NOTES: God is Near, Part 4

Sermon: God is Near: Salt and Light

Date: Sunday September 22, 2024

Text: Matthew 5:13-16,

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.

Let’s Connect:

Our struggle with purpose:

Remember:

We’re made in the image of God

We’re created in purpose FOR the glory of God

Though we’re not made eternally for this present earth, we are made for the good of the earth.

Text Explained:

Jesus’ message is simply: Be Who You Are— You are salt and light—so BE that!

Two metaphors — for disciples:

Salt

Ceremonial (Lev. 2:13; Num 18:19)

Covenant promise: blessed to be a blessing

salt/light overlap: both found in the idea of covenant —-

Light: Revealing of truth

Jesus - light of the world

John 8:12

John 9:5

I John 1:6-7

2 Corinthians 4:6

Until he has illuminated us, we can never shine with his reflected light.

Philippians 2:12–14, “12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

As salt and light, in Christ, we are the reflection of and revelation of the covenant promise to and for the world.

We ARE — Conveyors of balanced justice and compassion —

Pointing people to the Perfect

The Take Out:

Pray into this (being salt and light) with prayers of nearness— local and global

Our Challenge:

Invite the Spirit to will and work in us for be being salt and light.

Revealing in word and deed the covenant promise FOR the world.

Closing:

Phil. 2:14-16 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life,…