BEING SALT AND LIGHT IN THE WORLD

Title: BEING SALT AND LIGHT IN THE WORLD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

Supporting Texts: Philippians 2:15; Colossians 4:6; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8-10

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus described His followers as the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." These metaphors highlight the believer's role in influencing the world positively and reflecting God’s glory. This study explores the significance of being salt and light, practical ways to fulfil this calling, and the impact of a Christ-centred life on the world.

1. THE ROLE OF SALT IN THE WORLD

Salt preserves, flavours, and purifies. Likewise, Christians are called to influence the world in similar ways.

a) Preserving Righteousness
As salt prevents decay, believers are to uphold God’s standards in a decaying world (Proverbs 14:34).

b) Adding Godly Flavour
Our lives should make Christianity appealing by demonstrating love, joy, and peace (Colossians 4:6).

c) Promoting Healing
Just as salt is used for healing wounds, we should promote spiritual healing and reconciliation (James 5:16).

d) Maintaining Purity
Salt symbolises purity; we are to live holy lives and encourage others to do the same (1 Peter 1:16).

e) Biblical Example:
Lot’s presence in Sodom temporarily delayed God’s judgment (Genesis 19:12-16).

2. THE ROLE OF LIGHT IN THE WORLD

Light dispels darkness and reveals truth. Christians are to shine brightly in a world filled with moral and spiritual darkness.

a) Reflecting Christ’s Light
Jesus is the Light of the World, and we are called to reflect His glory (John 8:12).

b) Exposing Evil
Light reveals what is hidden in darkness, exposing sin and guiding others to righteousness (Ephesians 5:11).

c) Guiding Others to God
Our good works should lead others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

d) Shining Consistently
A city on a hill cannot be hidden; we must remain visible and faithful (Philippians 2:15).

e) Biblical Example:
John the Baptist bore witness to the Light and pointed others to Christ (John 1:6-9).

3. THE DANGERS OF LOSING SALTINESS OR HIDING LIGHT

Failing to live as salt and light diminishes our witness and impacts our mission.

a) Losing Saltiness
If salt loses its flavour, it becomes ineffective. Compromise and sin weaken our influence (Matthew 5:13).

b) Hiding the Light
Covering our light out of fear, indifference, or shame prevents others from seeing Christ in us (Matthew 5:15).

c) Conforming to the World
Blending in with the world dilutes our distinctiveness and purpose (Romans 12:2).

d) Failing to Impact Others
Our calling is to be impactful, and neglecting this leads to a wasted life (Luke 14:34-35).

e) Biblical Example:
Jonah initially hid from his mission, but God restored him to fulfil his purpose (Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3).

4. HOW TO BE SALT AND LIGHT DAILY

Living as salt and light requires intentionality and dependence on God.

a) Stay Connected to Christ
Abiding in Christ enables us to remain effective in our calling (John 15:4-5).

b) Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
The Spirit empowers us to live godly lives and influence others positively (Acts 1:8).

c) Practice Good Works
Acts of kindness and generosity demonstrate God’s love to others (Galatians 6:9-10).

d) Share the Gospel
Boldly proclaiming the truth of Christ shines His light in dark places (Romans 1:16).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul’s life and ministry exemplified what it means to be salt and light in a challenging world (Acts 20:18-24).

5. THE IMPACT OF BEING SALT AND LIGHT

When Christians live as salt and light, they bring transformation to their communities and glorify God.

a) Spiritual Transformation
Lives are changed when believers reflect God’s character (2 Corinthians 5:17).

b) Moral Influence
Upholding God’s standards leads to positive societal change (Proverbs 14:34).

c) Kingdom Advancement
Living as salt and light furthers God’s mission on earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

d) Glorifying God
Our influence directs others to worship and honour God (Matthew 5:16).

e) Biblical Example:
The early church, though small, profoundly impacted their world through their witness and love (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION:
Being salt and light is not optional for believers; it is our identity in Christ. By preserving righteousness, reflecting God’s glory, and living distinctively, we fulfil our God-given purpose. Let us commit to shining brightly in a dark world and pointing others to the hope and love of Christ.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to live as salt and light in my daily life.

2. Father, grant me the boldness to shine for You in a dark world.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to reflect Christ’s character in all I do.

4. Lord, preserve my testimony and keep me from compromise.

5. Father, use me to bring transformation to my community.

6. Lord, teach me to walk in righteousness and truth.

7. Holy Spirit, help me to share the gospel with love and courage.

8. Father, let my good works bring glory to Your name.

9. Lord, make me a vessel of honour in Your kingdom.

10. Father, strengthen my faith to stand firm in challenging times.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will shine brightly as a light in this dark world.

2. Your life will preserve righteousness and bring transformation.

3. Every compromise in your walk with God is broken today.

4. The Lord will use you as a vessel for His glory.

5. Your influence will lead many to Christ.

6. You will walk in boldness and courage to fulfil your calling.

7. Your testimony will inspire and strengthen others in the faith.

8. The Spirit of God will empower you to stand firm against evil.

9. You will never lose your effectiveness as salt in the earth.

10. The glory of God will radiate through your life to the nations.