Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

II. The Properties of Salt – Continued

C. Salt Purifies: It is often used to purify or cleanse.

“And he said, ‘Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.’ So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, ‘Thus says the LORD: “I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.” ‘ So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke” (2 Kings 2:20-22).

▪ Salt water is used to cleanse sores and wounds of the flesh. We should have a cleansing effect on those around us; especially those who have been wounded emotionally and spiritual by the world around us. The church should have influence in the community to cause others to clean up some areas in their life.

D. Salt Promotes Thirst: It will create a thirst for water when it is consumed. We should create a thirst for Christ; after all, He is the “living water.” When He is foremost in our life, we can help others desire what we have. We must live right, talk right, walk right, dress right, etc. I desire in myself and pray that we will live a life that others would desire what we have.

E. Salt Produces Change: It has the ability to change things (food, melt ice, rust metal, etc.). Once salt has been added, it immediately begins to react. It is practically impossible to remove all of it. I truly hope there is enough salt in each of us to produce change. We can make a difference around us!

F. Salt Provides Flavor: Once added to a substance, salt enhances its flavor. It can take a bland and flavorless dish and uplift it to have a desirable and appealing taste. We are not to appeal to the appetites of this world, however, we do need to present a taste that is desirable for those who have never met or known Christ. We should live in such a way as to create an appetite for the things of God!

III. The Profit of Salt

But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Salt was very beneficial and a prized commodity in the ancient days. It was often used as payment for wages earned. That is where we get the expression “not worth their salt.”

▪ Up until recent times, with the innovation of freezers and canned goods, salt was necessary for survival. It is still used today to preserve some things, though not necessarily for survival. However, in a spiritual sense, salt is still very necessary for our survival. We need those salty Christians who are willing to make a difference for the Lord and thus impact the lives of others. Faithful Christians are of great value to the work of the Lord.

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.