MATTHEW 5:1-16
INTRODUCTION
Since God is the Creator and we are creatures from His hand (Acts 17:29),
it is both natural and proper that we relate to Him on His terms. In His
perfect wisdom He has designed us to function in a certain way; our soul
to operate on His viewpoint in order to find true fulfillment in life.
God's kingdom is a kingdom of light.
"God is LIGHT and in Him there is no darkness, not any," (1
John 1:5).
See: GOD is light
Light refers to the essence of God which is detailed in His ten character
attributes.
See: GOD'S CHARACTER: The Ten Absolute
Attributes of the Godhead
The term is used in the bible, in contrast with darkness, to indicate the
two opposing viewpoints that have existed in the universe since the rebellion
of the angel, Lucifer, at some time prior to the creation of the human
race.
See: THE LIGHT SYSTEM
The kingdom of light contains a Divine Value System which provides the
standards for proper function in moral living and in serving God. Adam
and Ishah (the woman) were placed in the garden of Eden and given the commission
to guard the standards of the Divine Value System as they lived with every
physical and spiritual resource needed for true fulfillment in life.
The human race came under the authority of the kingdom of darkness,
when Satan accomplished the fall of man "in Adam" by deceiving
the woman into disobeying God, and through her defeated Adam. The result
is that Satan usurped Adam's earthly authority and is now functional as
the ruler of this world and the "god" of this world (John 14:30;
2 Cor. 4:4).
As a result of the fall of man (through Adam's disobedience in the garden),
the whole human race is born in sin (Psalm 51:5; Rom. 5:12) and lives in
sin (Eph. 2:1-3). And since "the wages of sin is death" (Romans
6:23), man's destiny is the lake of fire which was originally designed
for the fallen angels (Mat. 25:41) and is designated as "the second
death" (Rev. 20:14).
Furthermore, the presence of sin taints man's existence so that he is
unable to enjoy the perfect peace and joy that God designed for him (Isaiah
57:21; John 14:27).
Accordingly, in order for people to escape the lake of fire and to enjoy
a superior quality of life here on earth, it is necessary for each individual
in the human race to be saved from the penalty of sin.
In fact, it is God's plan to use the human race to glorify Himself through
the vindication of His love, righteousness and justice in the eyes of the
fallen angels, who accuse Him of being unloving, unrighteous and unfair.
However, a person's function as a servant of God in this capacity begins
at the moment of salvation and requires a humility acceptance of several
spiritual factors before a person will even accept God's policy for entering
into a saving relationship with God.
If the creature decides to operate independently from God, he will be
living with a malfunctioning soul and not experience the peace and joy
God has designed for them. This rebellion against God's standards is described
at Ec. 7:29.
"God made men upright, but they have sought out many rationalizations."
This is caused by the sin nature as Paul explains at Romans 7:14-23.
The sin nature influences the soul of man to act independent from God
and seek a "way of life" that is different from the Divine moral
standards that God designed for the proper function of the human race.
See: The Sin Nature
The required attitude from the creature is humility. This is represented
"in principle" by the phrase, "the fear of the Lord."
The word, fear, does double duty in the Hebrew and Greek, having both
a positive and a negative meaning. The negative meaning, of course, is
to be afraid. The positive meaning on the other hand, is to reverence and
respect someone or something.
True humility means to view everything in life as God does - self, others,
creation, God, life, death, etc. It is therefore, necessary to learn the
standards of the Divine Value System so that one can properly evaluate
and relate to reality. If a believer does not function with true humility,
he will be replacing those Divine viewpoint standards with his own perceptions
and ideas; his own human value system. With such a value system in control,
he will end up neither experiencing the abundant life of peace and joy,
nor functioning properly as an ambassador of Christ here on earth.
It is this issue of true humility in several areas, that Jesus is teaching
about in the Sermon on the Mount.
One of these areas is the reality of spiritual depravity.
Ie, man is
a sinner in need of God's provision for deliverance from his sin. This
is the first thing Jesus deals with as He begins this discourse.
MATTHEW 5:1-16
A. The subject of this discourse is an orientation to humility for advance
in the kingdom of light (the light system).
