. When we treat sexuality as something casual or self-serving, we not only harm ourselves and others, but we also diminish our ability to be a light in the world. God’s boundaries are meant to protect what is precious and to enable true intimacy and joy. [13:52]

- The heart of purity is not just in our actions, but in our motivations and desires. Jesus raises the standard by calling us to guard our hearts, not just our behavior. True holiness begins with valuing others as image-bearers of God, refusing to use or degrade them, and seeking their good above our own gratification. [16:48]

- Being salt and light means championing what is beautiful and right, not just condemning what is wrong. The world is desperate for a positive vision of what God intends for human relationships and sexuality. When we advocate for what is good, treating others as precious and marriage as sacred, we offer hope and healing to a broken world. [32:38]

- We must not be ashamed of God’s standards, but embrace them with courage and compassion. This is not about self-righteousness or judgment, but about loving others enough to stand for what brings life. When we live with integrity and humility, we become the kind of people others can turn to when they realize the world’s ways lead to emptiness. [31:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - The Difference Between Not Harming and Doing Good
[02:22] - Jesus’ Call to Be Salt and Light
[04:04] - The Purpose of Salt and Light
[05:10] - Letting Your Light Shine
[06:24] - Saved for a Purpose Beyond Ourselves
[07:24] - The Challenge of Being Different
[08:11] - Wrestling with Sexual Purity
[09:19] - The Real Point: Missing the Positive Impact
[10:28] - God’s Design for Sexuality
[12:38] - Defining Sexual Immorality
[13:52] - Caring for Others Through Purity
[16:48] - Purity of Heart and Mind
[19:29] - The Value of Honoring Marriage
[21:37] - Sexual Purity as a Salt and Light Issue
[23:09] - Advocating for Healthy Sexuality
[24:18] - The Real-World Impact of Pornography
[26:48] - The Church’s Missed Opportunity
[28:16] - How to Shine Light in a Dark World
[29:08] - Trusting God’s Standards
[30:25] - Do Not Be Ashamed of God’s Standards
[32:38] - Championing What is Beautiful and Right
[34:31] - The World Needs Authentic Light
[35:43] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Salt, Light, and Sexual Purity

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
> “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
> Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
> In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV)
> For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.

Matthew 5:27-28 (ESV)
> “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 5:13-16, what are the specific purposes of salt and light? How does Jesus connect these purposes to the lives of his followers?
2. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, what does Paul say is God’s will for believers, and how does he describe the difference between believers and “the Gentiles who do not know God”?
3. In the sermon, what is the difference between “not making a negative impact” and “making a positive impact” as described by the pastor? [01:26]
4. How does Jesus raise the standard of purity in Matthew 5:27-28, and what does this reveal about the importance of our hearts and motivations? [16:48]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the images of salt and light to describe the role of his followers in the world? What does this suggest about the kind of influence Christians are meant to have? [02:22]
2. The pastor says that “God’s purpose for us is to actively do good,” not just avoid harm. What are some examples from the sermon or your own experience where Christians have missed opportunities to bring blessing because they were only focused on not doing wrong? [01:26]
3. How does the biblical teaching on sexual purity go beyond just following rules? What does it reveal about God’s character and his intentions for human flourishing? [10:28]
4. The sermon mentions that when we compromise on purity, we lose our ability to be a beacon of hope and truth. Why is this the case? How does personal integrity affect our witness to others? [16:48]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor challenged us not to “hide our light” but to let it shine for others to see. Is there an area of your life where you have been hiding your faith or positive influence? What would it look like to let your light shine more boldly this week? [05:10]
2. Think about the difference between “not doing harm” and “actively doing good.” In your daily life—at home, work, or in your relationships—where have you settled for just avoiding harm instead of seeking to make a positive impact? What is one step you could take to move from passive to active goodness? [01:26]
3. The sermon talked about sexual purity as a way to love and value others, not just ourselves. Are there ways you have treated sexuality as a private or self-serving matter, rather than as something that affects the community and your witness? What changes might God be inviting you to make? [13:52]
4. Jesus calls us to guard our hearts, not just our actions. Are there habits, media, or relationships in your life that are shaping your desires in a way that doesn’t honor God? What is one practical change you could make this week to pursue purity of heart? [16:48]
5. The pastor said, “We must not be ashamed of God’s standards, but embrace them with courage and compassion.” Have you ever felt embarrassed or hesitant to stand up for God’s ways, especially regarding sexuality or relationships? What would it look like to be both courageous and compassionate in those moments? [31:23]
6. The sermon encouraged us to “champion what is beautiful and right.” How can you advocate for God’s good design for relationships and sexuality in a way that brings hope and healing, rather than just condemnation? [32:38]
7. The world is described as “confused and hurting,” needing people who will stand up for what is good. Who in your life might need encouragement, hope, or a positive example from you this week? How can you intentionally be salt and light to them? [34:31]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to live as salt and light, for purity of heart, and for opportunities to bring blessing and hope to those around them.

Devotional

Day 1: Called to Be Salt and Light for the World
Followers of Jesus are not only called to avoid negative impact but to actively make a positive difference in the world. Just as salt gives flavor and preserves, and light dispels darkness, believers are meant to bring hope, truth, and goodness to those around them. This purpose is not about being odd for its own sake, but about shining God’s love and truth into a world that is often confused and hurting. Your life is meant to be seen, to be purposeful, and to draw others toward God by the good you do, not just by what you avoid. [07:40]

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection:
What is one specific way you can let your “light” shine this week—by doing good for someone who may never expect it from you?


