Embracing Our Identity: Being Salt and Light

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound call to embrace our true identity in Christ, stepping away from the comfort of the familiar and into the transformative role of being salt and light in the world. This journey begins with understanding that our identity in Christ is not just a label but a calling to stand out and make a difference. In a world grappling with identity confusion, Jesus offers clarity and purpose, reminding us that we are not meant to blend in but to shine brightly and preserve the goodness of God in our surroundings.

We delved into the significance of being salt and light, as described in Matthew 5:13-16. Salt, with its myriad uses, symbolizes our role in preserving, healing, and adding flavor to the world. It challenges us to be active participants in our communities, transforming environments with the grace and truth of God. Light, on the other hand, represents our call to illuminate the darkness, reflecting the light of Christ in every sphere of influence. This is not a passive identity but an active mission to bring change and hope.

The message also highlighted the importance of not allowing culture to define us, but rather letting our kingdom identity shape our actions and impact. We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers, actively changing the atmosphere around us rather than merely reflecting it. This requires courage and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God has strategically placed us to influence and transform the world for His glory.

We were reminded of the power of community and the necessity of staying connected to Jesus and fellow believers to maintain our saltiness and brightness. The call to be salt and light is not just an individual endeavor but a collective mission of the church to disciple and raise up leaders who will impact every area of society.

Ultimately, the challenge is to live out our God-given identity boldly, allowing His light to shine through us and His salt to preserve the world around us. As we embrace this identity, we become part of God's strategy to flip the world upside down, bringing His kingdom to earth.

Key Takeaways:

- Identity in Christ: Our identity in Christ is non-negotiable and defines our purpose. In a world of identity confusion, Jesus provides clarity, calling us to be salt and light, standing out rather than blending in. This identity is foundational to our kingdom impact. [01:14]

- Salt and Light: Being salt and light means actively preserving and illuminating the world around us. Salt has numerous uses, symbolizing our diverse roles in different situations, while light represents our call to reflect Christ's light in darkness. [10:40]

- Cultural Influence: We must not let culture define us but allow our kingdom identity to shape our actions. Like thermostats, we are called to change the environment, not just reflect it, bringing God's truth and grace into every sphere of influence. [26:46]

- Community and Connection: Staying connected to Jesus and fellow believers is crucial for maintaining our saltiness and brightness. Community provides the support and encouragement needed to fulfill our mission and avoid burnout. [33:17]

- Living Boldly: Embracing our identity in Christ requires courage to step out in faith, trusting God's strategic placement of us to influence and transform the world. We are called to live boldly, letting His light shine through us and His salt preserve the world. [39:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:14] - Challenging Our Comfort
- [02:07] - Identity Crisis in Culture
- [03:04] - Salt and Light: Our Purpose
- [04:11] - Struggling with Identity
- [05:26] - Jesus' Personal Approach
- [06:04] - Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and Light
- [07:41] - Prayer for Identity
- [08:14] - Kingdom Impact Requires Kingdom Identity
- [09:20] - Jesus' I Am Statements
- [10:07] - Walking Out Our Identity
- [10:40] - Reflecting Christ's Light
- [12:06] - Light Penetrates Darkness
- [12:39] - The Value of Salt
- [15:33] - Being Salt in the World
- [21:10] - Strategic Placement as Light
- [22:09] - Unapologetic Faith
- [23:33] - Covering Up Our Light
- [24:35] - Shining Like Stars
- [25:24] - The Danger of Losing Saltiness
- [26:46] - Thermostat vs. Thermometer
- [28:02] - Changing Environments
- [29:30] - Flipping the World Upside Down
- [30:27] - Embracing Our Identity
- [32:03] - The Power of Patience
- [33:17] - Staying Connected
- [37:09] - The Enemy's Strategy
- [38:28] - Jesus' Call to Identity
- [39:14] - God's Clear Call

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:13-16
- 1 Peter 2:9
- Romans 12:2