(Verses 13-16 - you can't be a light bearer until you are IN the light)
B. The purpose the believer remains here on earth is to experience the
benefits of the Divine Value System and to represent it to others in the
world (Romans 14:17).
1. The first issue for function in light is character growth.
The believer is left here on earth so that his character can be reformed
(transformed) into that which reflects Christ's righteousness and love.
This is represented by the word, "righteousness" at Romans 14:17.
2. The immediate result of consistency in reflecting Christ's character
in the life is the experience of the abundant life of peace, joy and inner
stability. This is represented by "peace and joy" at Romans 14:17.
3. The third purpose for remaining here on earth is to serve God.
To take the standards of the Divine Value System and represent them to
unbelievers in the form of the gospel and to believers, through teaching
about the urgency for spiritual growth and fellowship with God. This is
expressed at Romans 14:18,
"for he who in this way serves Christ is pleasing to God."
C. Blessed: makarios = happy. This refers to the reality of Divine joy
through advance and function in light. The principle of John 15:11 and
Psalm 1:1
Knowledge and USE of Bible Truth produces true peace and joy.
D. The kingdom of light is a term that refers to God's kingdom with
emphasis on spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment in contrast to the
fear and frustration that characterizes those who are in rebellion against
God (in darkness).
VERSE 3, The basis for entrance into light is creature humility.
1. Poor in spirit: ptochos means to be totally deficient of material
sustenance and therefore, dependent on others and beggarly.
A. However, this word in this context does not refer to "physical"
poverty. It does not refer to material deprivation of any kind.
There is no merit or joy in being materially poor and it certainly does
NOT mean that one possesses the kingdom of God.
B. It is used spiritually to indicate recognition of creature status;
ie., creature limitations and dependence on the creator; creature humility.
"What is man?" (Psalm 8:4)
C. Creature humility is the attitude that recognizes that one is a creature
made by God and dependent upon Him for life and sustenance.
D. This is called fear (Greek, phobos), which is a respect type attitude
that recognizes authority and power. Creature humility is when the creature,
man, recognizes that God has absolute authority and power.
E. Both entrance and function in light depends on creature humility
(relationship and fellowship).
1. The attitude that "leads" to responding to God's plan of
salvation is called "fear" at Acts 10:35.
2. The attitude that obeys God's policies for Christian living after
one is saved is called "fear" at 1 Peter 1:17.
F. The emphasis at this point is the status of relationship in God's
kingdom of light and the experiential joy of that status. This is not referring
to some "future" possession, but the present reality of being
a citizen of heaven (Philip. 3:20).
2. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven: This refers to STATUS in light;
possession of the kingdom through relationship with God. Ie, having been
born into God's spiritual family.
The issue of "poverty" is the recognition of one's spiritual
poverty and dependence on God's policy for reversal of that poverty condition.
The one who "truly" recognizes his poverty condition, will
accept God's policy for entrance into spiritual life. Ie, he will trust
in the Messiah as savior. This attitude then, "naturally" leads
to trust in the Messiah. If one does not trust in Jesus Christ as the Messiah,
then there was no "genuine" creature humility present.
Often times creature humility is confused with "religious zeal."
Religion is man's attempt to reach God on man's terms instead of God's
terms. It corrupts creature humility with various systems of salvation
by works, teaching that the creature can "do" something to accomplish
salvation or even preserve salvation, rather than simply accepting the
"completed package" as God offers it to him.
3. The kingdom of heaven refers to the viewpoint and influence of God's
essence in the universe. Man's participation in that kingdom comes through
trust in the Messiah. At that moment of time, the person is transferred
OUT FROM the kingdom of darkness (Satan's rule) and permanently placed
into God's kingdom of light (Acts 26:18; Col. 1:13; 1 Pet. 2:9).
A. kingdom of God: There is no distinction between the two terms, kingdom
of God and kingdom of heaven. They both refer to the same "sphere"
of spiritual reality (cf. Luke 6:20).
B. kingdom of his son: Col. 1:13
C. kingdom of light: Col. 1:12-13
D. light in the Lord: Eph. 5:8b (1 Pet. 2:9)
The "status" in the kingdom of God is through positional identification
with the Messiah. Before the resurrection of Jesus, this positional identification
was a "judicial" recognition by God that accepted the believer
in anticipation of Christ's victory on the cross. After the resurrection,
the positional identification is an "actual" union with Christ
accomplished by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The term, "light IN
THE LORD," communicates this "positional" reality and the
transfer from darkness to light that occurs at the moment of time that
someone trusts in Christ.
