Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

THE SALT OF THE EARTH

1. Things in nature:
   1. ". . . consider the lilies of the field, how they grow" - Matt. 6:28
   2. ". . . the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal" - Matt. 13:33
2. In our text he calls attention:
   1. To the salt of the earth.
   2. The light of the world.

1. The universality of the mineral known as salt:
   1. It is esteemed highly for its beneficial properties.
   2. Ancient nations used salt for money.
   3. Homer called salt, "the favor of the gods".
2. Ancient Israel had many ceremonial uses for salt:
   1. To them salt was a symbol of friendship.
   2. They used salt in connection with their sacrifices -
      1. The Bible speaks of "the covenant of salt" - Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5
      2. Bread and salt on the table of the king symbolized perpetual submission to the king.
3. Domestic use of salt:
   1. It is, as our Lord said, a savor or seasoner of food - Mark 9:49, 50
   2. It is a preservative of animal food; it keeps meat from spoiling.
   3. Some people use it to disinfect wounds; my mother used it to cleanse our wounds on many occasions.
   4. Salt is a food, without which no animal life can continue; that is true, also, of the vegetable kingdom.
   5. Salt is a thirst creator.
   6. It is used to kill weeds.
   7. These and other uses of salt make it indispensable in our domestic life, including men, beast, and vegetables.
4. The action of salt:
   1. It works silently.
   2. It penetrates other substances very readily.
   3. It gives up its visible identity; it becomes a part of that which it penetrates.
   4. It is very powerful or effectual in its work.
5. But, our opening text makes it clear that salt is perishable:
   1. When it is exposed to the elements in nature.
   2. When it is exposed to that which will destroy its life.

1. "Ye are the salt of the earth":
   1. This shows the universality of the Christian believer - EXAMPLES -
      1. Of Abraham God said, ". . . in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." - Gen. 12:3
      2. Of John the Baptist, our Lord said, "He was a burning and a shining light . . ." - John 5:35
   2. That is especially true of the church of God - Matt. 28:18-20; Rev. 22:17
2. God uses Christians and their sanctifying influence:
   1. To preserve integrity among the nations - EXAMPLES -
      1. Joseph in Egypt - Gen. 39
      2. Daniel in Babylon - Dan. 1:8; 6:1-10
   2. Christians preserve the world from being destroyed-
      1. That would have been the case with Lot, had he been the salt of the earth - Gen. 18:17-32
      2. That is true of the children of light in the world today.
3. "But if the salt has lost its savor":
   1. We think of Judas, one of the twelve - Matt. 26:14-16; 27:1-5
   2. We think of Solomon, one of the world's wisest men - Neh. 13:26
   3. These facts demonstrate that one is in constant danger of losing spiritual power when exposed to the elements of sin.
   4. Are we truly the salt of the earth?