Being Salt and Light: Our Call to Influence
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound teachings of Jesus from Matthew chapter 5, focusing on the metaphors of salt and light. These images are not just poetic expressions but are deeply significant in understanding the role of Jesus' followers in the world. Salt and light are essential elements, symbolizing the influence and impact we are called to have. Salt, in its essence, preserves and enhances, while light dispels darkness and guides. Jesus calls us to be these elements in a world that is often marked by decay and darkness.
The narrative of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, provides a backdrop for understanding our role as salt and light. We see the story of creation, decreation, and new creation. In creation, God brought forth light and life, but through human rebellion, decreation introduced darkness and decay. Yet, through Jesus, the new creation is inaugurated, offering hope and restoration. Jesus, the true light of the world, invites us to join Him in His mission of confronting decay and bringing life.
This calling is not limited to specific vocations or roles but extends to every aspect of our lives. Whether in our workplaces, neighborhoods, or daily interactions, we are pressed into the world to prevent decay and illuminate the path to life. This is a call to live distinctively, not withdrawing from the world but engaging with it for God's glory and the good of others.
The story of a young woman returning a lost wallet in Jesus' name illustrates the power of living with this mindset. Her simple act of obedience opened the door for God to work in miraculous ways, reminding us that the kingdom of God is constantly breaking into our world. We are invited to live with curiosity and wonder, asking how we might participate in what God is doing around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Salt and Light as Essential Elements: Followers of Jesus are called to be salt and light, essential for the vitality and health of the world. Salt preserves and enhances, while light dispels darkness and guides. This calling is a profound invitation to influence the world positively. [45:40]
- The Narrative of Scripture: The story of creation, decreation, and new creation provides a framework for understanding our role. Jesus, the true light, confronts decay and darkness, inviting us to join Him in His mission of restoration and hope. [52:45]
- Living Distinctively in the World: We are called to be distinct from the world, not withdrawing but engaging with it for God's glory and the good of others. This involves living out our faith in every sphere of life, bringing life and light to places of darkness and decay. [59:45]
- The Power of Simple Acts: The story of returning a lost wallet in Jesus' name illustrates how simple acts of obedience can open doors for God to work in miraculous ways. We are invited to live with curiosity and wonder, participating in what God is doing around us. [01:19:08]
- Hope and Purpose in Our Calling: Our work and daily lives matter in the kingdom of God. Whether in parenting, neighboring, or professional roles, we are invited to participate in God's mission, bringing hope and purpose to our lives and those around us. [01:22:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [02:15] - Exploring Matthew Chapter 5
- [04:00] - The Metaphors of Salt and Light
- [06:45] - The Narrative of Scripture
- [10:30] - Creation, Decreation, and New Creation
- [15:00] - Jesus as the True Light
- [18:30] - Living as Salt and Light
- [22:00] - The Power of Simple Acts
- [25:45] - Hope and Purpose in Our Calling
- [28:30] - Invitation to Participate in God's Mission
- [31:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Salt and Light
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:13-16
Observation Questions:
1. What are the two metaphors Jesus uses in Matthew 5:13-16, and what do they signify about the role of His followers in the world? [45:40]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of salt in the first-century context, and what implications does this have for us today? [59:45]
3. What story from the sermon illustrates the impact of living as salt and light in everyday situations? [01:19:08]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the narrative of creation, decreation, and new creation provide a framework for understanding our role as salt and light in the world? [52:45]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being salt and light involves engaging with the world rather than withdrawing from it? [01:14:51]
3. How does the story of the young woman returning a lost wallet in Jesus' name demonstrate the power of simple acts of obedience in God's kingdom? [01:19:08]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current environment, whether it's your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles. How can you be salt and light in these areas this week? [59:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes living distinctively in the world. What are some specific ways you can engage with your community for God's glory and the good of others? [01:14:51]
3. Consider a recent situation where you had the opportunity to act as salt and light but chose not to. What held you back, and how can you respond differently next time? [01:19:08]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of living with curiosity and wonder about what God is doing around us. How can you cultivate this mindset in your daily life? [01:19:08]
5. Think about a simple act of kindness you can perform this week in Jesus' name. What might that look like, and how can it open doors for God to work in miraculous ways? [01:19:08]
6. How can you ensure that your life and actions reflect the light of Christ, especially in situations where darkness and decay seem prevalent? [59:45]
7. Identify one area of your life where you feel a lack of hope or purpose. How can embracing your role as salt and light bring hope and purpose to that area? [01:22:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Influence Through Essential Elements
Followers of Jesus are called to be salt and light in the world, serving as essential elements for its vitality and health. Salt preserves and enhances, while light dispels darkness and guides. This calling is a profound invitation to influence the world positively, not through grand gestures but through the consistent, everyday actions that reflect the character of Christ. As salt, we are to preserve the goodness and truth in the world, enhancing the lives of those around us. As light, we are to illuminate the path for others, guiding them towards hope and truth. This is a call to live intentionally, recognizing the impact we can have in our communities and beyond. [45:40]
"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." (Matthew 5:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you be salt and light in your immediate community today? Consider one action you can take to preserve goodness or illuminate truth.