The believer has been raised up and seated with Christ in the heavenlies
so that God the Father actually sees that believer as He sees Jesus (perfectly
righteous and sinless) because of this positional (or "spiritual")
identification of the believer with Christ. This is also why believers
are called "saints." A saint is simply one who has been set apart
as unique and special IN UNION with Christ. The word "holy" and
"saint" are the same Greek word and refer to the positional PERFECTION
that the believer has IN CHRIST.
3. Humility factors for entrance into light.
A. Mat. 18:3-4 (principle of total dependence on another)
B. Mat. 7:13-14, The narrow gate (all roads do NOT lead to heaven).
C. Jn. 14:6, I am the way (Acts 4:12)
D. Jn. 10:9, I am the door
E. Jn. 12:35-36, 46, believe in the light
F. Jn. 16:8-11 (convicting ministry of the Spirit)
4. But possession of the kingdom has a fellowship stage also.
A. Eph. 5:8c - walk as children of light
B. 1 Jn. 1:7 - walk in the light
C. 1 Tim. 6:11-12 - "take hold onto life" (v. 18-19)
D. Rom. 14:17, "righteousness, peace and joy, in the Holy Spirit."
E. See Topic: FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
5. This walk or function in light also depends on creature humility.
A. We don't lose our creature status.
B. We must not lose awareness of our creature limitations.
C. So, phobos perpetuates that attitude into the Christian way of life,
so that we can advance and fulfill our purpose for being here (Mat. 5:14-16;
1 Pet. 1:17; 2:9).
6. Fellowship humility, growth humility and living (application) humility
are all extensions of creature humility and are amplified in this discourse.
VERSE 4, Entrance into light also depends on sin humility.
1. happy: makarios, again indicates the soul prosperity (true inner
happiness) that results from recovery from sin and guilt.
2. Those who mourn: pentheo, as a present active participle indicates
an attitude of genuine sorrow that results from recognition of one's sinful
status (total depravity).
3. Salvation and sin humility are necessary for entrance into light.
If the person does not recognize that he has a need, then he will not "seek"
God.
A. Total depravity: Rom. 3:9-18, 23; 5:6-10; Eph. 2:1-3 includes Is.
57:21 (The Holy Spirit convicts the world of SIN, John 16:9).
B. Man's destiny in darkness: Mat. 25:41; Rev. 20:15
1. John 3:16 - perish
2. John 3:18 - judged
3. John 3:36 - wrath of God abides on him
(The Holy Spirit convicts of judgment, John 16:10).
C. God's provision: Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 5:6-8;
(The Holy Spirit convicts of righteousness, John 16:11).
D. Man's response: Eph. 2:8-9; Acts 16:30-31; Is. 64:6 (faith).
4. Also, sin humility is related to fellowship in order to function
in light. Ps. 51:17
A. Personal sins: Ps. 51:1-4; 1 Jn. 1:10
B. Sin nature: Ps. 51:5; 1 Jn. 1:8; Rom. 7:17-21
C. solution: Ps. 51:6 via v. 17 and Pr. 28:13;
D. prevention: Ps. 119:11
E. Recovery from reversion (back-sliding), James 4:9.
5. They shall be comforted: parakaleo, does not refer to "comfort,"
but encouragement. This refers to encouragement through participation in
the Divine solution concerning man's sinfulness.
A. Through salvation relationship: Acts 13:38-39
Knowledge of Christ's unlimited ransom and the promise of redemption.
B. Through fellowship reality: 1 Jn. 1:7,9
6. There can be absolutely no progress in light (the Christian life)
apart from accepting Divine policies for both entrance and function.
7. This issue of "function" in the light system is further
amplified in verses 5:21-37 where Jesus gives us the proper orientation
to the doctrine of BENEFICENT LOVE,
by putting the teachings of the Law back into its original "spiritual"
context.
VERSE 5, Application humility toward others with emphasis on status.
1. The gentle: praus - adjective for grace expression that recognizes
the freedoms and rights of others.