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific roles of salt and light as described in Matthew 5:13-16? How do these roles relate to our identity in Christ? [06:04]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer in terms of cultural influence? [26:46]

3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the value and uses of salt in biblical times? [12:39]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus sitting down to teach in Matthew 5:1? [05:26]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding our identity in Christ as "salt and light" challenge the way we interact with the world around us? [10:07]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that cultural identity can conflict with our kingdom identity? How should believers respond to this conflict? [04:11]

3. How does the concept of being a "thermostat" rather than a "thermometer" apply to the way Christians are called to influence their environments? [26:46]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of community and connection in maintaining our identity as salt and light? [33:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a situation where you felt like a "thermometer," merely reflecting the environment around you. How can you become more of a "thermostat" in that situation? [26:46]

2. Identify an area in your life where you feel your "saltiness" or influence has diminished. What steps can you take to restore it? [25:24]

3. Consider a community or group you are part of. How can you actively bring the light of Christ into that environment this week? [10:40]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus and fellow believers. What practical steps can you take to strengthen these connections in your life? [33:17]

5. Think of a time when you allowed cultural norms to define your actions. How can you let your kingdom identity shape your decisions instead? [04:11]

6. How can you ensure that your conversations are "seasoned with salt," as mentioned in Colossians 4:6, in your daily interactions? [15:33]

7. Reflect on the idea of being a "city on a hill." How can you strategically position yourself to be a visible and impactful witness for Christ in your community? [21:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Our identity in Christ is not merely a label but a profound calling that defines our purpose and direction in life. In a world where identity confusion is rampant, Jesus offers clarity and purpose, calling us to stand out as salt and light. This identity is foundational to our kingdom impact, as it empowers us to live with intention and influence. By embracing who we are in Christ, we are equipped to make a difference in the world, shining brightly and preserving the goodness of God in our surroundings. This journey requires us to step away from the comfort of the familiar and into the transformative role that God has designed for us. [01:14]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: In what ways are you currently living out your identity in Christ, and how can you further embrace this calling to stand out and make a difference in your community today?

Day 2: The Role of Salt and Light
Being salt and light means actively engaging with the world around us to preserve and illuminate. Salt, with its diverse uses, symbolizes our role in preserving, healing, and adding flavor to our communities. It challenges us to be active participants, transforming environments with the grace and truth of God. Light, on the other hand, represents our call to illuminate the darkness, reflecting the light of Christ in every sphere of influence. This is not a passive identity but an active mission to bring change and hope to those around us. [10:40]

Colossians 4:6 (ESV): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: How can you be salt and light in your current environment, and what specific actions can you take to reflect Christ's light in your daily interactions?

Day 3: Shaping Culture with Kingdom Identity
We are called to be thermostats, not thermometers, actively changing the atmosphere around us rather than merely reflecting it. This requires us to let our kingdom identity shape our actions and impact, rather than allowing culture to define us. By bringing God's truth and grace into every sphere of influence, we can transform environments and influence others for His glory. This mission demands courage and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God has strategically placed us to influence and transform the world. [26:46]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you currently conforming to cultural norms, and how can you begin to actively shape the environment around you with your kingdom identity?

Day 4: The Power of Community and Connection
Staying connected to Jesus and fellow believers is crucial for maintaining our saltiness and brightness. Community provides the support and encouragement needed to fulfill our mission and avoid burnout. As we journey together, we are reminded of the power of collective mission, where the church disciples and raises up leaders who will impact every area of society. This connection is vital for sustaining our spiritual vitality and effectiveness in our calling to be salt and light. [33:17]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you strengthen your connection with Jesus and your community of believers, and what steps can you take to ensure you are supported and encouraged in your mission?

