What it means to be a Christian The Christian is…Salt.

What it means to be a Christian

The Christian is…Salt

Influence• Proper example always

important• We are always examples•1 Cor. 11:1•1 Tim. 4:12•Phil. 2:14-15•1 Peter 2:12•Matthew 5:13-16

Salt Preserves• It can keep foods from spoiling• Our example, can keep souls from

being lost. •Cf. Gen. 18:20-32, 2 Chron.

34:23-39. • Who knows if our example will

preserve some soul from eternal destruction?

• We also preserve the word – its truth and purity, Psa. 119:11

Salt Irritates• On wounds it can be painful• Sometimes our example is

an “irritant” to the world•Heb. 4:12• John 15:18-19, 1 John 3:13•Matt. 5:10-12

Salt creates thirst• Some foods make us thirsty

• Does our example cause others to thirst for GodCf. Acts 16:25

• While many will mock, some may inquire further

Salt flavors• We enjoy seasoning on food•Matt. 5:13, What good is salt

that loses its flavor?• Let us live to try and make our

world a little better place• Cause the world to glorify

God Matt. 5:16• God’s word WILL make

the world better

Can we have too much salt?

The Christian is…Light

We are the light of the world

•Matthew 5:14-16• Light is associated with God

(1 John 1:5), Jesus (John 1:4-5, 8:12) good example and His word!

(2 Pet. 1:19)

We are the light of the world

• We need to let our light shine! Phil. 2:14-16

Light illuminates• It helps us see.

• The word of God Psa. 119:105

Light exposes•Eph. 5:11-13, “And have no

fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them…But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.”

• John 3:20-21

Light drives away darkness•Darkness is the absence of

light. We introduce light into dark spaces.

• When we shine the light of God’s word, it can drive away darkness

Light guides us•Light gives us direction•Walk as children of light – Eph. 5:8, 1 John 1:7

Light can attract others•Many people seek to escape

darkness and head toward light.

•We let our light shine Matt. 5:14-16

Can we have too much

light?

How is your influence with others?