2. Gentleness refers to the application of humility to others in all
three areas of expression: mental, verbal and overt.
A. We have no right to judge another with human viewpoint, subjectivity
or emotional standards. Mental attitude sins.
B. We have no right to speak out against another and express human viewpoint,
subjectivity or emotionalism concerning that person's status or actions.
(Rom. 14:4)
C. We have no right to physically abuse, torment or oppress others.
D. Therefore, it is personal objectivity and honesty toward all others
in creature status.
3. Gentleness relates to the promise of social stability in the land
in which you live. "shall inherit the land."
A. klāronomeo, as a future active indicative, indicates
the possibility of maximum enjoyment of one's social environment by grace
living in relationship to others. Grace living takes God's moral and spiritual
standards (The Divine Value System) and consistently applies them to other
people.
B. land: gā = land, earth, soil, ground - depends on context.
C. 1 Peter 3:10-12 (cf. Eph. 6:1-3 with Exodus 20:12)
1. Deut. 5:33; 6:1-2
2. Psalm 25:12-13 (Prov. 2:20-22)
3. Psalm 37
4. Psalm 34:8-14
4. Amplified at Mat. 5:38-48; 6:1-18; 7:1-12
5. THE LOGICAL PROGRESS SO FAR
A. recognition of Divine authority: creature humility.
B. recognition of personal character deficiency: sin humility.
C. And then, personal objectivity toward others.
D. After this comes growth progress as we pursue truth, "hunger
and thirst for righteousness."
VERSE 6, Growth humility is necessary for advance in the kingdom of
light
1. Relationship (born into the family) is the doorway to status and
the filling of the Holy spirit is the doorway to function.
2. But without progress in growth (knowledge content) you can't really
enjoy the quality of life God has designed for those in His family.
Instead, as James teaches us, this person will be a "two-souled man,
unstable in all his ways," (James 1:8).
3. Hunger and thirst: this is used to indicate a natural, necessary
and intense desire.
A. In the physical realm, you cannot go a day or a very large part of
a day without feeling that desire and need.
B. If you don't meet that need, you do not function normally.
Your concentration is broken and physical stability and well-being is affected.
4. for righteousness: dikaiosunā, puts the hunger and thirst
into the spiritual realm. It refers to Divine viewpoint standards and character
reflection; knowledge of God and participation in his plan.
5. True growth humility recognizes several factors and is daily occupied
with them.
A. The need:
1. Spiritual ignorance: 1 Cor. 2:9-10, 12
a. Need: 1 Pet. 2:1-3, "grow in respect to salvation."
b. Paul's desire: 1 Cor. 10:1; 12:1; 2 Cor. 1:8; 1 Th. 4:13
c. The arrogance issue: Rom. 11:25; 1 Cor. 8:1
d. Divine recognition: 1 Cor. 14:38
2. Spiritual opposition: 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 2 Tim. 3:13-14
3. See: GROWTH: The Urgency of Spiritual
Growth
B. The provision: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2:14-15
C. The mechanics: 1 Tim. 4:13, prosechō, present active
imperative.
Give attention; hold closely and tightly to something.
1. reading: the anagnōsis provides orientation/review of
what has been taught. (Eph. 3:4; Col. 4:16; Rev. 1:3)
2. exhortation: the paraklāsis - motivational (promises)
3. teaching: the didaskalia - informative; facts and principles
4. The communication gifts: Eph. 4:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:2) Heb. 13:7, 17;
1 Thes. 5:20-22)
5. Meditation: Josh. 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; Philip. 4:8
6. And they shall be satisfied: the future passive indicative indicates
the promised reality of spiritual fulfillment as the believer is diligent
in the pursuit of God's truth.
A. God honors positive volition: Jn. 7:17; Jas. 1:5-7
B. But when God provides truth, we must properly respond to it.
1. We must eat it: Jer. 15:16
2. We must use it: Jn. 13:17; Rom. 15:13; James 1:22
C. This response is called purify your hearts at James 4:8.
D. And indicated by the pure in heart of Mat. 5:8.
(Purity of heart is evidence of progress in growth.)
E. Purity refers to the cleansing out of human viewpoint (darkness standards)
that influences the believer to function independently from God (2 Cor.
