The New Salt and Light of Human Society
We must live a holy life that arrests corruption and shines as a light in a dark world, even if it means facing persecution.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the role of Christians as the 'salt and light' of society, highlighting that living a consistent and holy life will often lead to persecution, as the world resists the light that exposes wrongdoing. He encourages believers to maintain their 'saltness' to combat corruption and to shine brightly as a reflection of God's nature, warning against losing their influence. Meyer reassures that even in suffering, Christ walks alongside His faithful followers, and urges believers to be mindful of their impact on the world around them.
Text
Matthew 5:10-16
We must expect to be persecuted, if we hold up the pure light of a consistent life amid the evils of the world. Men hate the light which exposes their misdeeds. They will tolerate you only so long as you leave them alone. But the universal testimony of those who have suffered thus is that the Son of man walks through the furnace beside His faithful martyrs.
Our holy lives ought to act as salt to arrest the corruption around us. It is said that the presence of a child has arrested many a crime. A sudden silence should fall on certain kinds of conversation when we enter the room. But it is very easy to lose our saltness, as did Lot in Sodom and the seven churches of Asia. See also Ezekiel 15:2-5. Our lives ought to serve also as light. The spirit of man is a candle.
See Proverbs 20:27. We need to be kindled by the nature of God. Men light candles and God will light you. Let us burn and shine as John did, John 5:35. Beware of the bushel and ask God to choose your stand.
Sermon Outline
- The Pure Light of a Consistent Life
- The Saltness of a Holy Life
- The Light of a Holy Life
- The Spirit of Man as a Candle
- Being Kindled by the Nature of God
- Burning and Shining as John Did
Key Quotes
“Men hate the light which exposes their misdeeds.” — F.B. Meyer
“Our lives ought to serve also as light.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let us burn and shine as John did,” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Live a life that exposes evil and corruption, even if it means facing persecution.
- Stay close to God and allow Him to guide and direct your life.
- Be kindled by the nature of God and shine as a light in a dark world.