SERMON XXXVIII - Some Arguments for the Encouragement of Saints in Suffering - Matthew 5: The latter
SERMON XXXVIII
Or Some Arguments for the Encouragement of Saints in Suffering "For so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. We are the salt of the Earth, but if the Salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted, it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men. You are the light of the world." - Matthew 5: The latter part of verse 12
In order to strengthen his disciples against persecution and reviling, and to help them in their suffering, our Saviour, among other things, tells them that they are no worse off than the prophets who came before them. "For so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you." The point is that considering the sufferings of the servants of God in the past should serve as an encouragement for us in our own suffering. First, we will look at the history of the great hardships endured by the prophets, disciples, and saints who came before us.
Secondly, we will examine the argument for rejoicing under persecution. Lastly, we will consider the practical implications of the persecution endured by the prophets. I will only cover the first aspect and proceed to the second. Where does the strength of this argument lie? There are five distinct strengths or rather five arguments within it.
Firstly, the same spirit of wickedness that opposed the prophets still prevails. The spirit of truth that is opposed is the same spirit of Satan. You can see that you are facing opposition, but it is merely the
old spirit of Satan, the same spirit of wickedness that has appeared before, that is now opposing you.
Secondly, this shows that even those who are beloved and precious to God may suffer hardships. You cannot deny that the prophets were beloved by God, and yet they suffered as much as you. They were despised and reviled just like you. Therefore, do not be troubled by it, but rejoice and be glad.
Thirdly, if God were to deal differently with you than He did with others in the past, it might discourage you. However, they endured the same sufferings as His servants of old. God will lead you to heaven along the same path that He led His servants in the past.
Fourthly, this is the way in which God has brought all His servants to heaven. Why should you think that God will provide you with an easier way than He did for others? The prophets themselves suffered such things. What makes your flesh or your name superior to theirs?
It is most intolerable that we, who are so base and insignificant, and who do so little in the service of God, should consider it too much to do anything for His cause, especially when those who were better than us endured greater suffering.
The fifth argument is that although the prophets suffered, the truth of God prevailed. Some may question what will become of God's truth if the prophets are imprisoned and persecuted. Do not be overly concerned about that, for the prophets themselves suffered, yet God preserved His truth. They became instruments of great good through their suffering. Consider these five points together, and you will understand the power of the argument.
Now, let us consider how we can apply the sufferings of those who came before us. Firstly, if those who were the most eminent servants
of God endured such hardships, then we, who experience little suffering amidst prosperity, must examine whether our prosperity is accompanied by the love of God. Do we receive prosperity as a sign of God's love? Those who were most beloved by Him did not enjoy ease and contentment as we do. Therefore, we must examine whether the prosperity we enjoy is truly a manifestation of God's love. Many believe that God loves them more because they have more. But this is not the case. If God does not deal with you as He did with other saints, you should examine how you experience that prosperity.
When reading about the precious saints of God and realizing that they have accomplished more in one week than you have in a whole year, any person living in luxury and comfort should question, "Does
God love me more than them? Is this all that I am destined to have?"
Secondly, if the prophets were called to suffer in the past, then if we are called to endure less suffering, let us be more diligent in active obedience. Hearing about the sufferings of the prophets would pain your heart. Reading the book of martyrs would be very instructive. I will focus on one particular use of it. When you hear of their suffering, think to yourself, "God called them to suffer passively, enduring the rage and tortures devised by wicked men. But God does not call me to suffer in such a fearful manner. Surely, I must give
God the glory of my strength. Let me spend it in praying, honoring, and worshiping God, just as others did when they endured torments from wicked men. Since we owe God the glory of our names, the glory of our wealth, and the glory of our lives, if God does not receive it through suffering, we should freely give it to Him through acts of service. Think about how they lay on the cold earth in prison. When engaging in any form of service, whether it be prayer, reading, or hearing, and it begins to cause discomfort to your flesh, why would you cease your service to God because your flesh is uncomfortable?
