Believers Are Salt and Light - Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Similar passage can also be found in Mark 9:49-50; Luke 14:34-35

Jesus teaching is full of metaphors-(to draw comparison) to help understand His teachings.

So, to understand this passage we need to understand the value and usage of salt and light:

1. Na-Cl Sodium Chloride, Seasoning agent or a flavor enhancer.

Even if you have all the best and expensive ingredients in your food without salt it will be nothing! You won't enjoy a single bit of it!

A pinch of salt can determine the quality of food! A very important compound element not just for food but also other materials and products that we use daily.

2. Preserving Agent, because of it's anti-septic properties.
The oldest way of preserving food, meat can spoil in a day so the ancient people rub salt to preserve it.

Even with the advancement of technology in food preservation (refrigeration & other preservation methods), salt is still use as preservative agent.

3. Light reveals things hidden in the dark.

We can apply it to our passage, that as a 

1. Moral Influencer.
Christians are great influencer if we stand for Christ. Christians have lots of spiritual gifts to offer to society for the advancement of the gospel and changed lives, though only a minority but because of God's grace we can influence great multitude of people (believers and non alike).

We should preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and back-it up with our personal testimony. 

But we should also find the balance when and not to engage with the non-believers.

Jesus Christ, which is in every heart of the believer gives the true meaning and purpose of life.

2. Preserver of God's word.
 As a believer we should always study God's word. Always asking the Holy's Spirit to guide us with the correct interpretation of the word and protecting it against the corruption of this world.

3. Unashamed of the Gospel.
We can't keep the gospel for ourselves, but we need to actively tell other people (family members, classmates, co-workers and friends) the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

1 John 1:5, This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

In today's technology (social media) we can easily spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to great multitude of people at the least time and comfort.

If keep/hide the gospel from other people then we can't expect a renewed life from other people. 

Satan Tempts Jesus - Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 4:1-11(NKJV)

4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”

7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not [a]tempt the Lord your God.’ ”

8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”

10 Then Jesus said to him, [b]“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”

11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

At the start of Jesus Ministry, right after the water baptism, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness to fast for 40 days.

After fasting Jesus was physically weak and hungry thus proving His full human nature.

Seeing the Lord Jesus' condition the devil had the opportunity to tempt Him. 

Matthew 26:41 "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

James 1:13-14 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 

Satan's goal is make Jesus act in His own will and not in perfect obedience to the will of the father, by using His power in a wrong way.

Since the fall of man Satan is the tempter destroying the plan of God. John 10:10

The first temptation is putting physical needs before obedience to the will of God the father.  

People will do unimaginable things just to ease hunger. e.g. Crash Plane incident.

John 4:31-34 In the meantime His disciples were asking Him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But He said to them, I have food to eat which you do not know. 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, No one brought Him [anything] to eat? 34 Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of [Him] who sent Me and to finish His work. 

Second: Proving to the unbelievers that He is the Messiah by performing a miracle. If miracle outside God's plan. God will not do it, even if He is able. Matt 16: 1-4

Third: To gain a new kingdom not through a cross. A physical kingdom, not the spiritual kingdom. (see Matt 16:21-23; John 6:15)

The same way Jesus overcome temptation can be applied to the believers:

1. Use the word of God.

That's why every Christian should read, memorize and study God's word so that when temptation comes, you can apply the word of God. Deut 6:13,16; 8:3

2. Don't just read but study God's word.

Satan knows the Bible, and will tweak it to make us compromise about our faith.

3. Cast out the Satan (tempter)/demons using the Lord's name (Jesus Christ).

Acts 16:16-18

As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

Love Your Enemies - Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 [a]But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your [b]brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the [c]tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Similar passage can also be found in Luke 6:27-28

Intro:

Probably the hardest commandment to obey, it takes the grace of God to make it possible!

The same person that brought you heart aches, sufferings, brokenness, sadness, hate and possibly make your life miserable. You brand them as mortal enemies, frinimies, etc.

