[Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 035

[T. Sean Sullivan]

The Messenger

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059   731-627-3514



bibleanswers at charter.net                                    www.mainstreetcofc.com

 

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

 

VOLUME 002::ISSUE 035::October 21, 2007  

 

NEW SERIES: Lessons Drawn from the "Sermon on the Mount"

ARTICLE ONE: Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16

ARTICLE TWO: A New Way Matthew 5:17-22

 

Article One: Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16

 

Jesus continues His lessons as He sits among the multitude on the mount. He has just finished explaining the character of a true follower as well as their rewards. Now He turns to their responsibilities. By becoming Christians ourselves we know what it takes to bring a soul out of the dredges of sin into the Kingdom of Light. Because of the magnitude of this knowledge we are bound both by command (Matthew 28:18-20) and ethics to share it.

Jesus teaches us these responsibilities with two metaphors. He compares the true follower to salt and then to light. Let's open our Bibles and consider further what these metaphors mean and what our responsibilities are.

   

Are You Salty Enough?

Why Salt? Every person in the audience understood the significance of salt. It is essential to our lives; our bodies are actually 3% salt. Salt is important in our bodies. Salt aids in the neuromuscular contractions including our heartbeat. Salt regulates fluid transfer in and out of cells which aids in waste removal. Salt also aids in digestion and is very important in disease resistance and our processes of healing. Salt is important outside our bodies as an antiseptic to prevent infections. Salt is a food preservative-prevents spoilage. Salt is also used as a common spice for its ability to enhance flavor. 

Christians, like salt, have always been a precious commodity in this world.  One point that we need to recognize is that salt only works when it comes in contact with something else. This seems like a strange observation but on the other hand this is what Jesus was getting at in His metaphor. We, a Christians, are not to run and hide away from the world, we are supposed to work on them and influence them. We are to help them find the truth. We can help them find the spiritual healing they require (Luke 5:31-32). 

If the salt loses it flavor, how shall it be seasoned? The power of salt is in the fact that it is completely different than that which it works on. Even though we are to be in the world and working on them trying to influence them, we must maintain our difference from them in order to work (Romans 12:1-2)-remembering always; it is the difference that makes us effective. 

With what will the world be seasoned if all the Christians become worldly? Salt that has lost its savor it is good for nothing. We will not bring souls to salvation. We will not bring glory to God.

 

Is Your Light Bright?

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world". Each of us is responsible for shining brightly. We are to be an example as if we are the only example that the world has. The effect of light in a dark room is very apparent. The sins of the world are darkness and we are the light. 

Light cannot be hidden. Christianity is obvious: as obvious as the difference between dark and light. Christ reaches the lost through us so we must display Him brightly. Others should see Him as apparently as a city on a hill. We cannot be "closet Christians" hoping that know one will know of our faith. We are to openly confess Christ (Matthew 10:32). We are to shed the pure light of truth on those around us. We will have to have a good example to shine the way that will affect others. 

Some have questioned the "pride" of this "shining" as a problem. Jesus talks about the usefulness of a lampstand to shed more light. The lampstand is not for the glory of the candle it just enhances its usefulness. Brightness does not equal prideful arrogance. 

 

Does Your Life Draw Attention To God?

It has been said that we reflect the true light of Christ (John 8:12) Like the moon reflects the sun. Like the moon, we cannot claim our own light we can only reflect what has been sent from the source. When we are noticed as a Christian it is Christ's influence on us that is noticed. We might repeat the inspired words of Paul from 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Imitate me as I imitate Christ". Others should see Christ in me (Galatians 2:20). 

If we camouflage our lives in such a way that no one would ever even suspect that we are Christians God loses an important tool for drawing souls to Him. 

 

Conclusion: We are very important. Even as salt sustains mortal life, we can lead others by our influence to Christ for spiritual life eternal. As lights we show the world the way. As they wander in sin they wander in darkness and we must direct them to the pathway of righteousness. 