What did the martyrs endure in the flesh? It is a shame for you to
abandon the service of God because it causes some discomfort to your flesh."
Thirdly, when we consider the sufferings of those who came before us, it should lead us to curb our excessive indulgence of the flesh.
Even though we have an abundance to satisfy our physical desires, let us moderate it. We read that often the prophets and martyrs lacked bread and necessary provisions. Should I then abuse God's creations through excessive consumption? During Ahab's time, the prophets were content with bread and water. Should I be excessive in my eating and drinking? Those of you who spend whole nights engaging in immoral and self-indulgent activities such as revelry, drunkenness, gluttony, and excess, solely seeking pleasure for the flesh and caring only to satisfy your lusts, check your hearts in these ways.
The fourth use is to prepare for suffering. Although we are not presently called to suffer, we must not be complacent. We should not assume that we will always enjoy the peace we currently have. The prophets endured difficult trials, and we should expect to encounter the same.
The fifth and final use is this: Surely, God has received little support from the world throughout history in upholding His truth. The world has proven itself to be wicked, persecuting and tormenting His saints and prophets. Therefore, the Lord owes little to this world. The world has set itself against God, and it will not be long before the Lord shatters this sinful world.
Thus, we have concluded with that portion of Christ's sermon, the Beatitudes, the various blessings that Christ bestows upon the saints who fulfill their duties.
Verse 13: "You are the salt of the earth."
Here begins a new topic. First, Jesus informs His disciples about blessedness. They will come to recognize their own blessedness.
Having shown them their blessedness, regardless of how the world perceives them, in the eyes of God, they are blessed creatures. Now,
He explains to them the service they must perform in the world. This service is indeed a significant part of blessedness as well. From the context, note that those whom God places in a state of blessedness are suitable and capable instruments for great service in His name.
Once the soul is satisfied with this understanding—that the Lord has shown mercy upon me, cast a favorable gaze upon me, and granted me a state of blessedness—no matter what the world may do to me, they cannot take away my blessedness. Oh, how suitable such a person is to serve God! In the subsequent words, we find the greatest task to which the apostles were called in the world.
Secondly, "You are the light of the world." This statement is especially relevant in light of what Christ had just told them about persecution. He assures them that they will suffer greatly and encourages them to be willing to endure. Why? Because they are called to the greatest works to which God has ever summoned anyone. Regardless of what people say or how they revile, God will undoubtedly reward them. "You are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. If you were to shrink back out of fear of suffering, what would become of everything? Indeed, the consideration of one's role in the world is a powerful argument to carry one through any difficulty, encouraging them to persevere. It is akin to a general who approaches some officers in the army and informs them that the battle is intensifying, urging them to hold their ground for the welfare of the entire army, even the welfare of the entire kingdom depends on them. Such words would instill courage in anyone, as
they recognize the great responsibilities resting upon their shoulders.
Now, says Christ, even if you face persecution, continue in your ways, for you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world.
Therefore, press on. You are the salt of the earth. I must admit that nearly all interpreters understand these words as applying only to the disciples, specifically the apostles who were sent to preach to others. However, not everyone holds that view. One learned interpreter states that he sees no sufficient reason to restrict these words solely to the apostles, providing two reasons for this broader interpretation.
First, all the preceding words apply generally to all Christians: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted and reviled. These qualities pertain not only to the apostles but to all Christians. Why, then, should this statement be an exception?
Secondly, the subsequent verse, verse 16, applies to Christians, as evident from Philippians 2:15: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
You are the ones who are the lights, shining in the world.
Thirdly, a further reason can be found in the latter part of verse 13:
"But if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men." Christ is clearly speaking to the multitude. Luke
14:25-34 provides a comparison. "And there went great multitudes with him, and he turned and said unto them: Salt is good, but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?" Therefore, according to this learned interpreter, both the preceding and
following statements apply to Christians. "You are then the salt of the earth."