Day 5: Living Boldly in Our God-Given Identity
Embracing our identity in Christ requires courage to step out in faith, trusting God's strategic placement of us to influence and transform the world. We are called to live boldly, letting His light shine through us and His salt preserve the world. This boldness is not about self-confidence but about relying on God's strength and guidance to fulfill our purpose. As we live out our God-given identity, we become part of God's strategy to flip the world upside down, bringing His kingdom to earth. [39:14]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What fears or hesitations are holding you back from living boldly in your God-given identity, and how can you trust God to help you overcome them today?

Quotes

Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:

1. "And behind us, there's this comfort. There's a comfort of we've been there. Maybe you've had a hard past, but it's comfortable to you. You'll go back to it because it's known. No, but Jesus, in our true identity, he's calling us past the cliff. He's saying, hey, come take the leap. I'm out here. Now, he's also saying, hey, it's probably not safe out here, but I'm safe. So come take that leap with me. And let's go. So as you stand and you look at that cliff, there's a cost to taking that jump. You've got to understand. Jesus calls us not to blend in to this world, but to stand out. And he's given us an identity. And it's an identity that I think that the church has kind of stepped back from." [00:00:14] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "That'll be the easy part. All right. So the bottom line, Jesus has made it clear that we're called to be salt and light, that our identity in Christ shapes our purpose. This identity, it's non -negotiable. It's one that's preserving, seasoning, and illuminating in a world of decay and darkness. And for years, I struggled with my own identity before I became a believer. But even when I became a believer, because I had certain gifts and the world would affirm this or tell me I'm this. And I struggled to sit and say, who does Jesus say I am?" [00:03:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "See, your identity, it shapes your impact. And your impact reveals your identity. Those two things, they go together. And kingdom impact is going to require a kingdom identity. And in today's world where identity, there's so much confusion, it's distorted. Jesus starts here. And he tells us, hey, this isn't optional. This is our calling. This is who we are. This is who we need to step into. This isn't the comfortable part. This is, hey, we need to take a leap. We need to take a leap off of this cliff. Because this is where goodness is." [00:08:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And notice there's two pieces here where Jesus says, you are the salt of the earth. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. And I love that Andrew this morning started with some I am statements. Because Jesus, if we look at in the book of John and John 8, 12, he says, I am the light of the world. So now he's turning around. He's saying, now you're the light of the world. That could be challenging for some of us. Wait a minute. Jesus, he said, you were. Now I am. And we've got to deal with that." [00:09:14] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Now, once you see salt, it's valuable. And I want to talk about its value. In the ancient world, it was a valuable commodity. It was used for preservation, for healing, for binding. It was even used as a currency. Roman soldiers would show up to get paid and they'd give them a big old bag of salt. Can you imagine? and show up to payday instead of a check you get salt that seems crazy in our culture but that is how valuable salt was so when jesus is saying salt here and it blew my mind so i spent time trying to chase every little bit where does it say something about salt in scripture and god just kept pulling back a layer of the onion another layer another layer another layer i just want to share some of those things with you the covenant of david was sealed with salt in history when india got its independence for britain they sealed it with salt in the book of judges you see a bimalak and he and he takes takes the city of shechem and when he does it he pours salt all throughout the land consecrating it for the lord babies were born they cut the cord i promised my wife i wouldn't say umbilical umbilical that's okay uh yeah they cut the cord whatever that thing's called however you pronounce it they cut the cord they would wash them down rub them with salt and then swaddle them in the blanket" [00:13:00] (95 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "See, just as salt changes the food we're called to change the environments that we're placed in adding kingdom flavor preserving god's goodness in a world that is just constantly decaying day by day hour by hour and maybe you're listening to this this morning you feel like i don't know it's just me it's just little old me you feel small and significant kind of like one little grain of salt no you too pack a kingdom punch and he and the lord has packed you into every sphere of influence to be different to change that environment living fully as salt and light it transforms the world around you and i and i i want to talk a little bit this morning about the church this is one of the things that i am passionate about we we look outside and society and we complain right now we're in election season you've got one side complaining about the other they're just going at each other blaming it for all the all the