Embracing Our Identity as Salt and Light
Summary
Today, we gathered to remember and celebrate the profound truth of who we are in Christ: salt of the earth and light of the world. We began by praising God together, acknowledging the gift of being brought into community and the grace that meets us in our brokenness. Through prayer and confession, we recognized our shortcomings and the ways we sometimes fail to love as Jesus commands. Yet, we were reminded that God’s forgiveness is always available, and that He lifts us up, making us new and empowering us to live differently.
Reflecting on Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, we explored the Beatitudes as a map for our spiritual journey. These blessings are not just ideals but invitations to encounter God’s grace in every season—whether in poverty of spirit, grief, meekness, or the pursuit of righteousness. As we grow, we are called to maturity, to become peacemakers, and to remain steadfast even when facing opposition. Jesus then defines our divine role: we are salt and light. Salt preserves and brings health, but it must engage with the world to be effective. Light reveals goodness and points others to God, but it must not be hidden.
However, many of us struggle to live out this calling because we carry false labels and negative identities—words spoken over us that we have internalized. The invitation is to bring these to Jesus, to ask Him for the truth about who we are. In His presence, we hear again: “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. You are my beloved.” This redefinition is essential for us to step into places of brokenness and bring healing and reconciliation.
Being salt and light is not about striving in our own strength. We need God’s resources to do good and to persevere when we are weary. Jesus does not place a heavy burden on us; instead, He invites us to depend on Him, to let Him transform our hearts and empower us for every good work. As we rest in His presence and receive His grace, we are renewed and equipped to bring health, goodness, and peace into our families, communities, and the world. This is our calling and our privilege as children of God.
Key Takeaways
- Our true identity is defined by Christ, not by the labels or failures of our past. When we bring our false identities to Jesus, He speaks truth over us, calling us beloved, salt, and light. This redefinition is foundational for living out our calling in the world. [36:33]
- To be salt means to engage with the world’s brokenness, bringing health and stopping decay. We are not called to withdraw from difficult situations but to step in, trusting that God will guide us in bringing righteousness and healing wherever we go. [32:14]
- Being light is about letting our good deeds shine, not for our own glory, but so others may see and give glory to God. This requires both action and visibility—doing good and not hiding it—so that God’s character is revealed through us. [38:41]
- We cannot sustain a life of goodness and service on our own strength. When we are weary or burnt out, we are invited to rest in God’s presence and receive His grace, allowing Him to recharge and empower us for the work He calls us to do. [41:33]
- Dependence on Jesus is the heart of our calling. He does not burden us with impossible demands but offers to carry the weight, transform our hearts, and supply all we need to be salt and light. Our role is to ask, trust, and receive, so that His goodness flows through us into the world. [45:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:14] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[13:33] - Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness
[14:43] - Children’s Lesson: Light and Darkness
[17:25] - What Jesus Says About Us
[18:42] - Light and Darkness in Everyday Choices
[19:52] - Praying to Be Light
[25:28] - The Beatitudes as a Spiritual Map
[30:14] - Jesus Defines Our Divine Role
[32:14] - The Meaning of Salt: Engaging Brokenness
[34:19] - Wrestling with False Identities
[36:33] - Receiving Our True Identity from Christ
[38:41] - The Meaning of Light: Good Deeds and Visibility
[40:29] - Relying on God’s Resources
[42:49] - Practical Steps to Live as Salt and Light
[45:10] - Jesus Carries the Burden
[52:44] - Prayers for Identity and Rest
[54:52] - Prayers for the World and Sending Forth
[01:02:36] - Final Blessing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Salt & Light – Our True Identity in Christ
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### Bible Reading
Matthew 5:1-16 (ESV)
> 1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
> 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
> 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
> 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
> 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
> 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
> 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
> 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
> 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
> 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
> 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
> 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
> 13 “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.
> 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
> 15 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.
