READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Jesus shared this message during the Sermon on the Mount with ordinary people. He declared them to be salt and light of the world – a metaphor representing godly character that leads to godly responsibilities, which in turn impact and influence the world around us. This described what Christians are and should be – we are meant to preserve and flavour the world as salt, and we are meant to shine and guide as light.
1. What does it mean to be salt?
- Salt’s historical value – Salt was extremely valuable in history, used as currency and influencing trade, wars, and empires. Roman soldiers were sometimes paid with salt, showing its importance.
- Christians as Salt – Being called “the salt of the world” means Christians are valuable and needed by the world. Salt preserves meat; similarly, Christians are called to preserve morality and righteousness in society. This is done by living out God’s word with grace and conviction.
- Salt’s purpose and effectiveness – Salt adds flavour and enhances food; Christians should “stick out” and positively impact others. Blending in too much makes Christians “bland” and ineffective. Christians are meant to bring joy, love, and “flavour” to the world. Salt is not useful on its own; Christians’ value is in their impact on others, not for themselves. If Christians lose their “saltiness” (distinctiveness and influence), they lose their purpose.
2. What does it mean to be light?
Light was precious in Jesus’ time, and Christians are equally important as light in the world today. Fear of others’ opinions or of offending people can “cover” or hide this light, but hidden light is useless. Christians are encouraged to let their light shine boldly, even if it means offending others with the truth. Every believer’s light matter, no matter how small they feel their contribution is – God has given everyone what they need to shine. The ultimate calling is to bring light into dark places and share the Gospel, trusting that every effort counts. We do not have to change the world to give glory to God, and we do not have to fix all the problems of the world, we just need to let our light shine. Charles Spurgeon said, “The Bible is not the light of the world; it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! ‘You are the light of the world.’”
3. How can we live out this calling?
As salt, we are to preserve moral truth bringing flavours to this corrupt world. As light, we are to shine, reveal truths, guide others and live transparently with moral integrity. Jesus also wants us to avoid compromise, hypocrisy or hide our faith.
- Live Distinctly – Disciples need to maintain personal holiness/integrity and a life consistent with Christ. Be careful with compromise, worldliness and sins that dulls our impact and influence.
- Shine Courageously – Disciples influence the world by being in it. Being salt & light is not meant to be expressed in privacy or isolation but being in community and be willing to engage the world around us. Pastor Benny Ho reminded us that God did not call us to be safe. He called us to be brave. Being relevant is purpose driven, instead of conforming that is approval/fear driven.
- Point Others to Jesus – In a world that is desperate for meaning and purpose, we have the opportunity to show others the joy and fulfilment that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Our purpose is not to bring attention to ourselves but point others to Jesus. CS Lewis said, “Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you, others can see God.”
Let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. Wesley’s Vision 2035 is to be a welcoming church in the city, making disciples, building godly families and caring communities to serve God’s mission to the least, last and lost.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What does it mean to be salt?
- What does it mean to be light?
- How do we live in a way that reflects and glorifies God in a dark and decaying world?