woes that exist in this world we complain about you sending our kids into these schools and what schools are teaching us what they're teaching our kiddos we complain about it we bellyache you can look on social media go to a coffee shop and you just hear these things in our inner cities they complain about you know the police in our inner cities we complain about our government we complain about all these things and what I want to put before you this morning church it's our fault it is our fault because we have not been the church see if we were raising up disciples in the church that were salt and light that things were different when they were there we're the politicians that are coming from the church they're running into government they're going to be elected they're gonna make the change based on what God wants we're the teachers that were raising up in the church that we're just cycling that we're spending that time that they're making a difference in our schools and how we're educating our children see none of these problems exist if the church is doing its job we look at you know the african -american community and we've got a epidemic of fathers not in the home yeah if we're in those communities and we're discipling people boys and men to be men in those communities it changes it's on us I know that's not a comfortable thing to sit today and say man that's not the feel good but it's on us and we've got to ask ourselves are we part of the problem are we part of the solution are we as a church preserving and transforming our communities our environments because it's our job we're to be that salt we're to be that light and on that note salt changes everything that it touches but it only works when it's applied it does no good sitting in the salt shaker does no good sitting in the cupboard it's got to come out it's got to touch the world" [00:17:43] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I tell folks all the time, God doesn't have a plan B because he doesn't need one. He's created a plan A and we already know how it ends. He's just looking for his kiddos that are going to say, yes, I am who you say I am. And Jesus, he compares us to a city on a hill. That's strategic for anybody that has been in the military. The first thing they teach you in war is take the highway. There's a strategy to that. There's a strategy that, hey, I can see everything. Now notice this, also on the hill, they can see everything. And we're strategically placed to shine our light where others can't see it. And this isn't about some type of personal faith because we're not called to be spies. You're called to be ambassadors. There's no undercover ambassadors in the kingdom." [00:20:42] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And I used to think early on, and this is where I said I struggled with my identity even after becoming a believer because I had certain gifts and I didn't have certain gifts. But there are things God just said, do. And I'm thinking, well, I'm not gifted at that. Let somebody else that's gifted at that do it. It'll get done. It was me hiding my life. Because he says, no, that's what I created you to be. That's what I created you to do. Philippians 2. 15 says this, that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault, in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. What a beautiful promise." [00:24:08] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The best picture that I could come up with is a thermostat and a thermometer. I don't know if you guys know the difference. You've got a thermometer, and it's beholden to its environment. We dip it in hot water. It tells us how hot the water is. Cold water, it tells us how cold the water is. But its only use is to tell you what the environment is. It adapts to its environment. It is what its environment is. It has no control. It's a slave to its environment. A thermostat, we go over, we can turn it up. We get to decide how hot, how cold it is in here. It changes things. And God didn't call any of his children to run around and be thermometers. We're not to take the temperature of the world. We're not to take the temperature of society. He's called us to be thermostats, to be the change. That, hey, when it needs to be a little bit warmer, we make it a little bit warmer. When it needs to be a little bit cooler, we make it a little bit cooler. And change that environment. The real question is, what is different because you're there? Is your home different because you're there? When you go to work, is it different because you're there? Do you see things changing because you stepped in the room? That's the litmus test. That's what we're called to do." [00:26:15] (92 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And it's time we stop holding our light, stop hiding our light, stop withholding it from the world, and be the change. As you leave today, will you continue to hide your light? Will you let your soul lose its flavor? Romans 12 .2 tells us don't conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your life. Yesterday, as we were sitting at that funeral, as Dick had shared in the testimony time, and there was this group of Chinese that were up there. I couldn't help but think, Jim, that was salt. A Chinese pastor came up. This is just one pastor. These are just the people that showed up that came from around the world. He shares this. He says, last year we had 92 Chinese come to know Jesus in our church. Talk about being the change when you step into a room." [00:30:52] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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