First, all Christians who possess the truth of the Gospel and demonstrate it through their lives and conduct, they are the salt of the earth. In an elevated sense, those who proclaim the truths of the Gospel to the world, they are the salt of the earth. What does this mean? It is a straightforward metaphor employed by Christ, as people in that region frequently used similes. There is profound significance in God's intention behind this expression. Firstly, in Scripture, salt is associated with wisdom. Colossians 4:6 states, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." When you speak, ensure that your words are always filled with wisdom. In Mark 9:50, Jesus declares, "Salt is good, but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another." Conduct yourselves wisely in all matters. This meaning was commonly understood in those times. Salt was almost universally regarded as a symbol of understanding and wisdom. It was said that the Greeks were the salt of the nations because Greece possessed almost all forms of knowledge, and that was considered the salt of the nations. They would frequently use salt to represent the works of human understanding. I have read that in Italy, if someone were to throw salt at another person, it would be considered a disgrace and mockery, as if to imply that the recipient lacked wit. The Latin language also reflects this notion, as they say, "One who is foolish lacks salt." Scripture uses the term "unsavory" to describe something tasteless or foolish due to a lack of salt. For example, in Job 1:22, it states, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."
Furthermore, in Job 6:6, it poses the question, "Can that which is unsavory be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?" Thus, both Scripture and common usage in former times
associated salt with understanding and wisdom. Now, when Christ says, "You are the salt of the earth," He means that, first and foremost, they are the ones proclaiming the Gospel, the ministers who bring wisdom to the world. They are tasked with declaring the message that will make people wise unto salvation. Without the Gospel, nothing in the world can make people truly wise, for without knowing Christ and the Gospel, their foolish hearts remain in darkness. However, through your ministry, you are to reveal to them
God's divine will concerning their eternal state, enabling them to attain wisdom for eternity. You are the salt of the earth, for the world continues in its foolish ways until the Gospel reaches them. The majority of people, without the preaching of the Word, what goals do they set for themselves in life? And even if they do set goals, they are not the right ones. They are far from seeking to enjoy God in His Son
Jesus Christ, and they are far from employing the correct means to attain this end. The world is driven by passion, following the dictates of their corrupt desires. Thus, they lack the wisdom to conduct themselves for the purpose of eternity. However, you are the salt of the earth, who will cause people to reflect upon their lives and consider why they were born and what their purpose in this world is.
They will come to recognize their ultimate goal and begin to ponder and weigh things. When your teachings begin to penetrate their hearts, they will acquire wisdom where there was once only folly.
Consequently, when people interact with the saints, they will learn wisdom, engage in meaningful discussions, and have their hearts seasoned with wisdom. All the wisdom of human learning in the world cannot make people wise unto salvation. The principles of philosophy may impart wisdom, but Scripture tells us that the world, through its wisdom, does not know God. That is the first aspect: the Gospel brings wisdom wherever it is proclaimed, teaching people to be truly wise for their salvation.
Secondly, salt adds savour to things. This is the second aspect to consider about salt. Salt has the property of enhancing the taste of food and removing any unpleasant moisture that diminishes its flavour. Salt imparts savour to almost everything we consume. It's as if Jesus is saying, "Naturally, people's hearts lack savour. Despite having remarkable abilities, their speech and actions are unsavoury.
Imagine encountering people who have never heard the Gospel preached; you will find their spirits unsavoury, knowing little of God.
A godly person cannot bear to spend much time among them. The unsavouriness of their hearts makes all their religious practices unsavoury. Whatever duties they perform for God, there is nothing pleasant in them. It's like unsavoury food to you. For all those living without the Gospel, without its transformative power in their hearts, all their religious acts are as unappetising to God as unsavoury food is to you. Now, says Christ, you will go and preach the Gospel to make their hearts savoury. Then their acts of worship will be pleasing to God, and their presence will be delightful to the saints. Previously, a person without the Gospel prevailing in their heart could not appreciate the company of the saints. But when the Gospel reaches them, they can appreciate their conversations, pray sincerely, and perform other duties with genuine devotion. (Matthew 16:23: "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.") When we present the most excellent and glorious truths of God in the Gospel, they fail to appreciate them because their hearts lack savour. Hearts devoid of the Gospel's influence are preoccupied with worldly matters. (Romans 8:5: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.")