> 16 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5, what are some of the qualities or situations that are called “blessed” in the Beatitudes?
2. What does Jesus say about the role of salt and what happens if salt loses its saltiness? (Matthew 5:13; [32:14])
3. How does Jesus describe the purpose of light in verses 14-16? What does he say about hiding a lamp? ([38:41])
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of “false labels” or negative identities that people might carry? ([34:19])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus starts his teaching with the Beatitudes before talking about being salt and light? How might the Beatitudes prepare us for this calling? ([25:28])
2. The sermon mentions that salt must “engage” with the world to be effective. What does it look like for a Christian to engage with brokenness rather than withdraw? ([32:14])
3. The pastor talks about “false identities” that keep us from living as salt and light. Why is it important to bring these to Jesus? What does it mean to let Jesus “redefine” us? ([36:33])
4. The sermon says we can’t sustain a life of goodness and service on our own strength. What does it look like to depend on God’s resources instead of our own? ([41:33])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says our true identity is defined by Christ, not by the labels or failures of our past. Are there any negative labels or false identities you have carried that you need to bring to Jesus? What would it look like to let him speak truth over you this week? ([36:33])
2. Jesus calls us to be salt by engaging with the world’s brokenness. Is there a situation in your family, workplace, or community where you sense God calling you to “step in” and bring health or healing? What is one practical step you could take? ([32:14])
3. Being light means letting your good deeds be seen so others give glory to God. Is there a way you can let your “light” shine more openly this week—not for your own praise, but to point others to God? ([38:41])
4. The pastor mentioned that sometimes we get tired or burnt out from doing good. Are you feeling weary in any area of serving or loving others? What would it look like for you to rest in God’s presence and receive his grace? ([41:33])
5. The sermon says Jesus does not place a heavy burden on us, but invites us to depend on him. Are there areas where you feel like you’re striving in your own strength? How can you shift to asking, trusting, and receiving from Jesus instead? ([45:10])
6. The Beatitudes include “blessed are the peacemakers.” Is there a relationship or situation where you could be a peacemaker this week? What would that require from you?
7. The pastor said, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. You are my beloved.” How does hearing these words from Jesus affect the way you see yourself and your purpose? ([36:33])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person receive their true identity in Christ and to empower them to be salt and light in their daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: You Are the Salt of the Earth
Jesus declares that you are the salt of the earth, meaning you are called to be an agent who brings health and prevents decay in the world around you. Just as salt preserves and enhances, your presence in your family, workplace, and community is meant to bring healing, restoration, and righteousness. This identity is not based on your own merit but on Christ’s declaration over you, inviting you to step into places of brokenness and tension with the confidence that you are equipped to make a difference. Even when you feel unworthy or defined by past failures, Jesus calls you to embrace this new identity and trust that He will work through you to bring about good. [32:14]
Matthew 5:13 (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.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you see “decay” or brokenness that God might be calling you to step into as an agent of healing and restoration today?
Day 2: You Are the Light of the World
Jesus proclaims that you are the light of the world, called to let your good deeds shine so that others may see and give glory to God. This light is not meant to be hidden but displayed openly, bringing hope, kindness, and goodness wherever you go. Your actions, no matter how small, can illuminate dark places and inspire others to recognize God’s love and presence. Even when you feel tired or insignificant, remember that your light matters and that God delights in using you to reflect His goodness in the world. [38:41]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“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 through a good deed or act of kindness today?
Day 3: Let Jesus Redefine Your Identity
Many of us carry labels and definitions from the world—words like “unlovable,” “not enough,” or “failure”—that keep us from living out our true calling. Jesus invites you to bring these false identities into His presence, to name them honestly, and to let Him speak the truth over you: you are beloved, you are salt, you are light. In Christ, your worth is not determined by others’ opinions or your past, but by His love and sacrifice for you. Allow His truth to penetrate your heart, casting out all that is false, so you can live with the confidence and freedom of a child of God. [36:33]
Romans 8:16-17 (ESV)
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
Reflection: What negative label or false identity do you need to bring before Jesus today, asking Him to replace it with His truth?