1. Have you heard about a story about 5 missionaries killed by tribes men, Waodani tribe, the movie tells the story from the perspective of Steve Saint (the son of Nate Saint, one of the missionaries killed in the encounter), and Mincayani, one of the tribesmen who took part in the attack.[1][2] The two eventually form a bond that continues to this day. The movie "End of the Spear"

2. In the Christian catacombs of Rome, the following story (retold in Modern English) was found:

"A rich man named Proculus had hundreds of slaves. The slave named Paulus was so trustworthy that Proculus made him the steward over his whole household.

Look at the verse again, 43, “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."

This is not the same as ‘It is written’. Jesus is not quoting from the Old Testament but from the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not contradicting the law but the interpretations of the law that the scribes taught.

Notice in the previous verse, Mat. 5:17-19

After that Jesus gave the correct interpretation of the law not by outward appearance but by the condition of the heart (where sin comes out)

Best Illustration of that can be found in many Bible passage, like John 3:16, Phil 3:18, Romans 5:10, James 4:4

Christ called us to be imitators of His love to the ungodly.

His benevolent love to the ungodly verse 45, the same treatment as we need to show/exercise even to our enemies.

What it means to work-out your own Salvation - Philippians 2:12

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling:

Does it mean that salvation is based on faith plus good work? Look at James 2:14-17, 

Or it means we should fear and tremble whenever we fail to obey God because He will send us to hell? NO, salvation is by faith alone, by grace alone, through Jesus Christ alone!

Salvation in the Bible 3 phases or tenses 

Past, Present & Future or elements or stages.

1. Justification (Past) - God's working alone - Monergism

2. Sanctification (Present) - Man & God working together - Synergism

3. Glorification (Future) - Monergism

After conversion, we go through the stage of Sanctification - commonly refers to set the person or thing to it's proper functioning e.g. Eyeglasses are sanctified when used to improve eye sight. Therefore a human being is sanctified when he/she lives according to God's design and purpose.

In Greek translation of the word Sanctification (hagiasmos) which means holiness, To be sanctified means to be holy.

Working out our own salvation simply means to be cheerful, diligent, humble and in constant obedience to Christ. Imitating Jesus Christ obedience to the father.

With fear and trembling: 

Having a reverential fear to our Lord and Savior, both King, Savior and righteous Judge. Not the common fear to make us in flight, but all the more to draw us near to Him.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

    To him belongs eternal praise. Psalms 111:10 

If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28

Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil. 2:8

Qualities Needed to Endure Trials - James 1:19-21

James 1:19-21 (NKJV)

19 [a]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and [b]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

The book of James:

- The author "James" believed to be the half-brother of Jesus Christ.

- Didn't follow Jesus on His time on earth, but only later after His resurrection.

- Was mentioned on Acts 12:17, during Peter's miraculous escape.

- Paul called James one of the pillars of the church (Galatians 2:9).

- The book of James is the first new testament book.

- The pages of James are filled with direct commands to pursue a life of holiness.

- For James, a faith that does not produce real life change is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17).

- In simple terms: It encourages God’s people to act like God’s people.

19. "My dear brothers and sisters" addressed/audience to the believers, if not yet a believer then now is the time to receive the free gift of Salvation, John 3:16-18.

"take note" - to highlight, to keep that you may review it over and over again.

The context is about the pressure of trials that can make a person not to mind counsel and quick to speak angrily!

3 Practical ways to handle trials effectively:

1. "Quick to listen" - listen first!, means that we should always ready, open and quick to listen to instructions, particularly God's instruction or God's word that we may learn and grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- We should ask God for grace, that whenever the word of God is preach, we should listen, understand, and apply it, regardless of the speaker.

- The same also as taking time to read His word everyday with the goal to apply in our day to day Christian walk.

- Not for the sake of listening but without understanding.

- Proverbs 19:20 ESV "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."

2. "Slow to speak" - means that we should think before we speak.

- Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV) Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

- Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

- Proverbs 15:2 (NIV) The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

3. "Slow to become angry" - means to have self-control at all times.

- Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

- Proverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

- Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Verse 20, Human anger are often bias, and a result of wordly desires which is contrary to God's will or the Word of God.

