STORY / CONTEXT

As this series concludes, we return to where it all began.

In Genesis 1, God gave humanity a mission:

• Be fruitful
• Cultivate creation
• Exercise faithful stewardship

These responsibilities were designed for two purposes:

• God’s glory
• Humanity’s good

But Genesis 3 changed everything.

Sin corrupted everything God created…

The world we live in is broken.

We see it everywhere:

• Disease
• Division
• Disaster
• Despair

What God called “very good” has been distorted by sin.

The Gospel is good news that overcomes that which is bad…

Jesus came to rescue what sin ruined.

Mark 1:14–15

Jesus announced:

Repent and believe the Gospel.

The Gospel doesn’t simply make bad people better.

The Gospel makes dead people alive.

Colossians 1:13a

Those who trust Christ are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God.

And citizens of God’s Kingdom live differently.

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 5:13–16

Jesus explains what Kingdom citizens are called to be in a broken world.

1. We must know WHAT we are

Jesus begins with identity.

You are the salt of the earth.

You are the light of the world.

Not someday.

Not potentially.

Right now.

Salt

Salt preserves.

In the ancient world, salt slowed decay and protected what would otherwise spoil.

Christians are called to resist the corruption of sin and preserve what is good and true.

Light

Light pushes back darkness.

The world is dark because of sin.

Followers of Jesus carry the light of Christ into that darkness.

Key Truth

Before this is about doing, it is about being.

Our identity precedes our activity.

Because of Christ:

• You are not your failures.
• You are not your past.
• You are not what others have called you.

You are who Christ says you are.

2. We must know WHERE we are

Matthew 5:14–15

Jesus uses two location-based illustrations.

A city “SET” on a hill

A city on a hill was visible from great distances.

It served as a beacon of direction, refuge, and hope.

Likewise, Christians are intentionally placed by God where they are.

Your neighborhood.

Your workplace.

Your school.

Your team.

Your family.

None of it is accidental.

A lamp “PLACED” under a basket

A lamp hidden under a basket defeats its purpose.

The same is true when believers hide their faith.

Silence.

Compromise.

Fear.

Conformity.

All diminish the visibility of the light Christ intends to shine through His people.

Key Truth

You are not a teacher who happens to be a Christian.

You are a Christian who happens to teach.

You are not a business owner who happens to follow Jesus.

You are a follower of Jesus whom God has placed in business.

God has strategically positioned His people for Kingdom influence.

3. We must know WHY we are

Matthew 5:16

Jesus reveals the purpose behind our identity and placement.

“Let your light shine before others…”

We show the Kingdom of God

People see the Gospel before they often hear it.

Our good works display:

• Love
• Generosity
• Compassion
• Kindness
• Faithfulness

Kingdom citizens demonstrate the character of their King.

We share the Kingdom of God

Our mission is not only to live differently.

Our mission is also to speak clearly.

We tell others:

• Who Jesus is
• What He has done
• How He has changed us

The Gospel must be both demonstrated and declared.

SUMMARY

God’s original mission has not changed.

Even in a fallen world, believers are called to:

• Be fruitful
• Cultivate what is good
• Faithfully steward what God has entrusted to them

To do that well:

• We must know WHAT we are — salt and light.
• We must know WHERE we are — strategically placed by God.
• We must know WHY we are — to show and share the Kingdom of God.

When God’s people live on mission, God is glorified and the world around them is changed.