Introduction
Men who travel the salty seas have caused the term "salty saying" to have a bad reputation today. Yet Christians are always to have their speech seasoned with "salt" (Colossians 4:6). The background for this injunction is found, not in contemporary language of sailors, but from certain sayings recorded from the mouth of Jesus.
Body
I. SALT OF THE EARTH: TIHE CHARACTER AND NATLTRE OF DISCIPLES (Matthew 5:13).
A. The sermon on the mount provides a context for this statement.
1. Jesus has just given the beatitudes, describing the character of disciples.
2. He now speaks this word, telling of their nature.
a. The meaning: salt signifies a preservation and seasoning.
b. The incongruity: visualize the disciples on that day. They were anything but a world preservative and seasoning at that time in their own characters and states.
c. The solution: Jesus speaks from God's standpoint, and of what disciples may be by the working and power of God.
B. The implications of "salt" as describing disciples.
1. The disciple is to be "salt of the earth," not merely a "church-member." Someone has defined a "member" as one who got on the roll and never did something evil enough to be removed. it doesn't require much to be a "church member" but discipleship is demanding.
2. Salt is "salt" because it is "salty." Table salt has no value apart from its character. Another substance may look, feel and smell like salt, but ff it is not that in character its resemblances are of no benefit. Christians may fit many comparisons to true disciples, but ff they are not by nature and in character "God's salt," the external conformity to an outward pattern will not change them or the world.
3. Christians are to be distinctive as salt. It is not enough to be different from the "denominations." Christians are to be "salt." Unless they make a positive contribution as "salt," they are fit only to be thrown out and walked on. Salt is useful, not because of what it is unlike, but because of its positive contribution.
4. Salt must penetrate to work. It does no good in a box on the shelf. Christians must penetrate their individual worlds of medicine, business, education, etc. if they are to serve their intended purpose as "salty" disciples. It is not enough to prepare a beautiful box, properly labeled "salt," then suppose its purpose is fulfilled by pointing with pride to the box. There is no room here for a clergy-laity distinction. Each is to use his gift of grace to the mutual benefit of his brethren and salvation of the world.
5. Each individual is important in God's sight. Every disciple is "salt." He has a part in God's plan and his life has significance.
II. SALTED TO SERVE: SELF DISCIPLINE (Mark 9:49-50).
A. Christ speaks here of alternatives. Christians must be salted with the "fire" of self-discipline or be "salted" (preserved) with the fires of hell. (Study the context.)
B. This is a weakness in today's church. Too many a-re more concerned with convenience, luxury and indulgence than in being "salted" with self-discipline. Christ says the disciples must practice self-discipline or face the "salt" of hell fire.
III. BAD SALT IS WORTHLESS: COUNT THE COST (Luke 14:34-35).
A. Jesus offered the disciples a chance to turn back. He used no tricks or gimmicks to attract followers. (See the context.)
B. Salt is needed and so are disciples.
C. But bad salt is worthless and to be thrown out. So are "spurious" disciples who follow Christ for improper motives and do not count the cost.
Conclusion
The Christian is by nature "salt" in a world of perishing and tasteless individuals. He is able, through Christ, to bring salvation and seasoning to life. He has a positive obligation to perform because of his very nature. This requires self-discipline on his part. In view of these things, he ought to count the cost in advance and clearly understand what discipleship means, lest he finally be discarded by the Lord as spurious and counterfeit salt.
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