You Are the Salt and the Light

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

You Are the Salt and the Light

Date: Mar. 21, 2015

Passage

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:13a,14a

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

First, you are the salt of the earth (13). Jesus told his disciples: "You are..." their character and lifestyle, identity and actions, would impact and influence the dark and corrupt world around them. Salt influences through what it is. If we stop being Jesus' disciples, we become useless. But as we grow in Jesus' image, we will have a preserving impact on the world, making the world salty.

Second, you are the light of the world (14-16). Jesus called himself the light of the world (Jn 8:12), so his disciples' light is related to Jesus. As Jesus' light gives life to all men, so as disciples our good deeds, lived out in the world, testify to Jesus, draw people to glorify God. At times we are fearful to live out this identity in a hostile world. But Jesus encourages us: "Let your light shine."

Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus who identified me as salt and light. Help me be a godly influence today.

One Word: Let your light shine

The Lamb Will Triumph

Revelation 17:1-18

Key Verse: 17:14

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”

Today's Question

What is creation?

See answer and references