Good morning,
This week we begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we will look at the two character traits.
Character traits (13-16)
Salt (13)
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase “ye are” indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds.
Light (14-16)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is conditioned (salt) to meet the world’s needs and has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Excerpts from the Liberty Study Bible, 1988, pages 1416-1417
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