Sermon on the Mount-Pt 3
Matthew 5:13-16
Verses 3-12 are beatitudes (attributes of the citizens of the Kingdom).
Verses 13-16 are similitudes (similes/metaphors of kingdom citizens).
Before looking at the spiritual application of these verses, first consider the dispensational / doctrinal application:
v. 13— Like salt, Israel was to be a preserving and purifying influence in the world. However, instead of being a purifying influence like salt, they became corrupt themselves and lost it’s savor. Therefore, they were cast out of their land, and Israel was “trodden under foot” (Luke 21:24).
v. 14—God’s plan was for Israel to be “a light to the Gentiles.” They would be representatives of the King.
Isaiah 49:6—I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
Isaiah 60:3—And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Israel was never “a light to the Gentiles.” However, when Christ returns and sets up His kingdom, Israel will finally fulfill it’s God appointed role. They will be a kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6).
- While these are attributes of citizens of the Kingdom of heaven, salt and light should also characterize the spiritual life of a N.T. Christian. Paul reaffirms the two characteristics in his epistles to the church.
I. A SEASONING responsibility (Mt. 5:13).
- Job 6:6— “Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” Salt seasons whatever it touches. It cannot be ignored. You cannot be neutral about being a Christian.
A. Salt’s PRESERVING function.
Before the time of refrigeration, salt was the preserving method. Fish were packed in salt to be transported.
Christians are to act as a spiritual preservative against the bacteria of sin in our society.
- Imagine what the world would be like without a single Christian in it.
- ILLUS: What makes meat go bad? Don’t blame the meat. It goes bad when bacteria in the meat is allowed to breed unchecked. The question is not “where’s the beef,” but, “Where is the salt?”
Partial sermon: CLICK here for full sermon PDF