However the bible speaks also about the wrath of God, God's holy anger which is base in perfect judgement.

Verse 21, Upon hearing the word of God, the gospel, without delay repent from your sins and accept the gospel whole-heartedly, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved from your sins and His perfect judgement.

A Nobleman’s Son Healed - John 4:43-50

John 4:43-50 (NKJV)

43 Now after the two days He departed from there and went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to the feast.

46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a certain [a]nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”

49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies!”

50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

Ice breaker: "I am blessed"

Intro:

A different healing miracle by Jesus, He healed the official's son at a distance through His word, unlike the other healing miracles Jesus performed like Blind Man at Siloam Pool "After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground. He made some mud and smeared it on the man's eyes. Then he said, 'Go and wash off the mud in Siloam Pool.'The man went and washed in Siloam, which means 'One Who Is Sent.' When he had washed off the mud, he could see." John 9:6-7 (CEV)

But a similar story also can be found in Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2-10 Healing of the Centurion's Servant.

43 - 45. "Jesus pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country."  yet in verse 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. ?

They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. "Because of the miracles of Jesus, that's why He is welcomed"

 - You can't expect your closest family, friends, or countrymen to appreciate you as a godly leader -- "a prophet has no honor in his own country"

48 "Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."

A rebuke to Galileans, because He knew their hearts, their faith is not grounded in Christ, a low quality faith, a stagnant faith.

A faith focused only on the signs, wonders, miracles but should be focused on the miracle worker.

Miracles, signs and wonders are instrument of the Lord to point people to Him to know Him in an intimate and personal way.

In Psalm 105:4 we are told, "Seek the Lord and His strength; SEEK HIS FACE evermore!"  What does it mean to seek God’s face?  

The Hebrew word translated "Face" is the exact same word translated as "Presence" when referring to God's presence.  

To seek God's face literally means to seek His manifest presence.  It means to pray for the very purpose of coming into God’s presence

But at the same time a faith building to the Officer, not to give-up on his plea to Jesus Christ.

The official had faith because he had seen Jesus do miracles in the past and knew that he could heal his son. He travel 20 miles from Capernaum to Cana because he was seeking Jesus and heard that he was in Cana.  His faith was strong.  The official believed Jesus at his word which demonstrates his faith.

50 "Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed.

NKJV 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

The official didn't asked for any sign, He believed in the word of Jesus Christ and Go!

In our society today it's easy for people to believe on something if backed with miracles, is like seeing is believing, people are interested only of miracles and what it can bring in their lives, but they are not interested of the

miracle worker, which is Jesus Christ.

We must take Jesus at his word and act before seeing the result, He is the Word in John 1:1, and if we exercise our faith in His word, then we will see the results.

God will test our faith, and nurture it to make it grow. From saving faith to a mature sanctifying faith.

Victory in Jesus Christ - 1 John 5:4

1 John 5:4 (NKJV)
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—[a]our faith.

The moment we repent of our sins, and ask to the Lord Jesus Christ to come in our lives as Lord and Savior, the holy spirit seals us and thus
becomes the children of God, born-again by the spirit.

Romans 10:9-10, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Acts 2:38, Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 3:26, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

And our new journey begins of becoming (Christ-like) (Sanctification).
We are still in this world, but we are not for the world

The world itself becomes our enemy, that we are to overcome:

The meaning of the world in this verse is not "kosmos" or the people, but the devils system and can be found in verse.

1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Lust of the flesh:
1. Pornography is as ordinary as facebook in this generation, even children can have an easy access over cellphones!

2. Pre-marital sex among people, specially the younger generation. (The world says it's okay!)

3. Sexual Immorality, un-natural sex (LGBTQ)

Lust of the Eye:
Covetous - strong desire to have the things of others
"even with all they have, they covet the wealth of others"

Pride of Life:
God hates proud people!
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. 

James 4:10 (NKJV)
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

And we overcome that are in the world our (flesh and the devil's scheme) through our faith in Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Ask God for strength and grace to overcome our struggles with sins.