Are we salty enough? Are we shining brightly? Does your life draw attention to God? These are the questions that Jesus left with us as we hear this portion of His sermon. If you are not a Christian you need to come into the light. There is a chart on the back page of this bulletin that will explain the steps of salvation. Please take the time to evaluate each one according to the word of God and obey God's will today. ~tss

 

Article Two: A New Way: Matthew 5:17-22

 

We continue to look at the famous, "Sermon on the Mount". We have discussed the 'beautiful attitudes' that are to make up the personality of a Christian. We have also had some further descriptions given through two metaphors in which Jesus compares His disciples to "salt" and "light". We have recognized that these statements of Jesus came across as radical to His first century audience and the same may be said about them in our society today.

As we now look further into this sermon Jesus becomes even more plainly spoken about the difference of His message and the action His message requires. Jesus did not change the word of God. He demands that His instructions be followed in their fullness; not just followed, but lived to a greater degree than the Scribes and the Pharisees. Let's consider the expectations of Jesus for those who will enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

 

To Encourage, Not Destroy, the Law (5:17-18)

As Jesus began to speak, His words were so different that many might have thought He was trying to replace the Law of Moses. The Jews held on to their "Law" and did not see that their covenant with God contained messages that foretold its time of ending. That 'ending time' came when the promised Messiah would fulfill their Law and take it away. They held fast to their law even after Jesus had fulfilled every prophecy regarding the Messiah. This fulfillment should have been infallible proof that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah that was spoken of through the Law and the Prophets.

In His own words Jesus came "not to destroy the Law or the Prophets". In His life He would not destroy, or even break, a single command of the Law. In fact, Jesus uplifted the law and tried to draw His listeners closer to the Law. It was the Law and the Prophets that could lead them to an understanding of who He truly was (Isaiah 53:1-10; Isaiah 7:14-16). The Law would bring them to a closer relationship with God (Leviticus 26:1-12; Psalms 119:100-105). The Law would prepare them to enter the kingdom (Matthew 4:17). 

 

Better Righteousness than the Pharisees (5:20)

The members of Jesus' audience could not return to the same old exercise of the law. Jesus called for a return to righteousness (being right in God's sight). They could not just fall into a routine like the Pharisees who would only do exactly what was absolutely necessary. These listeners must have a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees and the Scribes. The Pharisees and the Scribes were students of the Law. They prided themselves on their strict adherence to each and every statute. They had even dedicated their time to determining the exact amount of work that each statute required and they would not give less-the problem was that they also would not give more. 

A better righteousness would be: doing the law with exactness but also with a true sense of giving and an awareness of other's needs. Consider Luke 17:5-10: Do all that is commanded of you, yes, but do so to the fullest of your ability without regard for yourself but, rather, for the work and those who, from it, can benefit. 

We have opportunities every day to do extra. We cannot operate with the mindset of doing just enough to get by. We need to grow and do more and more for God (John 15:1-8); for others (Philippians 1:9; 1Thessalonians 4:10); in all things (1 Thessalonians 4:1).

 

Two Examples of Better Righteousness (5:21, 27, 31, 33, 38)

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder". The Pharisees saw this command as allowance for beating someone as long as they did not die. Although this would be "right" according to this command it was not an acceptable interpretation, and they missed the intention of the Law. Jesus said that it was wrong to even be angry toward another without a cause. Personal conflicts distract our more important service to God. Jesus desires that we resolve personal conflicts quickly and put them behind us. 

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord." Commonly, for one's word to be taken as true they would swear to it by using something important (e.g. Heaven, or their own head). Even today in the courts of justice the witnesses are asked to swear that they will tell the truth. Jesus says that our word should be our bond. When we say, "Yes" we mean yes. And our, "No" means no. Truthful conduct and honesty build good relationships so that we will not have as many conflicts that distract us from our service to God. 

 

Conclusion:

The Pharisees and Scribes were following the commands but they lacked the true understanding of the commands purpose. Consider what Paul says about God's commands in 1Timothy 1:5.  They are to result in love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. We must desire to do all that God has commanded and also be willing to go the extra mile in service to God. The opportunity for those who are not Christians to obey the commands of God is now. On the back of this bulletin is a chart that explains God's plan for your salvation. In order to make your life right, you must obey the plan that God has made available through His Son. Will you obey today? ~tss

 

 



 

 

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.   Sean

 

 
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