Text: Exodus 31:1-5; Isaiah 5:20-24; Matthew 5:13-20;
1 Corinthians 10:31-33; 15:58; Philippians 4:8-9
Central Truth: God calls His people to live by Biblical values in a sinful culture.
Focus: Consider Biblical teaching on the relationship of Christians to culture and be formed by God’s Word.
Memory Verse:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
OUTLINE:
I. BE SALT AND LIGHT (Matt. 5:13-20)
II. SCRIPTURE AND THE ARTS (Ex. 31:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:31-33; 15:58)
III. BIBLICAL WISDOM ON ENTERTAINMENT (Isa. 5:20-24; Phil. 4:8-9)
INTRODUCTION
It is interesting that a people who had lived in slavery for many years would be tasked to show artistic ability (Ex. 31:1-11). After all, at this time in their history, the Israelites were far removed from the finer things in life. Given this circumstance, one wonders how they could have possessed the ability to do something like build a tabernacle with all its intricate details. But there is one thing they had going for them—they had God. And God has a way of overcoming whatever obstacles may stand in the way of accomplishing His purpose. He finds an artist, Bezaleel, and fills him with His Spirit. From him we learn that artistic abilities are as much gifts of the Holy Spirit as are spiritual blessings.
An individual working in harmony with the Spirit does work that brings blessings to humankind and glory to God. Through the Spirt of God, Bezaleel had knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, which provided the skill he needed to complete the task God assigned to him. Surrounded by a world of people who did not know God, he demonstrated what can be accomplished when one is yielded to the Lord and walks in obedience to God.
From the Gospel of Matthew, we learn what it means to be “salt and light” in our world. As salt, we are to be a preventative force against corruption around us. As light, we are to live in a way that others will see Christ in us, thereby showing them the path that leads to eternal life. We can overcome corruption and darkness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
To make a difference where we live, we must be in the world but not of the world. John made this clear: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).
I. BE SALT AND LIGHT (Matt. 5:13-20)
A. Being Salt (v. 13)
13 Ye 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 under foot of men.
Have you ever thought of what it would be like if there were no Christians in the world? What would it be like if there were only thieves and rogues and ungodly people? Christians are despised by many in our world, yet it is they who are holding the planet together. They are the salt of the earth, the purifying factor in the world. They are a preservative against corruption.
In Jesus’ day, people did not have the methods of refrigeration that we have today. If they needed to transport fish they had caught from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem, they had to salt it down heavily in order to keep it from going bad. The salt in a Galilean boat was of no value if it was on one end of the boat and the fish were on the other end. The salt had to be rubbed into the fish. Likewise, we as Christians must live out our testimony at work, at home, and everywhere else our lives touch other lives. If we lose our zest for Christ, we will no longer make the Christian life attractive to people who do not know Him. We lose the positive influence the Lord intends for us to have in the world.
In addition to being a preservative, salt also gives flavor to food. Christians have an opportunity to show the world there is a better way to live. When our countenance reflects the satisfaction we have in Christ, unbelievers can be drawn to the Christ whom we serve. William Barclay wrote: “In a worried world, the Christian should be the only man who remains serene. In a depressed world, the Christian should be the only man who remains full of the joy of life. There should be a sheer sparkle about the Christian. . . . Wherever he is, if he is to be the salt of the earth, the Christian must be the diffuser of joy” (The Gospel of Matthew).
How has a particular Christian been “salt” in your life?
“Salt, when dissolved in water, may disappear, but it does not cease to exist. We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water. Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen, will be made evident to others from the love which He imparts to us.”—Sadhu Sundar Singh
B. Being Light (vv. 14-16)
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Not only are believers to be salt, we are also to be “the light of the world,” showing others the way to Christ. By the example of our Christian life, we are to be a source of guidance for those who have lost their way. What an honor to be called a title that belongs to Christ himself (John 8:12)—“the light of the world.” We are to reflect the light of our Lord before a darkened world. If we are to be lights in the world, we must be like Christ.
To be lights in this world does not mean we will always be accepted or appreciated. Like our Lord was, we may be hated. Jesus warned His disciples, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18). In spite of the possibility of rejection, Paul admonished the Christians at Philippi, “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; holding forth the word of life” (Phil. 2:15-16).
