SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "SHINE" PT I - MATTHEW 5:13-16

Pastor William Mathis
8 hours ago
3 min read

Series: SHINE

“SHINE” PT I

Matthew 5:13–16 (KJV)

Theme: Hidden Manna

Follows: “SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD, NOW” Pt. I & II

THE BIG PICTURE

Jesus doesn’t say you will become salt and light.He says you are.

That means shining isn’t something you earn later — it’s something you live out now.This is not about hype, perfection, or performance.This is about purpose, presence, and value.

POINT 1 — BECAUSE YOU WERE CREATED TO BE A WELLSPRING OF POWER (v. 13)

“Ye are the salt of the earth…”

Salt doesn’t exist for itself.It preserves, seasons, purifies, binds, and protects.And in biblical culture, sharing salt meant covenant, loyalty, and life-giving connection.

Jesus is saying: You are meant to be a source — not a sponge.

A wellspring isn’t a puddle.It’s a supply that keeps flowing.

Why this matters for everybody:

The world is decaying, bland, and thirsty.Saltless people blend in. Salty people make a difference.

If salt loses its savor, it still looks like salt — but it has no impact.Translation: you can look the part and still be powerless.

Practical Application:

Stay connected to the Source: Salt doesn’t generate itself — it stays salty by staying salt. Stay grounded in truth, integrity, and purpose.
Add flavor where you are: Your words, attitude, ethics, and presence should make spaces better.
Preserve what matters: Stand up for justice, dignity, compassion, and life when others are letting things rot.
Check your savor: If you’re burned out, bitter, or numb, you might be disconnected — not broken.

You were created to be a wellspring — not dry storage.

POINT 2 — BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN BUILT FOR YOUR JOURNEY (v. 14–15)

“Ye are the light of the world… A city set on a hill cannot be hid.”

Light’s job isn’t to show itself —it’s to help everything else be seen clearly.

Jesus says your life is like a city on a hill.Meaning: visibility is unavoidable.

You don’t need to announce your calling — your living will do that.

Why this matters:

Faith isn’t an escape plan; it’s a way of life rooted in hope.The Beatitudes move from “are” to “will be” — live it now, even if it looks foolish, because God vindicates faithfulness over time.

Also: You don’t generate the light.Just like the moon reflects the sun, you reflect what you stay close to.

Practical Application:

Stop hiding: Don’t dim your convictions to make others comfortable.
Place your light wisely: Candles belong on stands, not under bushels — use your gifts where they actually help people.
Accept visibility: People are watching whether you like it or not. Let your life tell the truth.
Stay close to the fire: The sun shines because of what’s happening at its core. Stay connected to God, purpose, and inner heat.

You were built for this journey — equipped, positioned, and seen.

POINT 3 — BECAUSE YOU BRING VALUE (v. 16)

“Let your light so shine before men…”

Your light isn’t for applause.It’s for impact.

When people see your good works, the goal isn’t ego — it’s illumination.Goodness helps people see God more clearly, even if they don’t have language for God yet.

Why this matters for everyone:

Your life carries value beyond survival.You matter because you contribute something the world doesn’t have without you.

Shining isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being faithful and consistent.

Practical Application:

Do good where you are: Don’t wait for a platform. Start with kindness, integrity, service, and justice.
Let actions speak: In a loud world, quiet consistency shines bright.
Point beyond yourself: Let your life raise bigger questions about meaning, hope, and purpose.
Remember your worth: You are not extra. You are essential.

When you shine, the world gets clearer — and God gets the glory.

THE HIDDEN MANNA — THE TAKEAWAY

You shine because you’re a wellspring, not a drain.You shine because you’re built for visibility, not invisibility.You shine because you bring value, not noise.