Day 4: Depend on God’s Grace to Do Good
Being salt and light is not something you can accomplish in your own strength; it requires a continual dependence on God’s grace and presence. When you feel weary, burnt out, or unable to do the good you know you’re called to, Jesus invites you to come to Him for renewal and strength. He promises to fill you with His Spirit, to recharge your heart, and to give you the motivation and capacity to do good works. Rather than carrying the burden alone, you are invited to ask for His help, trusting that He will provide all you need to live out your calling with joy and effectiveness. [41:33]
John 15:5 (ESV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel tired or unable to do good? How can you ask Jesus for His strength and grace to help you today?
Day 5: Bring Peace and Healing Wherever You Go
As you embrace your identity as salt and light, you are called to be a peacemaker and a bringer of healing in your family, church, and the world. This means stepping into places of conflict, loss, or pain with the courage and compassion that comes from Christ. Whether it’s comforting someone who is grieving, working for reconciliation, or praying for peace in troubled places, your presence can make a difference. Trust that God will guide you, give you wisdom, and use you to bring His peace and restoration wherever you go. [54:52]
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Reflection: Who is one person or situation where you can be a peacemaker or bring healing today? What step can you take to bring Christ’s peace into that place?
Quotes
And in that moment, that's where the Lord can say, I say, you are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. You are my beloved. And then you'll say, well, what about other definitions? And He'll say, look at my scars. That's how deeply I have loved you. [00:36:19] (40 seconds)
So when you hear, you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world, it's not Jesus putting a burden on you. He's not that kind of king. No, no, he's saying, listen, I'm going to help you. Help me to, let me define you with the truth. This is who you are. You are salt and you are light. Let me help you to be that. Ask for my help. [00:45:33] (35 seconds)
Because we can only give what we've received. And the only way that we can give good deeds is if he is pouring goodness in us. And so it's a question of, okay, I want to be able to do this. Please help me to do this. And so the goodness that we are is because we need his grace. [00:41:06] (26 seconds)
So when he says, you are the salt, he means you are an agent to stop decay. And the only way salt can stop decay is if it interacts and engages with whatever it's trying to keep from being decay. So he's saying, you go into the world, you are the salt of the world, you're to stop decay. That's who you are. [00:32:14] (22 seconds)
And it's not a moment where he wants us to linger too long. It's a moment where he wants us to hear that we are forgiven and that he's making us into a new creation. And so he lifts us up and he gets us going again. So may his Holy Spirit do that within your midst to remind you that you are loved, you are forgiven, and that with him there's a new tomorrow, a new power to live well. [00:15:09] (25 seconds)
He's trying to take all of these mislabels that the world, this broken world, can place on us, and He's trying to rip them off us. He's saying, so that we can have the esteem as His children to be about what He's asking us to be about. That we can go into these places of brokenness. We can have the esteem of a son or daughter of His to establish righteousness. [00:37:05] (40 seconds)
In the same way, let your light shine before all others so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. And so he is defining light as good work. You're stopping the decay. You're establishing righteousness. And you are doing good. [00:38:59] (21 seconds)
So what do you do when you've been rejected, when you have all of these negative labels that have been assigned to you and that you've internalized? Well, the best thing to do is to go to the one who is the king of the universe and say, is this true? Am I unlovable? Am I a loser? Am I whatever the definition is, is that true? And the big thing is to name it. To name those other identities that are at work in you. [00:35:08] (44 seconds)
And so he's never calling us to be a light of the world, do good works, without his resources. Later on he would say that we're to take his yoke upon him and then he will show us what it is that we're to do, the good works we're to do. But then it'll be easy and light, meaning that he will grant us the divine capacity to do the good. [00:42:19] (30 seconds)
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