By the influence of our witness and the consistency of our lives, may we shine the light of truth in a way that others, sometimes even the hardest of individuals, will turn to Christ for this new and better way of life. We are in the business of enlightening others. Sometimes this leads to salvation for the lost. At other times it encourages other believers to move on to maturity in Christ.
What the sun, moon, and stars are to the illumination of the earth, believers are with regard to spiritual light. It is our role to spread the light of the Gospel to an unbelieving world. When this message is divinely blessed, many souls find the wonder of God’s grace. There is a special blessing awaiting those who let their light shine. Daniel 12:3 says, “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”
How can our actions bring glory to God?
Influencing Others
Thomas Aquinas once said that when you want to convert a person to your view, go over to where he is standing, take him by the hand, and guide him. You don’t stand across the room and shout at him. You don’t order him to come over where you are. You start where he is and work from that position. He said that is the only way to get people to budge.—Alan Loy McGinnis
C. Obeying God (vv. 17-20)
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus’ condemnation of the religious leaders for their misinterpretations of the Law led to accusations that He had come to destroy the Law. This was a total misunderstanding of His purpose. He had not come to destroy the Law, nor had He come to perpetuate it; rather, He came to “fulfill” it (v. 17). Jesus completed the Law and “the writings of the prophets” (v. 17 NLT) by His death on the cross, without which the Law could not satisfy God nor sanctify lost people.
Everything else in this world may change, including “heaven and earth pass[ing]” away, but the Word of God will never be destroyed (v. 18). Not even a jot (the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet) or a tittle (an accent mark at the top of a word) will pass from the Law, until everything is accomplished. Every effort of Satan to hinder the divine design whereby penitent sinners may find forgiveness through Christ will fail. The spirit and substance of the Law, which is to love God and people, will last forever.
Apparently, the Pharisees divided the Law into categories of greater laws and lesser laws. Jesus made it clear that those who made this difference in value, and taught others so, would be called “the least in the kingdom of heaven” (v. 19). This includes anyone who (by his or her actions, speech, or teaching) tries to explain away the meaning of the Word. On the other hand, those who teach that all the Word must be obeyed, and who do not water down the message but instead speak the truth, “shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
“The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” (v. 20) was self-righteousness, which fell short of the divine standard. They were arrogant, proud, and condescending toward others. Jesus made this clear in His parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14). The Pharisee was proud and full of himself as he prayed in the Temple, while the repentant tax collector was humble, feeling unworthy even to look toward heaven. Thus, “this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God” (v. 14 NLT).
1. What did Jesus come to “fulfill” (vv. 17-18)?
2. Describe the “righteousness” that is unacceptable to God (v. 20).
“In both its precepts and penalty, the law of God in its most exacting requirements was fulfilled by Jesus. And He did this in our place as our representative and our substitute.”—Jerry Bridges
II. SCRIPTURE AND THE ARTS (Ex. 31:1-5; 1 Cor. 10:31-33; 15:58)
A. Choosing Skilled Craftsmen (Ex. 31:1-5)
(Exodus 31:1, 4-5 is not included in the printed text.)
2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.
In Exodus 31, God gives to Moses the names of the individuals who were to direct the building of the Tabernacle. The information God gave to Moses about building the Tabernacle was mind-boggling to a group who had just come out of Egypt and who had been involved in work unrelated to such a task. What model were they to follow? What furniture should they build? How could they get all of this done? Who would do it?
The first person the Lord names as being called to undertake this task is Bezaleel. He was the grandson of Hur, who had been helpful to Moses at an earlier time. In the battle against Amalek, when Moses held up his hands, the armies of Israel prevailed against the enemy. When he lowered his hands, the Amaleks prevailed. When Moses became too tired to lift his hands, Aaron got on one side of him and Hur on the other side and they raised his hands, and Israel won a great victory (Ex. 17:10-13). Now the Lord has drafted this grandson of Hur to use his skills in doing the custom work in building the Tabernacle.
When Bezaleel undertook the task before him, he did not do it in his own strength. The Lord said, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God” (31:3 NIV). God gifts anyone whom He calls to any employment. Look at the gifts that came with this infilling of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills. He gifted Bezaleel and his associates “to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts” (vv. 4-5 NIV).