Day 2: God’s Design for Sexuality—A Call to Holiness
Sexuality is God’s idea, designed for intimacy, trust, and joy within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. When lived out as God intended, it brings freedom from shame and fosters deep connection. But when sexuality is taken outside of God’s boundaries, it can bring harm, brokenness, and loss of intimacy. God’s standards are not arbitrary rules but loving boundaries meant to protect and bless, calling His people to be set apart in a world that often distorts His good gift. [11:11]

Genesis 2:24-25 (ESV)
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.”

Reflection:
How does understanding God’s purpose for sexuality challenge or encourage you to honor Him in your relationships and choices today?


Day 3: Purity of Heart—More Than Just Actions
God’s call to purity is not just about outward behavior but about the condition of the heart. Jesus teaches that even lustful thoughts are a violation of God’s standard, showing that true holiness begins with what we allow into our minds and hearts. This high standard is not meant to shame but to invite us into a deeper, freer life—one where we honor others and ourselves, refusing to use or degrade anyone for our own pleasure. Purity is about loving well, starting from the inside out. [16:48]

Matthew 5:27-28 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Reflection:
What is one practical step you can take today to guard your heart and mind, choosing thoughts that honor God and others?


Day 4: Championing God’s Standards with Compassion
Believers are called not only to uphold God’s standards but to do so with love, courage, and compassion. It’s not enough to simply say what is wrong; we are to advocate for what is right and beautiful, treating others as precious and valuable. When we stand for God’s ways with humility and kindness, we become safe places for others to turn to when they are hurting or searching for truth. Our witness is most powerful when we reflect God’s love, not just His rules. [33:27]

Ephesians 5:3 (ESV)
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.”

Reflection:
Who in your life needs to see God’s love and truth through your actions and words—and how can you show them compassion while standing for what is right?


Day 5: Living Boldly and Unashamed for God’s Glory
God’s standards are rooted in His love and wisdom, and He calls us to trust Him even when it’s hard or unpopular. Living boldly for Christ means not being ashamed of His ways, even in a culture that may misunderstand or reject them. When we trust God’s heart and courageously live out His truth, we become beacons of hope and healing in a dark world. Our lives can point others to the beauty of God’s design and the hope found in Jesus. [35:43]

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Reflection:
Is there an area where you’ve been hesitant to stand for God’s truth? What would it look like to trust Him and live unashamedly for His glory this week?

Quotes

It's not just to avoid making a negative impact. Many of us, when we think about church, when we think about Christianity, think about the do's and the don'ts, the rules. But actually, Jesus came to say, there's something much bigger than that. I want you actually to make a positive impact. [00:02:26] (18 seconds)  #BeyondRulesPositivePurpose Edit Clip Translate Clip

Let your purpose shine before others so that they may see specifically your good deeds, your positive doing something. Not just what you don't do, but what you do do. And the result of that is that they'll glorify God, they'll glorify your Father. They'll see. That doesn't mean, by the way, they may agree, but they will see and be part of that positive impact. [00:05:36] (28 seconds)  #ShineGoodDeeds Edit Clip Translate Clip

Jesus does call you and I to be different. But it's not just for the sake of being odd, but for the sake of bringing truth and life and hope to a world that is dark and confused and is dying. [00:07:24] (18 seconds)  #DifferentForHope Edit Clip Translate Clip

The enemy, however he speaks to you, is tapping you on your shoulder and trying to make you feel about this big. And he wants you to close your heart. He wants you to close your mind and protect yourself. He's just going to attack you. He's going to make you feel small, yada, yada, yada, yada, yada, yada. And what God wants to do in your life, which is so much greater than don't do this, you are going to miss if you let him win. Do not let him win. Open up your heart. Take it only if it's from God, but open up your heart to what God might have for you. [00:09:56] (32 seconds)  #OpenHeartNotFear Edit Clip Translate Clip

It should be less about what you don't do. And this is a lot of times Christians think they're standing up. They're saying, this is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong. But what we should be saying is, what is right? What does the positive part look like? Why is it wrong? Rather than shouting, this is wrong, advocate for what is right and beautiful. [00:32:41] (23 seconds)  #ValueSacredUnion Edit Clip Translate Clip

When the world tries to overturn this thing, sleep with whoever, when the world tries to overturn this thing, you can watch whatever you want. In time, the world's ways will come to the point where it's like, oh, that leads to destruction. And at that point, people may come to you and talk. If all along the line, you're saying, hey, this is, that will hurt you. And this is the beauty that come to spies. But I can guarantee you this. If all along the way, you're going, you're bad. You're terrible. You're a sinner. You're going to hell. When that happens in their life, they ain't coming to you. They ain't coming to you. [00:33:47] (36 seconds)  #CalledToBeLight Edit Clip Translate Clip

We are called to be salt and light. As the worship team comes up, I just want to say before we pray, I hope that's what you walk out with. Isn't, again, the guilt of what you're not doing or what you are doing, but more the challenge of what you could be doing and the people that could benefit from that. Because the world needs us. The world needs light. Not a bunch of rules. It needs light. It needs Jesus. And it needs authentic Jesus followers. [00:34:37] (37 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip