"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13.
"When God compares His children to salt, He would teach them that His purpose in making them the subjects of His grace is that they may become agents in saving others. The object of God in choosing a people before all the world was not only that He might adopt them as His sons and daughters, but that through them the world might receive the grace that bringeth salvation." —Prophets and Kings, pp. 231, 232.
You have influence as a Christian! Your life can diffuse the truth of the gospel! You can be an agent in saving others!
In many ways the grace of Jesus Christ through His modern disciples is acting as the salt of the earth. Wherever this salt goes in the lives of His people, it becomes a preserving power to save the good and to counteract the evil.
You will discover in this lesson—
Remember: All Christians are His ministers!
SALT OF THE EARTH
1. In the Sermon on the Mount what did Christ call His disciples? Matthew 5:13.
Matthew 5:13 (NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
2. What is the Christian's responsibility in matters involving peace and general well-being? Romans 14:19.
Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19 (GNT) So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another.
3. To what extent are Christians to put their lives on the line for others? 1 John 3:16, 17.
1 John 3:16-17 (NIV) This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17) If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
4. How did Jesus begin His description of the people who will make up His kingdom? Matthew 5:3.
Matthew 5:3 (NIV) "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Note: The Greek word, here translated "poor", describes the humble person who puts his whole trust in God. Humility is a becoming quality for one ministering to others.
5. Think: What virtues are involved in being "meek"? Matthew 5:5.
Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Note: Meekness describes one who is mild, gentle, and kind. It clearly includes a gracious tactfulness and Christ-likeness.
6. Think: What is meant by "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"'? Matthew 5:6.
Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Note: The expression "thirst for righteousness" describes those who have a deep desire for all things that are right, just, and full of integrity. Those engaged in ministry should have a good appetite for righteousness while endeavoring to satisfy other hungry and thirsty souls.
7. Think: In what way is mercy more than a strong feeling? Matthew 5:7.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Note: A merciful person is not only concerned about others but also offers the help needed. See Luke 10:30-37 for the Good Samaritan story. Those who have real mercy get involved and do something.
Luke 10:30-37 (NIV) In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31) A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32) So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33) But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34) He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35) The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 36) "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37) The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
8. Think: Why do you think Jesus included the phrase "blessed are the pure in heart"? Matthew 5:8.
Matthew 5:8 (NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Note: The expression "pure in heart" focuses on the mind, the intentions, and inner motivations. Christians should have an authentic desire to help others, doing things with good motives. The "pure in heart" are not double-minded—they are dependable and predictable. To be pure in heart is to have a heart like Jesus: Philippians 2:3-8 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6) Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7) but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 ) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
9. Think: What is meant by "blessed are the peacemakers"'? Matthew 5:9.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
A peacemaker is not one who is merely relaxed, passive, and good-natured; instead this person makes positive contributions and actively works for unity.
10. What may a Christian disciple anticipate from time to time? Matthew 5:10.
Matthew 5:10 (NIV) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Note: From the earliest days of the Christian church the record of mistreatment and persecution is a historical fact. Somehow the age- old conflict between righteousness and evil has always brought false accusation and bitter persecution. Jesus here gave a powerful statement regarding His support for those who patiently endure.
11. What does it mean to share in the sufferings of Jesus Christ? Matthew 5:11, 12.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Philippians 3:10, 11 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11) and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
AN AVENUE OF MINISTRY
Church Music
Music has always played a great role in human experience from earliest times. Beginning with the first musician, Jubal, "the father of all who play the harp and flute" (Genesis 4:21), the Bible records the use of music for many occasions. The apostle Paul exhorted the early Christians to sing "psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs."
In the Adventist Church many opportunities exist for those with various musical abilities to minister. Musicians and singers are regular participants in the worship services, Sabbath School departments, youth groups, and other activities. Those interested in using their musical talents in ministry may inform the pastor and church music coordinator.
Unless otherwise designated, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION�. Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.