Matthew 5:13
As Christians, we are called to be the preserving influence in the world, holding back corruption and decay, and upholding Christian morality and values.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the role of believers as the 'salt of the earth,' highlighting the preserving qualities of salt in a decaying society. He explains that just as salt prevents spoilage, Christians are called to be a moral and ethical influence in the world, countering corruption and decay. Smith warns that if believers fail to fulfill this role, they risk becoming ineffective and being trampled by societal decay. He draws parallels to biblical figures like Samson and Esther, who exemplified the preserving influence of faithfulness to God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a strong Christian presence to foster a healthy society.
Text
"THE SALT OF THE EARTH"
Intro: Jesus has just declared the characteristics of the true believer, and how he will be
accepted by this world, then speaking of the believer in the world. He said, "Ye are
the salt of the earth," and again, "Ye are the light of the world."
I. WHAT DID HE MEAN, "YE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH?"
A. It is important to go back into the culture to learn the uses of salt.
1. Today we think of it almost exclusively as a spice.
a. It brings out flavor and gives zest to food.
b. Oatmeal cereal is so flat without salt.
2. In those days, its primary - usage was as a preservative.
a. Today, with refrigeration and vacuum seal canning techniques, we
don't think of the preserving qualities of salt.
b. They preserved their foods by drying them; figs, dates, raisins,
beans, grains.
c. When meat was butchered, it was subject to rapid spoilage.
Overnight it could spoil.
1. Remember the quail in the wilderness?
d. The portion of the meat they could not immediately eat they would
salt.
1. The heavy salting would retard the growth of bacteria, thus
preserve the meat while it was dried.
e. Their salt did not come in fine little crystals neatly packaged in
a tubular carton with added iodine.
f. Big chunks of rock salt.
B. When Jesus said to His disciples, "Ye are the salt of the earth."
1. He no doubt had the preserving qualities in mind.
a. Society has a way of spoiling so rapidly.
b. The debasing influences are always present, ready to corrupt and
spoil the whole mass.
2. The Christian influence is the only saving influence.
3. A pure and just society speaks of a strong Christian influence.
a. It is a healthy environment for bringing up your family
b. It is a safe and happy place to live.
4. A corrupt society speaks of a weak Christian influence.
a. As we look at our society, which direction would you say we are
moving?
II. THE WARNING OF JESUS.
A. If the salt is not doing its job, good for nothing.
1. When the chunks of salt would seem to lose. Their effectiveness, they were
strewn on the paths so as they dissolved by the rains, they killed the
vegetation.
2. Thus it was literally trodden under man's feet.
B. What is Jesus saying to us?
1. We are to be the preserving influence in the world, if we fail, we will be
trodden on by the rotten society.
a. We're in trouble.
b. The liberal church, rather than preserving Christian morality, is
supporting evil. It has become one of the corrupting agents.
c. The moral sickness of this age bears witness to our failure.
d. While we were sleeping, the enemy was sowing the tares, and we are
beginning to reap the harvest.
1. Child pornography, drug abuse, crime, violence, teen and
pre-teen pregnancies, as children are made sex symbols.
C. For a time, as long as he kept his vow to God, Samson was saving salt to Israel.
D. Esther was saving salt, but she made a commitment.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - What did Jesus mean by 'Ye are the salt of the earth'? - '{''1'': ''Salt''s primary usage was as a preservative in ancient times.'', ''2'': ''Salt preserved food by retarding the growth of bacteria.''}'
- II points: - If the salt is not doing its job, it's good for nothing. - '{''1'': ''We are to be the preserving influence in the world.'', ''2'': ''If we fail, we will be trodden on by the rotten society.''}'
Key Quotes
“Society has a way of spoiling so rapidly.” — Chuck Smith
“The Christian influence is the only saving influence.” — Chuck Smith
“If the salt is not doing its job, good for nothing.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must be intentional about preserving Christian morality in our families and communities.
- The church has a critical role in upholding Christian values and preventing moral decay.
- As individuals, we must take responsibility for being the salt of the earth, influencing those around us with the power of the Gospel.