The Infflllluence of a Servat

April 26, 2023

Michael Boyd

Matthew 5:13 – 16  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[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. What possible influence could the servants described in Matthew 5:1 – 12 have? We are a very small minority surrounded by a very strong-minded majority. Jesus never promised us that it would be easy Though neither salt nor light is either loud or externally impressive, their presence is essential 2. In 2 Timothy 3:1 – 13, we find three undeniable descriptions of today’s world 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.  8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men. 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,  11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.  12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  Perilous In the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,  7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth  B. CORRUPT  8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.  9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.   C. DECEIVED 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,  11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.   3. We are indispensable influences for God.  When Jesus speaks of the character qualities of servants, He uses “they, their and those”.  However, when speaking of a servant’s relation and influence on society, He says “YOU”.  It is a personal thing! In reference to salt and light, He doesn’t say we are “like” or “as” salt and light;  He says we “ARE” salt and light. A society characterized by savage violence and the darkness of depravity and deception will, without a positive influence, deteriorate and ultimately destroy itself  4. YOU are the salt of the earth.  Salt is… A Preservative – the very presence of salt halts corruption. A healing agent – Salt aids in the body’s healing processes. Creates thirst – It increases the desire for water. Adds flavor – It makes the bland tasteful and inviting.  5. YOU are the light of the world We, as His servants shine with His light into a dark world. What is the basic function of light?  To dispel darkness.  (once again…it is a PENETRATOR)  Darkness CANNOT remain when light is turned on. How do we dispel the darkness?  Two very important ways, (Matthew 5:15):  First, we cannot hide the light. Second, we cannot limit the light. D.  Some positive aspects of light: I AM DIFFERENT I AM RESPONSIBLE I AM INFLUENTIAL 7. Our personal responses in fulfilling the role of a servant. Light is silent.  It just shines! Light gives direction. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Light attracts attention