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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON MATTHEW - MATTHEW 5:13-20
  by J.C. Ryle
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CONTENT
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THESE verses teach us, in the first place, the character which true
Christians must support and maintain in the world.

The Lord Jesus tells us that true Christians are to be in the world like
\"salt.\" \"Ye are the salt of the earth.\" Now salt has a peculiar
taste of its own, utterly unlike anything else. When mingled with other
substances it preserves them from corruption; it imparts a portion of
its taste to everything it is mixed with. It is useful so long as it
preserves its savour, but no longer. Are we true Christians? Then let us
see here our office and our duties!

The Lord Jesus tells us that true Christians are to be in the world like
light. \"Ye are the light of the world.\" Now it is the property of
light to be utterly distinct from darkness. The least spark in a dark
room can be seen at once. Of all things created, light is the most
useful: it fertilizes; it guides; it cheers. It was the first thing
called into being. ( Genesis 1:3.) Without it the world would be a
gloomy blank. Are we true Christians? Then behold again our position and
its responsibility!

Surely, if words mean anything, we are meant to learn from these two
figures that there must be something marked, distinct, and peculiar
about our character, if we are true Christians. It will never do to idle
through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be owned by
Christ as His people. Have we grace? Then it must be seen.--Have we the
Spirit? Then there must be fruit.--Have we any saving religion? Then
there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between
us and those who think only of the world.--It is perfectly clear that
true Christianity is something more then being baptized and going to
church. \"Salt\" and \"light\" evidently imply peculiarity both of heart
and life, of faith and practice. We must dare to be singular and unlike
the world, if we mean to be saved.

These verses teach us, in the second place, the relation between
Christ\\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-matthew-matthew-513-20/
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