Sunday, 1/20/19 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(2)
The Power of Example (1) - Salt
a.
Defined
– a person who acts as an illustration or model of something.
It is someone we look up to in order to learn from them OR it is
the realization that others are looking to us, so we OUGHT TO conduct
ourselves in such a way that we will influence them in a proper
direction.
b.
Examples are designed to
inform –
simply stated, an example is observed information to give us direction.
c.
They are found everywhere – literally.
Everything and everyone we see is an example of something.
Consider that we can
look to life and find examples.
Passages give us examples
of this:
- James 3:4 – look also at ships with their small rudders turning them
in the direction intended –
James uses this as an example of the power of the tongue.
Also in that text, the fire and bits in a horse’s mouth.
- Hebrews 12:9-11 – earthly fathers disciplined us – we learn from this
about the benefit of the chastening of God.
- Proverbs 6:6-8 – go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise… Many of the proverbs set forth
examples of proper and improper behaviors.
- Often, preachers make
application based upon life experiences – they use examples to help us
better understand Biblical concepts.
-
The parables of Jesus were
examples – Jesus would talk about farming, fishing, household chores,
masters and their servants, weddings, neighbors, money, etc.
All to illustrate (give examples) the kingdom of heaven.
He even explained WHY He spoke in parables in Matthew 13:11,
He answered and said to them,
“Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom
of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
d.
Of course, our concern
is with our influence on others, which is the focus of our studies.
Be reminded, that we are always being examples to someone, and very
likely someone is being an example to us.
We will notice numerous individuals in coming lessons, both of
good and bad examples.
a.
Never underestimate the
power of examples.
b.
They can accomplish many
things both for good or bad.
c.
They can have lasting
effects – sometimes they are not forgotten (people remember what you did
or said years later, especially what you did to or for them);
d.
Can be a source of
learning – think of the business that provides you someone to show you
what you will be doing;
e.
Spiritually, you can win
one over OR turn them away by your example; you can encourage in
difficult times, etc.
f.
Often times examples are
not apparent – you never know when you are being watched.
At times, you may be ignored by one whom you are trying to influence OR
at times you may not know what type of example you are to someone else.
There are people just living life and doing the right thing and
being watched even though they don’t realize it.
Someone might take “inspiration” from their example and make
improvements in their life or to stand firm.
Consider the Philippians as they heard about Paul -
Philippians 1:12-14 – as a result of hearing about his stand,
they were more confident and bold to speak without fear. You just don’t
know. SOMETIMES you will
find out about, either shortly thereafter or maybe years later, but you
may NEVER know.
It is possible to be an example without a name or being recognized by
those watching you.
g.
Similarly, if you are
engaging in bad behavior, others are watching and may take that as a
misconception that something is acceptable behavior.
Heed the warning of 1 Corinthians 8:10 which speaks of one
observing you eating in an idol’s temple and the weak is emboldened to
participate.
a.
Salt
– second to the subject of light, salt is probably the most powerful
description of being an example.
Jesus directly addressed this in Matthew 5:13 Mark 9:50 – where Jesus
said that salt is good, and seasons.
“Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Be good examples is the point.
We sometimes hear the expression, “He is the salt of the earth” which
typically means he one who is living an exemplary life worthy of
consideration. He is one who
is making the world a better place. Salt
has several qualities worthy of notice
i.
It is necessary for life
– it is a part of our makeup and we need a certain amount of salt to
survive (though man ingest too much, which can be harmful).
Similarly, the “salt of God’s word” is necessary to sustain our
spiritual lives.
ii.
Flavors
– salt can take bland foods and make them pleasant tasting.
Jesus is at least observing this in Mark 9:50 and Matthew 5:13.
And it is one of the greater descriptions of what salt does.
As Christians, we are to do our best to be of a pleasant disposition in
this world. When we live with integrity, kindness, respect and genuine
care, we are making the world just a little bit better.
iii.
Typically, it is
designed to be taken with something else.
As Christians our example is extremely important, but it is not
everything. It can give us
credibility, but we still need to teach someone the truth.
John 8:32, Jesus taught that the truth shall make you free.
John 17:17, it is truth by which we are sanctified.
Our influence gives us the credibility to teach others who are
searching or interested.
iv.
Preserves
– while still used today as a natural preservative, in previous
generations, it was much more necessary and valuable.
Salts would be used to keep meats from spoiling.
Similarly, in this crooked and perverse generation, Christians are
somewhat of a preservative to the world.
Standing and fighting for truth and what is right, including our
example, will help preserve this world from total decay, will help
preserve the church from apostasy, can and can save the family from
humanism.
I think of examples of the godly in scripture preserving life – for
example: Moses pleads with God to keep Him from destroying Israel after
the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:11-14)
Because of the righteousness of king Josiah, the inevitable destruction
of Judah was postponed – (2 Kings 22:20)
Ultimately, Jesus dying on the cross for us, preserved us from eternal
destruction.
v.
Creates thirst
– salty foods and drinks produce thirst.
That is not always bad as it provokes us to drink water which we
need.
In John 4:10-14, at the well of Samaria, Jesus offered to the Samaritan
woman living water that He would provide.
We know this was spiritual water leading to salvation.
John 7:38, Jesus said,
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will
flow rivers of living water.” We
still need to drink freely of this living water.
What are we doing to provoke thirst for His water in others?
By our godly example, we can provoke that thirst.
vi.
Can be an irritant
– consider salt poured in a wound.
What is interesting about this, is at times salt is good for
sores (especially in the mouth, and certain types of wounds), as it
dries up the bacteria causing the infection.
This CAN be helpful.
Similarly, as the “salt the earth” by our Christian example we may be an
irritant to the ungodly. We
show the ungodly they don’t have to live that way (it is possible to
live without ungodly practices), we remind them of their “wounds” and
miseries, etc.
It was because Jesus was an irritant that they sought to get rid of Him
(Luke 23:2, where He was described to Pilate as one who was perverting
the nation, etc.)
The same with Paul (Acts 24:5, he was described as a plague by the
Jewish leaders in Caesarea).
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were said to have “exceedingly trouble our
city” (Acts 16:20). They
were beaten and thrown into prison.
But we continue be salt, because others are searching.
vii.
Can ruin
– salt is not something we just
eat. It is
sprinkled on our foods, etc.
All it takes is a small amount of salt.
In fact, too much salt make food inedible.
It can destroy a field – as was a custom in times past.
A conquered people would have their fields sown with salt so they
could not grow crops to thrive.
One of the challenges we face as Christians is making sure we use our
influence like salt – good and pleasant, but not too much.
We can be irritants when we ought not to be.
No one likes to have opinions or even demands FORCED on them.
Many are turned off by it.
viii.
For salt to be effective
it must come in contact with something (or someone). As examples, we
cannot be “the salt of the earth” if we do not “sprinkle” it on others
with our lives.
ix.
It can lose its
effectiveness
– Again, consider
Matthew 5:13 where Jesus noted if it loses its flavor it is good for
nothing. We must CONTINUALLY
be salt.
x.
Finally, Colossians 4:6
– let your speech be seasoned with salt.
Here is one example of how we can be the salt we need to be.
In
this lesson we have examined how salt illustrates being an example.
This is just one of many illustrations.
In our next lesson we will notice several more.
Meanwhile, let me encourage you to consider whether or not you
are being the salt of the earth, in the midst of this crooked and
perverse generation.