Believers Are Salt and Light

These 4 verses are how a Christian is to live.

Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Reference John 17:9-16. Jesus was praying for His disciples. We are Not of This World, but Jesus sends us into the world. We are to influence it. We are to be as Salt and Light:
1) Presupposition – the world is decayed and needs Salt to stop it from decay.
2) Problem – the world is dark and needs Light.
3) Plan – dominion of God’s disciples
4) Purpose – let our light shine so that we may glorify God

For 1) and 2) look at 2 Timothy 3:1-13. We live in a wicked world. Our society needs salt and light. Our goal as citizens of God’s kingdom is to be that salt and light.

For 3) look at 1 Peter 2:9. We are God’s holy priesthood. Salt needs to be mingled, but kept distinct, from the substance it is influencing. The same goes for light – God’s people are to be distinctive. When we live out the Beatitudes, we will be salt and light.

Matthew 5:10 the last Beatitude, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Living out the beatitudes is going to be difficult. Don’t stop trying. There is a danger to watch out for and that is the world can influence us and our light will dim and our salt will lost its flavor if we’re not careful.
Can God depend on me to be salt and light?