The Good Life 2 – Making a Difference.
Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 5, verses 13 to 16.
Salt and Light
You are the salt of the earth. But suppose the salt loses its saltiness. How can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything. It will be thrown out. People will walk all over it. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill can’t be hidden. Also, people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand. Then it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
The sermon on the mount is like Jesus’ public manifesto of life in His kingdom. A big connection between what you are and how you live.
Salt in a decaying world Matt 5:13
“You are …”
Don’t lose your saltiness by withdrawing from the world.
Don’t tone down the Gospel. This is to NOT love the world as God does, John 3:16.
Light on a dark world Matt 5:14-16
“You are …”
The only light that this dark world will know.
Our good works are not to be seen as a way to heaven, but as a reflection of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6