7:1; Rom. 12:2).
7. See: GROWTH: Spiritual growth
VERSE 7, Application humility toward others and their needs.
1. The merciful: eleāmon occurs only two times (Heb. 2:17).
It refers to grace sensitivity, compassion and generosity.
(gentleness = objectivity; mercy = sensitivity)
A. This word is used to communicate Christ's ministry as our high priest
in Heb. 2:17
B. Mercy applies doctrine in the area of meeting the spiritual and material
needs of others without mental or verbal antagonism. (Beneficent love -
agapā)
Cf. 1 Pet. 4:9, "without complaint," gongusmos.
C. Amplified in Mat. 5:38-48; 7:1-12
2. They shall receive mercy: eleeo; the future passive indicative, once
again refers to the reality of experienced blessing in time as a result
of applying the Divine Value System in every area of life.
A. Natural result of grace living is a share in Divine mercy, (Pr. 3:34;
Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:6).
Mercy/grace from God is the reality of rapport and communion with Him as
we function with the sin nature "rendered inoperative" (Col.
3:5).
B. This is a fellowship and application issue as illustrated in Mat.
6:14-15.
C. If we don't use doctrine (the standards of the Divine Value System)
to express mercy (through love) we have allowed the sin nature's dictates
(lusts of the flesh) to control us.
D. We are out of fellowship and experience the natural and applied consequences
of having sin in our life.
1. We experience the opposite of peace and joy (natural consequences).
2. And we fall on the negative side of justice and love;
ie, discipline
(applied consequences) from a loving Father (Heb. 12:6).
E. The positive side of justice and love is mercy.
F. This is not a works system, but simply the reality of light vs. darkness
(2 Cor. 6:14b) and application of the law of sowing and reaping. Gal. 6:7-9.
(light living produces light blessings.)
VERSE 8, Character reflection as the by-product of growth humility.
1. Pure in heart: The adjective, katharos, means cleansed and indicates
that a change of viewpoint has occurred.
A. old viewpoint: darkness standards reflected through the sin nature.
Eph. 5:8a; 2:2-3; 4:22; Col. 2:8, 20-23
B. New viewpoint: light standards reflected through the Holy Spirit.
(Gal. 5:16) Eph. 4:23-24; Rom. 12:2
C. So this is the direct result of growth. Divine viewpoint standards
purify the heart so it can now function clearly and see reality through
the eyes of God.
Jas. 4:8 cf. 1 Pet. 1:22; 2 Pet. 1:8-9; Ps. 119:105; 36:9
2. Shall see God: this is maximum reflection of the 5 character qualities
of the love complex (2 Pet. 1:6-7) and the 15 virtues of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
A. Jn. 14:21,23; 15:9-10
B. From glory to glory: 2 Cor. 3:18
C. Cf. Jn. 1:18 w/ 14:9 plus -
1. My peace: Jn. 14:27
2. My joy: Jn. 15:11
3. Christ formed in you: Gal. 4:19
4. Christ at home in the heart: Eph. 3:17
D. The God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:9; 2
Cor. 13:11
3. This is not talking about "physically" seeing God, but
experiencing rapport and fellowship with Him as our character begins to
conform to His.
4. Amplified in Mat. 6:1-18; 7:24-29; 7:5
VERSES 9-12, service humility as the goal of our function in light
Verse 9, The principle:
1. peacemakers: eirānopoios refers to the function of the
ambassador - a light-bearer
A. toward unbelievers: Heb. 12:14; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; Rom. 5:1 Eph. 5:11-13
B. Toward believers: Rom. 14:17-19; 15:1; Gal. 6:1
C. The witness of life and message as a light of the world. Mat. 5:13-16;
Phil. 2:15b
(Jn. 12:35-36, 46 cf. Jn. 15:18-20, 26-27 w/ 17:18-21)
2. Called: Here, kaleo (future passive indicative) means designated
or recognized as - -.
This is not referring to "becoming" a son of God, but to "acting"
like a son of God through consistency in character reflection.
3. sons of God: representatives of God through consistent character
reflection.
Mat. 5:43-48; Eph. 5:8c with v.1, as children
Eph. 5:3, "as is proper among saints."