However, when the ministry of the Gospel reaches them, they will savour things differently than ever before.
Thirdly, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt preserves and prevents putrefaction. This is why Numbers 18:19 mentions "a covenant of salt" that lasts forever. It signifies a covenant that retains its potency, virtue, and strength over time. Without salt, meat or fish putrefies, losing its original nourishment and deteriorating until it becomes entirely devoid of any value in nourishing the body. Likewise, when we make covenants with God, they may initially appear vigorous and strong, but after a few days, they lose their power. They resemble flesh or fish that, with time, loses its palatability and becomes less suitable for nourishment. However, adding salt can restore their edibility. Similarly, our covenants, though initially robust and vigorous, lose their effectiveness over time. Oh, they were not covenants of salt! I fear that the covenants we have made, both private and public, lack the enduring quality of salt. Yet, when the Lord makes covenants of salt, He remembers them, and their strength and vigour remain unchanged even a thousand years later.
Many people only utilize their souls to preserve their bodies from putrefaction. "You are the salt of the earth," means that while the rest of the world descends into putrefaction due to the evil in their hearts, worsening and perishing eternally (1 John 1:5: "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."), the preaching of the Gospel serves as a preservative. It prevents the hearts of men and women in the world, devoid of the Gospel's doctrine, from becoming putrid, rotting masses. These hearts would undoubtedly perish. The entire world is in this condition. However, when the Gospel reaches them, it preserves their hearts from putrefaction, preventing them from rotting away. It is called the "wholesome word" because it maintains the spiritual health of their hearts. "You are the salt of the earth" means that you preserve them from putrefaction, ensuring that your lives are not corrupt but instead sweet and savoury for the Lord. When you combine these three aspects, you can understand
the significance of the rule that every sacrifice offered to God must be seasoned with salt (Leviticus 2:13: "And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt."). You may think this expression is insignificant, but it repeatedly demonstrates the necessity of salt in every sacrifice. No matter the type of offering— whether it's a grain offering, an oil offering, or an offering of flour— salt must be present. (Mark 9:50: "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.") The meaning is that whatever sacrifice you offer to God, including yourself (Romans 12:1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."), it must contain salt. Your spiritual life must possess a savoury spirit that is pleasing to God, one that appreciates godly things. It must be free from corruption and putrefaction. Only then will your offering be acceptable to God.
Otherwise, your sacrifice will be offered to His justice, and you will be salted with the fire that cannot be quenched. Thus, you can grasp the meaning of Christ's words: "You are the salt of the earth." The preaching of the Gospel initially causes great discomfort in corrupt hearts until their vices are subdued, until the Gospel conquers their corruptions. Compare the last few verses of Mark 9 with any passage from the Old Testament, and you will find that the expression of God's wrath against sinners is more severe in Mark than in any other
Old Testament text. The curse of everlasting fire and unquenchable worm is unparalleled (Mark 9:48: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."). Other texts proclaim, "For this cause cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience" and "You are the children of wrath." The wrath of God is directed against all unrighteousness. If a person were to deliver only one sermon in
their lifetime to make sin abhorrent, it would be more fitting to choose a passage from the Gospel than from the Law. The Gospel reveals the true nature of people outside of Jesus Christ, what price was paid for their souls, and emphasizes the necessity of mortifying our lusts. The Gospel possesses a power that surpasses the law in effecting mortification. For instance, in this sermon, Jesus teaches that if a person looks at another with lust, they have already committed adultery in their heart. The ministry of the Gospel has such authority that it prevails over all these sins. Hence, it is called the salt of the earth. Salt is also used medicinally and as a remedy (2
Kings 2:21-22: "And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake."). Salt is a great gift of nature and is referred to as the very balm of nature.