In his book The Holy Spirit of God, Herbert Lockyer wrote: “Bezaleel and others received talents and practical skill to work in all manner of crafts (35:30-32). The Spirit gave wisdom to make priestly garments (28:3). He also inspired the people to give liberally (35:21-22). The same Spirit revealed that the Tabernacle was only temporary and typical (Heb. 9:8). The Spirit was also related to the more glorious permanent shrine prepared for by David and built by Solomon. All plans for the building of the Temple came from the Spirit (1 Chron. 28:12).”
Describe the anointing God placed upon Bezaleel.
“Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.”—Rick Warren
B. Honoring God (1 Cor. 10:31-33)
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
The word “therefore” (v. 31) refers back to the discussion about eating and drinking certain foods that had been sacrificed to idols. How should a believer deal with such things that may be called “nonessentials” (i.e., matters that do not impact our eternal destiny)? How much freedom do Christians have in matters of this nature? Now, Paul addresses these considerations and lays out guidelines that tell us we are to do everything to “the glory of God” and be careful not to offend anybody in a way that would hinder their spiritual journey.
For the child of God, what behavior is acceptable? Only that conduct of life that brings glory to God. A simple question should produce the answer to most questionable concerns with regard to our way of life. That question is, “What would Jesus do?” Anything that passes that test will bring glory to God. God gets no glory from a way of life that is a hindrance to other believers. William Barclay said, “Many a thing that a man may do with perfect safety as far as he himself is concerned, he must not do if it is going to be a stumbling-block to someone else.”
Verse 32 says the Corinthian believers were not to offend the Jews, although many in the Jewish community were hostile to Christianity. Neither were they to insult the “Gentiles” (the Greeks), many of whom were indifferent to the way of Christ. They were to be viewed as people for whom Jesus died. Furthermore, they were not to offend “the church of God,” or fellow believers. Christians are in harmony with God’s will when they treat all others in a way that will bring glory to God.
Paul wrote, “I try to please everyone in everything I do” (v. 33 ESV). He made a similar statement earlier: “Unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (9:20-22). Why would Paul seek to identify with so many people in so many different categories? He answered that question: “That they may be saved” (10:33). Nobody ever had a greater passion for souls than did the apostle Paul.
How does Paul describe his approach to ministry?
“The most crucial danger to a Christian, whatever his role, is to lack a passion of Christ. The most direct route to personal renewal and new effectiveness is a new all-consuming passion for Jesus. Lord, give us this passion, whatever the cost!”—Wesley L. Duewel
C. Working for the Lord (15:58)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
In the previous verses, Paul discusses the reality and beauty of the resurrection for believers. In the light of this wonderful event, he addresses his readers in an affectionate tone, referring to them as “my dear brothers and sisters” (NIV). He admonishes them to stand firm in the faith. The doctrine of the resurrection and everything that relates to it has been firmly established, and they are to embrace this glorious truth with their whole heart.
In addition to the doctrine of the resurrection, the apostle has also painted a picture of the glorious changes that will take place at the second coming of Christ. This knowledge alone should be enough to encourage believers to allow nothing to move them from their belief in the Gospel message. Nothing anyone can say should be enough to make us turn aside from the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Paul called on the Colossian believers to “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard” (Col. 1:23).
Not only are Christians to remain steadfast and unmovable in the faith; we are also called on to be fully engaged in the work of the Lord. Such service seeks out the will of God, strives to do all for the glory of God, and works to advance His kingdom. This commitment is not meant for a day or week or month, but for always. There is no time to be slack in the service of the Master.
Through the grace of God and the merits of Christ, the time we invest in the work of the Lord is never time wasted. Our labor in the service of the King is always worthwhile. When we faithfully sow the seed of His Word, God promises to bless our efforts. Isaiah wrote: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (55:10-11).
“I have but one passion—it is He, it is He alone. The world is the field and the field is the world; and henceforth that country shall be my home where I can be most used in winning souls for Christ.”—Count Zinzindorf
III. BIBLICAL WISDOM ON ENTERTAINMENT (Isa. 5:20-24; Phil. 4:8-9)
A. Thinking in Reverse (Isa. 5:20-21)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
The prophet Isaiah pronounced a series of woes upon the people of Israel because of their sinful ways. Among their sins were those that sprung from moral confusion in which they could not distinguish between good and evil. This is a false conception that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden, when the serpent tempted Eve to think it was not “evil” but “good” to eat the forbidden fruit. The serpent was denying the truth of the Word of God as an absolute and final standard. The Scripture sets the standard of right and wrong. It is in the mind of men and women under the influence of evil forces to “call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (v. 20 NASB).