Luke 6:27-36 and Philip. 2:15a
4. Amplified in Mat. 5:13-16; 7:4-6;
VERSE 10 Orientation to past believers:
1. persecuted: dioko (perfect passive participle) indicates the past
antagonism from the Devil's world; the darkness hates the light.
The word means to pursue with intensity. It is used in a context of being
diligent and also in a context of aggressive persecution.
2. for righteousness: dikaiosunā - reflection of light standards
through adherence to the Divine Value System in pre-Messianic times. It
refers to proper representation of the plan and character of God.
3. refers to believers of the Past, prior to the Messiah generation.
A. Illustrated by Jesus: Mat. 23:35
B. Illustrated by the Hall of Fame: Heb. 11:35-37
4. For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven: present status of these Old
Testament believers. The status is not because of persecution but persecution
for RIGHTEOUSNESS is evidence of their status.
5. The emphasis is the present status of past believers.
This serves as preliminary to verse 11 so that we might find encouragement
in the face of undeserved suffering.
No matter what happens we are possessors of the kingdom. 2 Cor. 4:16 --
5:8
Verses 11-12, orientation to future persecution:
The issue of faithfulness in an antagonistic environment.
1. When: hotan, anticipates the reality of persecution based on the
principle of John 15:20-21 and 2 Tim. 3:12.
2. Men shall revile you: oneididzo (future active indicative) means
to insult and ridicule.
3. persecute you: dioko (future active indicative) as the emphasis of
physical violence.
4. and speak all evil: pas ponāros
A. Evil refers to overt or verbal activity that attacks the stability
and welfare of society. The word, refers to an infectious type evil that
seeks to influence and dominate all within its vicinity. It is thus used
in this persecution context to indicate an intense antagonistic aggression
toward the one who represents the Divine Value System in society.
B. All (pas) indicates no limit in their attempt to discredit believers.
C. falsely: pseudomai (present middle participle) indicates fulfillment
of the principle of verse 10, "for RIGHTEOUSNESS," (not because
of actual evil in your life)
D. cf. 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16; Titus 2:8;
5. on account of me: indicates direct representation of Christ as the
Way, the Truth, and the Life.
6. Different from verse 10 because in the Old Testament the issue in
service was not a personal representation of Christ, but a representation
(or reflection) of Divine RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Now, in the Church age, it is representation of BOTH.
7. Compare Luke 6:26, the human viewpoint "benefit" of spiritual
compromise. When we fail to live by the Divine Value System, we compromise
spiritual truth so that ALL men will be friendly with us. We don't want
the confrontations that result from standing up for truth, so we compromise
with the human value system in order to avoid persecution.
8. However, at Mat. 10:28-39, the expected persecution (2 Tim. 3:12)
that results from not compromising may be as severe as physical death,
but has no eternal impact.
VERSE 12
1. rejoice: chairo (present active imperative), indicates inner joy,
contentment and confidence based on trust in the Divine Value System. Rom.
15:13; James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:12-14
2. And be glad: agalliao (present middle imperative), is the word that
indicates the overt expression of inner joy.
3. Offsets the frowns and tears of doubt and despair with continued
confidence and proclamation of truth.
A. Acts 16:25, singing
B. Acts 4:5-8, 13, 20, 29; 5:29, confidence
C. Acts 5:41; 7:60
4. For your reward in Heaven is great: reference to the crown of life
mentioned in James 1:12 and Rev. 2:10.
A. Rewards in general: 2 Cor. 5:9-10 with 1
Cor. 3:12-15
B. Rewards "in time:" Gal. 6:6-10; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24-25
5. For so they persecuted the prophets before you: The believers of
verse 10.
6. Humility in authority, fellowship, growth and application is the
basis for endurance in persecution and results in eternal rewards.
In addition, humility results in experiencing maximum peace and joy in
time (here on earth) through recognition and acceptance of these truths.
VERSES 13-16, Christian Ambassadorship
Salt and light are the two metaphors used to describe the "effects"
of the functional Christian's presence on the earth.
1. You are the salt of the earth: Salt possesses several interesting
properties.
A. It functions as a PRESERVATIVE of meat by being thoroughly rubbed
into the pieces.
B. It functions as flavor enhancer, making various foods more palatable
or ATTRACTIVE.