The first use of the Ministry of the Gospel is to demonstrate its great excellence. It is the salt of the world, the very essence of nature's healing power. Therefore, we should value it, for without it, the world would be distasteful to God. Just go to those streets where the Gospel is not preached, and witness the rotten putrefaction that prevails there. Even if the Gospel does not convert their souls, it still removes some gross corruptions and civilizes them. Give me any place where the Ministry of salt is present, and you will find that, for the most part, there is less wickedness. Those who oppose it grow even worse against it. Oh, cherish the Gospel! I recall the 60th chapter of Isaiah, where the Holy Spirit speaks of the saints who flock to the preaching of the Word. They are likened to doves, as doves are drawn to a salt stone. They have a great affection for salt stones. The salt stone of the Gospel entices not birds of prey like rooks or ravens, but those with dove-like spirits. They find that the Gospel does them good. It is the
Gospel that gives savour to all things. They can say, "Before I heard the Gospel, my heart lacked savour. But since the Gospel reached me,
I have never tasted anything so delightful." Some may consider it unlucky if salt spills, but truly, the overthrow of the Gospel is a sign of great calamity. It spells disaster for the Christian world, just as the absence of salt brings harm. Not everyone can bear the Gospel; they prefer only sweet things, even if it leads to their decay. Isn't it better to be preserved with brine than to rot with sugar? The Ministers of the Gospel must apply salt. Sometimes it needs to be rubbed in.
Some people's hearts derive no benefit from the Word because they are unsavoury and refuse to take it in. The Ministers must rub it in through application. Merely presenting the Word to the people accomplishes little; it must be rubbed in through application.
Secondly, this serves as an exhortation. If the Ministry of the Gospel is of such excellent use, then be cautious not to reject it. When the preaching of the Gospel first arrives in a place and is received, it brings abundant goodness to the soul. But if people allow their lusts to prevail, it does little good for them. The Lord permits them to perish eternally. This holds the power to restore those who stink, but not always. Take heed, young ones, for you are not yet so corrupted that the application of salt cannot heal your souls. When poor people in the countryside go to the market, they always bring home salt for the benefit of their families. Do the same. The Doctrine is the salt; bring it home. There are many unsavoury words in your families.
When you hear the Word, take some salt home and apply it.
Husband to wife, wife to husband, parents to children, and let the servants and everyone say to one another, "Were not these doctrines preached today against the evil ways in which we walk? Surely they will restrain us from our wicked courses." So, if you commit a sin, apply salt to your heart immediately, and it will prevent it from staining. If God has applied it once, we must apply it again and
again. We must apply it every day, or else our hearts will become unsavoury. Remember that when salting meat, if there is a part that is beginning to corrupt more than the rest, you rub more salt there than in other places. Likewise, observe your precious corruptions and think, "I have some lusts and sins that are more dangerous than others. There is a lust that is likely to overcome me. I will apply the Word there. I will find Scripture that speaks most against that sin and lay it to my heart." For example, suppose someone has an inordinate affection that seeks to satisfy the lust of the flesh. There is a place in their heart that is prone to putrefaction. Apply some salt there. Let me give you a few grains of salt to apply to that spot. Job
31:1-2 says, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high?" He means that if he does not make a covenant with his eyes and allows them to wander for the satisfaction of his flesh, he will have no portion in the Almighty. Whenever he yields to his eyes' desires for the satisfaction of the flesh, he will venture to apply salt to that place. Another
Scripture for the sin of uncleanness is Proverbs 22:14, which says, "The mouth of a strange woman is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein." The one abhorred by God will fall into the deep pit. There are many Scriptures in the New Testament for this as well. For instance, 2 Peter 2:9 says, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness." Apply this salt to your hearts, you who walk in the lust of uncleanness, and it will help remove impurity from that place. To those who allow themselves to indulge in the lust of the flesh, Romans 8:13 says, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." In other words, anyone who gives themselves the liberty to satisfy the lusts of the flesh and makes it their chief