The discourse called The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew, ch.5-7. Jesus delivered this message near the beginning of his public ministry. It’s content is immensely practical and relevant for us today. The tone of this message is instructional and correctional.
In verse 30 of the sixth chapter, Jesus addresses his audience, “O ye of little faith.” What a provoking way to address his followers! As Primitive Baptists, we prefer to view and think of ourselves as men and women of faith....far advanced in matters of faith. Question:
"How does Jesus view us? Do you suppose his words, 'O ye of little faith', are directed at you? Or, do you look around, wondering who he is referring to?"
It is vitally important that we have a true view of ourselves. Earlier, Jesus addressed this audience, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”ch.5:13 The principal use of salt is as a preservative and a flavor enhancer.
"Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun." Ecc.2:11
Do you view yourself as the “salt of the earth”? Does your attitude and behavior identify you a preserver of truth? Is your daily experience flavored by discipleship? Someone might say, “I don’t feel like I’m the salt of the earth.” Well friend, this is not a matter of “what you feel”, but, “what you are!” We are dealing with faith and reality not feelings and wishes. Jesus said, “Ye ARE the salt of the earth.” It is imperative that we begin viewing ourselves as Jesus views us. A “Christ-like” view is a view by faith and it will give us a clear perspective of our purpose and place in life.
Have you “come to terms” with yourself on what you are? the salt of the earth. If you have, it is a faithful view. The next objective is to carefully consider your present state by self-examination. Has the effect of our present culture caused you, as salt, to become diluted or contaminated? Jesus addresses this issue, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matt.5:13
Salt looses its savor when it has been “leached” by a solution, such as water, or when impurities are combined with it. In either case its usefulness has ended; it must be discarded. What a sobering picture this presents to us! Disciples, like salt, have a great usefulness, yet...they can become diluted and contaminated, thus losing their usefulness. Yes, they are still salt, but they are good for nothing, but to be cast out.
As stated before, the tone of The Sermon on the Mount is instructional and correctional. Jesus’s teaching is not designed to cause “the poor in spirit” or the “brokenhearted” to despair or lose hope. He is both tender and firm. His teaching is designed to reach “the pure in heart”, that they might be wise and faithful to their calling.
A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. Proverbs 13:1
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