“Making Light of Good Deeds”
Matthew 5:13-16 August 21, 2005 Play
video
And Now the News - in 3-D
• eager to know our identity and impact
• 3-D news: death, decay, darkness
Saltier Salt
• “salt of the earth” mustn’t lose its saltiness
(5:13)
• pure: redeemed by Jesus, purified through faith
& His blood (Ti 2:14; Ac 15:9; 1Jn 1:7)
• precious: “salary” now spread on roads; God’s
dearly loved children, love lavished on us (Eph 5:1; 1Jn 3:1)
• potent - brings out true flavour: serves what’s
being salted; people can trust the faithful
• preservative: stopped spoilage; conversation full
of grace (Col 4:6)
Night-lights Protect from Stumbling
• even tiny LEDs chase away darkness
• “light of the world”: cities shine as points of
reference (5:14)
• Jesus true Light of the world, gives light to
people, become “sons of light” (Jn 8:12; 1:4,9f; 12:36; 1Jn 1:5; Eph
5:14)
• shine like stars amidst depraved generation (Php
2:15)
• lamp put on stand, not hidden under bowl: useful,
guiding, offer truth (5:15; Eph 5:8ff)
• better fare than murderer’s books on death &
divination
• not calling attention to self but help others see
God's Glory Shines through Good Deeds
• good deeds shine, prompt praise to God (5:16; 1Pet
2:12)
• good works follow salvation, not means to be saved
(Eph 2:10)
• rich in good deeds, eager, devoted, spurring others
on; e.g. Dorcas (1Tim 6:18; Ti 2:14, 3:8; Heb 10:24; Ac 9:36ff; 1Tim
5:10)
• examples: skatepark initiative; taking to lunch;
camp for disabled; trust fund for widow
• Eleanor Josaitis, Focus: Hope – volunteers
overcoming racism & poverty
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