You Are – Salt & Light Series

Series: You Are                                                                  Topic: Salt & Light

15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:15-16)

^23-25 From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the “Ten Towns” across the lake, others up from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan. (Matthew 4:23-24)

Why and How to Show Up as Light and Salt

 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (NIV)

1. We actively and intentionally seek opportunities to seek the share the good news with the vulnerable …

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth… Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. ² For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. ³ And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. (Isaiah 60:1-3)

¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:19-21)

2. Share the Good News of Jesus

God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:17-18 (MSG)

3. You are God’s response to a problem in our world

 “I came so that (people) can have real and eternal life, more and better than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (MSG)

4. Love for our neighbors demand we share (NOT withhold) the good news.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all. 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV)

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)

THIS WEEK:

1. Recognize the moments God gives me.

Psalm 37:23 (KJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

2. Refocus on the manner in which I live.

For God loved the world so much that he gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. John 3:16 (GNT)

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)

So Paul took his stand in the open space at the Areopagus and laid it out for them. “It is plain to see that you Athenians take your religion seriously. When I arrived here the other day, I was fascinated with all the shrines I came across. And then I found one inscribed, TO THE GOD NOBODY KNOWS. I’m here to introduce you to this God so you can worship intelligently, know who you’re dealing with.” Acts 17:22-23 (MSG)

Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. 2 Timothy 2:23-25 (NLT)

3. Relay the message of hope to a broken world.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.