You are the salt of the earth

Expository Preaching Outline on Matthew 5:13 – You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can its flavor be restored? It is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Introduction to Matthew 5:13

Jesus gives his children meaningful names in the Bible (such as “sheep”, “brothers”, “little ones”). By calling us “salt”, He reminds us of our responsibility and opportunity to influence the world. It is remarkable that this verse follows the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). When we live the principles of the Kingdom, we become a positive force, just as no one can hide the light of a shining city on top of a hill. Our life in Christ, full of justice, mercy and purity, radiates His character.

This evening, we will explore the theme: “You are the salt of the earth”, analyzing three essential truths.

I. A DESCRIPTION TO ANALYZE

(Illustration: Salt is vital for human health. A small variation in its quantity in the blood can cause illness. In addition, salt sustains marine life, preserves food and enhances flavors).

In the Bible, salt symbolizes:

Alasting covenant (Leviticus 2:13).
Healing and purification (2 Kings 2:20-21).
Stimulating appetite (Job 6:6).
Preventing corruption (Luke 14:34-35).
Promoter of peace (Mark 9:50).
Powerful testimony (Matthew 5:13).
Evidence of grace (Colossians 4:6).

Like salt, we are called to:

A. Preserving
Salt slows down deterioration. Thus, the presence and prayers of “healthy” Christians have preserved nations (e.g. Sodom and Gomorrah, which could have been saved by 10 righteous people – Genesis 19). The righteousness of believers is the basis of a nation’s greatness (Proverbs 14:34).

B. Penetrate
Salt is aggressive and spreads. The early church, though persecuted, invaded the world with the Gospel (Acts 8:1,4; 17:6). We are called to be an “army” advancing against the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18).

C. Purifying
Salt purifies water (2 Kings 2:19-22) and wounds. Christians must cause change where they are. If the world falls silent in your presence, be thankful: you are an agent of purity!

D. Enhancing
Salt enhances flavors. So our lives should “flavor” the world, inspiring the best in people (e.g. Philippians 1:27).

E. Destroy
Salt kills what is harmful (e.g. slugs, grass). Authentic Christianity destroys sin. When Jesus comes into a life, He eradicates addictions and bad behavior (2 Corinthians 5:17).

F. Promoting thirst
Salt creates thirst. Our life in Christ should awaken spiritual thirst in the lost (John 7:37-38). Unfortunately, many believers, by living in sin, turn people away from Christ. Let’s be “thermostats” , not “thermometers” – let’s influence the world, not be corrupted by it!

G. Tasting Value
Salt transforms everything it touches. So our lives should impact the world.

II. A DANGER TO AVOID

(Illustration: Salt was so valuable in ancient times that Roman soldiers were paid “salarium” – the origin of the word “salary”).

Ancient salt, extracted from the Dead Sea, lost its flavor when it was contaminated. In the same way, Christians can lose their “saltiness” by mixing too much with the world. When our lives become like those of the ungodly, we lose our usefulness for the Kingdom (e.g. Isaac’s wells, clogged with debris – Genesis 26:15-18).

III. A DESTINY FOR TEMER

Tasteless salt was thrown on the roads to kill weeds. Useless Christians become “trodden underfoot” by the world. Although we don’t lose salvation, we lose usefulness and respect (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Conclusion of Matthew 5:13

Are you “salt of the earth”? There is an urgent need to live as salt: preserving, purifying and influencing. Enough of hypocrisy and worldliness! Let’s become ‘salt’ for God’s glory and transform our world with His truth.

You are the salt of the earth – Matthew 5:13