C. It functions as an ANTISEPTIC (applied to newborn babies) and assists
in HEALING various wounds by being rubbed gently into the damaged skin,
D. Salt is a necessary chemical for STABILITY in the physical body.
The salt content can be depleted through sweating in excessive heat conditions
but this can be prevented by ingestion of salt so that the body's stability
can be maintained.
E. Salt naturally produces THIRST in those who partake of it, making
them desire water for satisfaction.
2. The Christian as "salt" has a spiritual effect on those
within his periphery. The believer, as the salt of the earth, promotes
the Divine Value System in the midst of a crooked and perverse human society.
God's morality system is designed to provide freedom and stability for
the human race in the areas of marriage, family and business.
When the believer consistently reflects those moral standards, society
is influenced. To the degree that Christian values are evidenced within
a society, to that degree, the people will experience freedom and stability.
A. As the Christian ambassador lives the abundant life of peace and
joy, it makes Christianity attractive to others - both believers and unbelievers.
B. As the believer's life is seasoned with salt (Christian values) it
provides to those who heed, protection from evil's infection and a healing
from spiritual failure (James 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1).
The functional Christian is the one who knows and uses the Divine Value
System. Romans 15:1 calls him "you who are strong," and emphasizes
the possession of knowledge content. Galatians 6:1 calls him, "you
who are spiritual" and emphasizes the filling/control of the Holy
Spirit.
It is such a one as this, who is able to spiritually and morally help
other believers who are weak (deficient of pertinent standards) or who
have sinned (quenched the control of the Spirit).
3. When salt becomes tasteless: PURE chemical salt cannot actually "lose"
its saltiness. However, it can become contaminated and "lose"
its beneficial properties. The metaphor is thus appropriate to communicate
the "uselessness" of the non-functional believer. The one who
does not grow in The Faith is subject to contamination by the viewpoint
and influence of the darkness system and will be unable to experience personal
spiritual benefit, let alone "spiritually" benefit others.
4. The "image" of being thrown out finds its complement in
the doctrine of Divine Discipline. The erring, non-functional believer
(child of God) is disciplined by the Father in order to move him back into
the place of efficient representation of Christ. After ample disciplinary
warnings, if the believer continues to remain "out of fellowship"
with God, God will remove him from this earth through physical death. He
will take him "out of the mix" (the place of function as an ambassador
for Christ) but not take him out of the family. He will thus forfeit heavenly
rewards and stand before the Son embarrassed and ashamed, but he will not
lose his heavenly status of eternal life with God.
See Topic:
Divine Discipline;
and Salvation Security
VERSES 14-15 The Light of the World
The Christian is also called, the light of the world.
Every believer remains here on earth to represent Christ and the Divine
Value System to the human race and in so doing, Glorify God.
1. 1 Pet. 2:9, "proclaim the virtues of Him."
2. Eph. 2:10, "FOR good works."
3. 1 Cor. 6:19-20, "glorify God in your body."
4. 2 Cor. 5:20, "we are ambassadors for Christ."
5. Romans 14:7-8, We live or die "for the Lord."
6. Romans 12:1, your body as a living sacrifice which is "reasonable
service."
VERSE 16
Only those who advance in growth and operate under the
influence of God's standards of righteousness and love are truly light bearers. Thus the exhortation here, "Let
your light shine before men," as well as at Philip. 2:14-16, "holding
forth the word of life."
As the believer is consistent in reflecting the Divine Value System
in every area of life (production of "good works" - as defined
by God's word and not by religion, philosophy, society, or individuals)
the LIGHT of God's truth reaches to those in need and God is glorified.
1. Men see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
2. 1 Pet. 2:12, The Gentiles observe your good deeds and will be drawn
to God.
3. 1 Pet. 3:2, the "pure manner of life in the sphere of reverence"
makes an impact on a rebellious, disobedient spouse.
4. James 2:14-26, good works are the "flag" that draws attention
to the reality of one's genuine Christianity.
At Proverbs 4:18, the word, "righteous" refers to the believer
who is operating in the sphere of the Divine value system, in fellowship with God, and
LIVING OUT the standards of God's righteousness in his life ("path
of the righteous). The result is that his life becomes a beacon of light
shining brighter and brighter reaching everyone within his periphery.
