This week our devotionals are based upon our being salt and light. Today, we begin by considering what these terms mean.
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Extract of Matthew 5:13-16)
The health of a nation is linked to the health of its church! The appalling immortality that is growing in this nation is partly due to the church being tasteless and dark when she should be salt and light. John Stott wrote.
‘Probably the greatest tragedy of the church throughout its long and chequered history has been its constant tendency to conform to the prevailing culture instead of developing a Christian counter-culture.’
These two metaphors represent the same idea. Jesus repeats Himself because he doesn’t want us to miss it.
We can miss being salt and light if we misunderstand what it is. Salt, in the first century, a day without refrigeration, was used to preserve food. It was also used to add flavour to food. It was also added to certain sacrifices in worship.
When we think of Light, we are to think of various forms of flame torches and candles rather than modern electric torches.
These two metaphors of salt and light speak of the good influence which Christians are to exert in the community. We Influence through example, loving challenge and sharing the gospel in the places God has put us.
RESPONSE
Take a moment to try to put what Jesus means by salt and light into your own words. Can you say it in one sentence? If you can’t put it simply, you don’t understand something.
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - YOU ARE THE SALT...THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
How, in the last week, have you been able to be salt and light, or, if you're brave, would you like to share how you failed to be salt and light?
Introduction - please share in your group
This week we are looking at what it means to be salt and light.
The health of a family, friendships, neighbourhood, workplace, nation... is linked to the health of its church and her members! The appalling immortality that is growing in this nation is partly due to the church being tasteless and dark when she should be salt and light. Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)