THE METHOD OF THE MISSION
God’s primary method of reaching the lost is His people, not programs. The Church is God’s preferred method of bringing Christ to the world.
“God's plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God's method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men.” -E.M. Bounds
Main Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
Notes:
Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
V. 13 The metaphor of Salt
Jesus isn’t calling his followers to a separatist lifestyle, but precisely the opposite. Jesus is giving His followers identity and purpose to permeate, influence, and transform society with the truth and love of the gospel.
Salt had three uses at that time: to preserve food, “sterilize” a food (antiseptic), or season a food. Jesus is thinking of the function of salt as a preservative, as the enemy of decay, and as giving taste to food.
We infuse society with Goldy and pure values, and we preserve them. What is corrupt, we oppose and act as a kind of moral antiseptic. And we make the kingdom of God attractive and likeable, like salt to a plate of food.
“Loses its saltiness” reads more literally “is defiled.” Salt losing its saltiness is not scientifically impossible, but what is in view here is salt being mixed with other impure substances and therefore becoming worthless as a preservative.
“To be thrown out and trampled by men” means when we become just like the world, our message and testimony are walked right over, no longer an influence able to stop someone in their tracks or path of destruction. To lose saltines can be to no longer influence and be susceptible to joining the world’s lost ways.
V. 14–16 The Light of the World
The light of the world is an expression applied to Jesus (John 8:12; 9:5; cf. John 12:35) and given to us. Christ is the light, his followers reflect Christ the Light (we are “light in the Lord,” Eph. 5:8, and shine “as lights in the world,” Phil. 2:15).
This implies there is darkness, and we provide illumination to Jesus, the kingdom of God. Light is distinguished from darkness, and therefore, we are not to be worldly people but kingdom people.
We are likened to a city on a hill whose lights are impossible to hide at night. Once again, Jesus means to give us our identity and purpose in a dark and sinful world where we shine the way to another Kingdom where goodness, righteousness, peace, love, and eternal life reign. We do not and should not conceal our light.
“The very purpose of being a follower of Jesus is to give light. Giving light is not an option, so to speak, which the disciple may or may not choose. It is the nature of light to shine, and when people have received the light of the gospel, they will shine in a dark world. That is the point of both comparisons. It is of the very nature of light that it brings illumination.” Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew (p. 105). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Good works. This light will issue in good works that are seen by people, a provision that must be understood carefully, for there were people like the Pharisees who made sure that their good deeds were seen by others and it is not this Pharisaic attitude that Jesus is commending. The good works are to be seen, not in order that the doers may be congratulated as fine, upstanding servants of God, but in such a way that the observers will give glory to your Father. There is to be no parade of virtue, no attempt to win praise for oneself. It is the light that is to shine, not those privileged to be the bearers of the light. Morris, L. (1992). The Gospel according to Matthew (p. 106). W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
Jesus is calling his followers to be salt and light of His kingdom in a decaying and dark world. This implies the permeating and penetrating power of the gospel and those transformed by it. If we have come to believe, follow, and be transformed by Jesus, then we possess the very nature of Christ in us. Therefore, let us carefully express the heart, head, and hands of Christ…the spirit, mind (knowledge), and love (actions) of Christ. To remain the salt and light implies we hold to Christ and the Word of God in every way so we don’t lose our preserving, purifying (healing), and attractive influence on the community around us. We are the light of the World. We are to hold to Christ and the Word of God in every way if we are going to keep our lamps (our lives) filled and our lights burning, influencing, and shining the glory of God to help the world see and know Jesus (the way to salvation, to God, and to eternal life).
Application:
Since we are to be the salt and light of Christ, we need to…
Be wise and gracious in our conduct and conversation
If we are God’s primary method to reach the world for Chris, then we must be careful not to be the primary repellent that keeps people from coming to Christ. As we Go into all the world to share the truth and love of the gospel, the unreached and unbelievers are drawn to God. But what also repels people from God? Unfortunately, it can be the church. I think the church is an easy target for those who are bent on saying we are the bad guys. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t make it easy by living double lives or being harsh and condemning in the process. We need to be careful to live transformed lives and then present the gospel in love.
As you go and reach, you will find many have distorted presuppositions, frameworks, and perspectives of the Christian faith. There have been poor examples of the Christian faith by those who were not true believers or do not truly follow the way of Christ. With advanced technology, there are horrible teachings that are way off about God. We will have to take time correcting wrong interpretations and views of God, and reframe and repaint a fresh picture using the gospel of Christ. Our speech, living example, and gracious approach can help frame and paint a beautiful picture that can permeate the most cynical and critical heart.
Colossians 4:5-6 NIV Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
You may not realize this, but you already started evangelizing before you ever said a word to someone at work, in your neighborhood, in your gym, etc.
The unbeliever is watching your life and building a framework of who you are by how you live and what you say.
‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”
Salt had three uses at that time. It could preserve a food, “sterilize” a food (antiseptic), or season a food. Paul took the last meaning. The conversation was to be seasoned, communicated, and conducted with grace.
1 Peter 3:13-17 NIV Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
To revere Christ as Lord in our hearts means we genuinely keep Him first, we follow Him closely and wholeheartedly, and it will be seen in our conduct.
It's hard to deny and refute a life that stands out or is unusually kind and gentle in our society, even more so when enduring unjust suffering for doing good.
With gentleness and respect. The content of words spoken and the manner in which we deliver are crucial. Truth doesn't have to be demoralizing and insulting.
If you need to start over in your family, workplace, or neighborhood, the good news is you can rebuild how people see and think of you, but it will take going to them in humility to apologize and share how you will be different, and then following through on this.
B.L.E.S.S.
It was important that I covered this information because it’s hard to be a blessing to the lost around you when you’re life doesn’t come across as a blessing to others. I first learned about the five missional BLESS practices from Dr. Rick Richardson.
Begin with prayer
Colossians 4:2-4 NIV Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Prayer prepares us to be watchful and alert of what God is up to and see the open doors
Listen with care
Asking questions and then listening was central to Jesus’ ministry.
Listening helps us learn their story. Listening helps us know where to connect, what to pray for, where we can serve, and when we can share.
Eat together
Develop the relationship around a table.
Jesus liked to eat. The book of Luke records Jesus eating meals 10 times.
We eat on average 21 times a week. Could we use two meals to connect?
Eating moves people from just acquaintances to friendship. Sharing a table breaks down walls.
A lot of listening and sharing stories takes place at tables.
Serve with love
Meet the needs of others, and invite them to serve with you.
Jesus was clear, “The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.
The time spent praying, listening, and eating has now given you opportunities to know how you can serve others.
Share your story
Share your faith story and the story of Jesus.
Earning the right to share your story and not just waylay someone with the truth is very important. Your story is the best evidence you can offer anyone!
B.L.E.S.S. Resources for kids, youth, church, and small groups
https://covchurch.org/make-and-deepen-disciples/intentional-evangelism/bless-resources/
Discussion
What is one thing from the message that resonated with you?
What’s the difference between reflecting the light of Christ and trying to shine with your own light?
Do you tend to rely more on programs or on personal witness to reach others? Why?
What are ways you can help rebuild or reframe someone’s distorted view of Jesus or Christianity?
What does it mean to be truthful and gracious in conversations about your faith?
Why is listening often more powerful than speaking when sharing your faith?
Who is someone outside the church you could intentionally share a meal with in the next few weeks?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
What can we pray for regarding the sermon? Do you have any prayer needs?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!