Ps.37:30, The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks
justice
Prov. 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life
Prov. 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is {as} choice silver
Prov. 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many
Prov. 10:31 The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom
Prov. 10:32 The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable
Prov. 12:26 The righteous is a guide to his neighbor
Christianity is to be lived OVERTLY. It is why God has left us here
on earth. The believer who fails to grow in grace and knowledge and fails
to operate according to the standards of the Divine Value System, CANNOT
be an effective light bearer for God. Some, to be sure, can parrot an accurate
gospel message (Philip. 1:15-18) and give people the information they need
to get saved. But they will not have the resources to fully represent Christ
beyond salvation issues, their life will not demonstrate the values of
Christianity, and they themselves will be characterized by the "double-mindedness"
which leads to doubt, fear, worry, discouragement -- anything BUT the abundant
life of peace and joy.
Some Comments:
The
focus of Jesus (in using the term, good works) is primarily on the OVERT
rather than the inside - so that purity of heart is not in view with
that term, "good works."
The issue of what is on the inside (proper motivation from a righteous
character or "purity of heart") is invisible. It is an issue for truly
pleasing God, but not an issue for the visibility of the good works.
If I give money to the poor, then they are helped regardless of my motives -
and only God sees my motives, and only the pure motives please Him (Although
my impure motives may be revealed by other
behavioral expressions).
AND - the recipient of that good work may indeed "praise" God - OR rather,
praise either what is his perception of God or the perception of God that I
represent - both of which might very well be inaccurate and totally
unacceptable to The God.
Later Jesus gets to this at 7:15-23.
Now, certainly, Jesus is not suggesting just doing good and it is
sufficient. That is why both salt and light are used as teaching aids.
Because both refer to the CHARACTER (purity of heart) that leads to GENUINE
good works. All religion manifests its share of good
works.
What is it then, about someone's good works that steers a person toward
responding to you by giving glory to God? I suggest that it is only when
accompanied with those good works is BOTH the lifestyle and the MESSAGE that
showcases God's GRACE and LOVE. But not just the WORDS, grace and love (for
both are frequently misunderstood)- but the real truth behind it which is
that God has reached down to man
and invites him to accept unmerited deliverance from sin, etc. If I just DO
good works and do not couple with those good works a MESSAGE that showcases
the issues of the gospel, then the results of those good
works are useless. As Paul writes at 1 Cor. 10:31, all that he does is so
that . . . "they might be SAVED."
The very word LIGHT is used consistently throughout the bible to refer to
God's viewpoint and policy concerning the human race. True good works must
reflect LIGHT as it is defined in the bible, and not
reflect "religion."
If a Moslem does good works, what concept of God is praised?
If a Buddhist does good works, what concept of God is praised?
If a Catholic does good works, what concept of God is praised? Etc.
If a Christian does a good work and associates with that good work, the
message of salvation, then LIGHT is truly flashed forth. If an accurate
salvation message is not present, then the "nature" of the good work is left
open to interpretation by the recipient to "praise" whatever he feels like
praising.
And it is not enough to "anoint" your good deed with a formulaic utterance,
"in the name of Jesus." Jesus makes it perfectly clear that that FORMULA
will be misused and abused by MANY (Mat. 7:21-23).
Purity of heart focuses primarily on proper MOTIVES.
It is not so much the deed that is done, but the motivation for the doing.
The Pharisees DID plenty, but their motives were impure (6:1-8).
1 Tim. 1:5, the goal of the instruction (purpose for learning God's word) Is
LOVE -
1. out from a cleansed heart: no personal sin in the life. Consistent use of
1 John 1:9 so that the Spirit is not quenched.
2. a GOOD conscience - proper standards for what constitutes good deeds (ie,
man may have his own idea about what constitutes a good work, while God's
word characterizes it differently).
3. and an unhypocritical faith - right motives.
So through all this, I am simply suggesting that the word "good" should not
be our focus UNTIL we first realize that salt and light determine whether
what we do is really GOOD in God's eyes or only good in man's
eyes. Now we KNOW what Jesus means, but the practicality of it depends on
salt and light.
See Topic: Ambassadorship: professional
Christian ambassador
And: SERVING GOD
Questions and comments are always
welcome
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