Our day is not unlike Isaiah’s day in that good is regarded as evil, and evil good. We see this in movies, TV programs, and social media. Christians are mocked for living out Biblical principles while those practicing deeds contrary to the Word of God are embraced and applauded.
Another sin that brought judgment down on the people was an inflated opinion of their own knowledge and wisdom instead of seeking for divine wisdom (v. 21). Solomon addressed this condition on several occasions. In Proverbs 3:5-7, he wrote: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.”
Describe “evils” that are called “good” in contemporary culture.
“One great power of sin is that it blinds men so that they do not recognize its true character.”—Andrew Murray
B. Inviting Judgment (vv. 22-24)
(Isaiah 5:22-24 is not included in the printed text.)
In verse 22, as in verse 12, the prophet speaks against the vice of indulging in strong drink. It seems that some were boasting of how much they could drink without becoming intoxicated. They even spoke of mixing spices or drugs to make their drink extraordinarily intoxicating. So Isaiah denounced such intemperance.
Isaiah also condemned rulers who based their judgments on bribes (v. 23). Instead of hearing the valid claims of the righteous and thus deciding a case on its merits, their rulings were influenced by bribes offered to them. The Bible addresses this issue in the strongest terms. Proverbs 17:15 says, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.”
The results of sins listed in Isaiah 5 are devastating. The guilty ones are likened to a tree whose branches are withered, but also whose roots are rotten and, therefore, is beyond any hope of recovery (v. 24). This tree’s blossom is likened to dust that vanishes and is blown away with the wind. This means that all the sources of prosperity among the people of Judah would be destroyed because of their wicked ways.
But their greatest sin was that they “cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (v. 24). Their refusal to obey the Word of God was the cause of all the tragedies that would come upon them.
List two ways (vv. 22-23) someone can invite destruction (v. 24) into their life.
“Punishment is justice for the unjust.”—Augustine
C. Thinking Right (Phil. 4:8-9)
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Paul encourages believers to concentrate our thoughts on the best things in life. To help us do that, he lists a number of traits that should control our thinking.
True. We have a choice to make. Will we allow untruths to dominate our thinking, or will we seek out the truth? Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32 ESV).
Honest. The word translated “honest” carries the thought of being respectful. We should seek out those things that are honorable and noble and let them control our thinking.
Just. We should think the right thoughts and do the right thing.
Pure. Our thoughts are to be wholesome. There is no room for unclean thinking in the mind of a Christian.
Lovely. This includes all things attractive and winsome; “all that is beautiful in creation and in human lives—from a sunset to a symphony to caring for the poor and powerless” (Anonymous).
Good report. This expression has also been translated “gracious.” When we continually think upon and live out these appealing virtues, we will become more effective agents of grace.
Excellent and Praiseworthy. Such thoughts as are generated by these virtues promote the general good of others and are worthy of praise.
Paul turns in verse 9 from these sterling virtues to example. He urged the Philippian believers not only to remember his teachings, but also to recall what they had seen in his life. There is no greater teacher than example.
What kind of entertainment should Christians reject?
“Spiritual strongholds begin with a thought. One thought becomes a consideration. A consideration develops into an attitude, which leads then to action. Action repeated becomes a habit, and a habit establishes a ‘power base for the Enemy’; that is, a stronghold.”—Elisabeth Elliot
CONCLUSION
How bright is your light shining? Is your life a lighthouse showing others the path of righteousness? Is it a lamp filling every room with brightness? Is it a shining star leading wanderers to Christ? Are you learning more and more about the Lord that you may share more and more of His character to those who have not yet tasted of His grace?
_____________
CHALLENGE
“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN” (Matt. 5:16).
The Lord frowns upon our doing things just to be seen by others, but He encourages us to shine that people may see God. We are not to strive to get the attention of others; we are just supposed to shine. The lighthouse keeper makes no great effort that the ships tossing at sea may behold the beam which shines from his lamp; all he does is tend the light. That is what you and I are to do: we have to live our Christianity. Others will see it.
Candles are not lit to be looked at; candles are lit that something else may be seen by them. People may see God through our words and our conduct. That places us under an awesome responsibility. It is staggering to think that the world always takes its conception of Christianity from Christians, not from the Bible nor from Christ. Converts come when they see Christlike believers. How we need to be fully illuminated by Christ!
*Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2019-2020.