Lygon Sermon on the Influence of the church

The Influence of the Church
Matthew 5:13-16
Ps Melvin Lo

- Hypocrisy and Consistent Christianity

Why do you blame the faith for the behaviour of some Christians? If a pipe is clogged, do you condemn water and want to have nothing to do with water?

Our reputation is affected by our kids and likewise, we affect God's reputation when we live as His children.


- Influencing the world

This (Salt of the world) is part of the sermon on the mount. Listen to the challenge Jesus has given us.

Difference (v.13)
a) Understanding the world
Jesus spoke to fishermen and related this to them. The world was used in images to help them relate to their work life.

b) Slowing the rot
In that time, people used salt to preserve fish from rotting. Likewise, the world is like that fish, we are to preserve it and Jesus is using this imagery coz his audience are fishermen.

Jesus doesn't butter up things. He doesn't call the world as something nice but he calls it rotting and dark.

But He also sends us hope. 'You are the salt and light of the world'

Salt used as a judgment icon in OT

Genesis 19:26, Deut 29, Jeremiah 17:5-6, Mark 9:49

c) Living for the future
If we are living like the world, then we will not be useful. We will be like the rotting world.

Influence (v.14-16)
a) Hold out the truth
Light is truth, it exposes the truth in the darkness.

To be in the light is likened to being in God's presence.

John 8:4 - I am the light of the world

We are Jesus' ambassadors in this dark world.

Our faith will destroy our secrecy.

b) Don't hide the light
His listeners knew how important that one source of light was. What's the point of hiding that one source.

A city on the hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a table but on a stand for all to see.

We aren't to live in a monastry hidden and secluded from the world.

c) Pointing to Jesus
That they may see your good works (gifts of the Spirit) and praise your Father in Heaven.

The life you live is the powerful factor that will end up leading others to glorify God.

We are to be lights pointing to THE Light.

With our one life, how many other candles can you light up around you?

A Church is probably the only organisation that exists for the non members.