Day 2: Embracing the Narrative of Restoration
The narrative of Scripture, from creation to new creation, provides a framework for understanding our role in the world. In creation, God brought forth light and life, but through human rebellion, decreation introduced darkness and decay. Yet, through Jesus, the new creation is inaugurated, offering hope and restoration. Jesus, the true light, confronts decay and darkness, inviting us to join Him in His mission of restoration and hope. This is not just a historical narrative but a present reality that we are called to participate in. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to be agents of restoration, bringing light and life to places of darkness and decay. [52:45]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's mission of restoration in your daily life? Identify one area where you can bring hope and healing.
Day 3: Living Distinctively in the World
We are called to be distinct from the world, not withdrawing but engaging with it for God's glory and the good of others. This involves living out our faith in every sphere of life, bringing life and light to places of darkness and decay. It means being intentional about how we interact with others, how we conduct ourselves in our workplaces, and how we engage with our communities. This distinctiveness is not about isolation but about being a transformative presence in the world. By living out our faith authentically, we can influence those around us and point them towards the hope and truth found in Jesus. [59:45]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can live more distinctively for God's glory? Consider how you can engage with the world in a way that reflects your faith.
Day 4: The Power of Simple Acts
The story of returning a lost wallet in Jesus' name illustrates how simple acts of obedience can open doors for God to work in miraculous ways. We are invited to live with curiosity and wonder, participating in what God is doing around us. These simple acts, though seemingly small, can have a profound impact on others and can be a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. By being attentive to the needs around us and responding with kindness and compassion, we can be a part of God's work in the world, bringing light and hope to those we encounter. [01:19:08]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: What simple act of kindness can you perform today that might open the door for God to work in someone's life? Consider how you can be attentive to the needs around you.
Day 5: Hope and Purpose in Our Calling
Our work and daily lives matter in the kingdom of God. Whether in parenting, neighboring, or professional roles, we are invited to participate in God's mission, bringing hope and purpose to our lives and those around us. This calling is not limited to specific vocations or roles but extends to every aspect of our lives. By recognizing the significance of our daily actions and interactions, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our calling. This is an invitation to live with intentionality, knowing that our lives can have a lasting impact on the world for God's glory. [01:22:38]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: How can you find hope and purpose in your current role or situation? Reflect on how you can serve God and others through your daily actions and interactions.
Quotes
You are the light, or sorry, you are the salt of the earth. But if 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. But you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [00:45:40] (25 seconds)
Jesus pulls in these metaphors of salt and light to describe the kind of influence His followers are meant to have in the world. Now, at their most fundamental level, salt and light are useful and essential. Like in the life, like the household, the individual life, and the societal life of Jesus' listeners in the first century, salt and light were like indispensable, essential things for life, for health, for vitality. [00:46:29] (31 seconds)
Because what God is saying is like, I'm going to press you into this world. I'm going to light you up and lift you up. Not for your own well-being, though it will be a source of great joy, but for my glory and for the good of others. I remember when this really clicked for me. And when I say really clicked, first clicked. [00:47:23] (22 seconds)
And because I think if we can anchor it in the context of the whole of the story of God, it will come alive in a more profound way. So what I want to do in about five minutes is I want to summarize the whole of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, which at the same time also summarizes the whole story of our universe, past, present, and future. [00:50:30] (20 seconds)
And we live in this beautiful world today. Sometimes we move at such a frenetic pace that we miss the beauty and wonder of the world around us. Millie's a great gift to me. On the flight here, she's looking out the window, and she's seen the Rockies. She goes, and it reminded me, oh my word. Like, if you stop and stare, it will take your breath away. [00:52:39] (27 seconds)
God wrote himself into the story of human history, entering the scene, entering this beautiful and broken world, taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ, God incarnate. Jesus comes 2,000 years ago fulfilling all that the law and all the prophets we're both pointing to and required and he comes confronting death, darkness, and decay. [00:56:25] (27 seconds)
And on the cross, he takes all of death, darkness, and decay upon himself. All of the sin, all of the brokenness, and he comes out the other side of death in resurrection life. and then he calls a people to himself, a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, all who would follow him. He says, you will be my church. [00:57:57] (27 seconds)
And on the heels of his return, he will usher in the new heavens and the new earth and there will be no death, no sickness. God will be with his people. He will be their God and they will be his people. No sin, no pain, no death. This is the story of the universe, past, present, and future. This is the story of scripture, creation, light and life burst forth, de-creation, death and decay, invade, new creation. [00:58:55] (32 seconds)
Salt prevents decay. Salt prevents decay. And so Jesus is saying this, I want to press you in, my church, into the cities of this world as a means by which to confront decay and death. Let me quote Daryl Johnson to summarize this. A fisherman, as fishermen rub salt into their fish to preserve them, so the Savior of the world rubs his followers into the fabric of society to preserve it. [01:01:31] (38 seconds)
And when this shapes our imagination, when we begin to see the world through this lens, that the kingdom of God is at hand, it's in breaking, and we're invited to participate, it leads you on a marvelous adventure. It will not lead you to an easy life. It might take you to dark and broken places, but it will be a meaningful and joy-filled life. [01:13:36] (22 seconds)
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