27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
Luke 14 34-35 Being the Salt 10 Retaining our distinctiveness
📖 Luke 14:34-35
22Jan2020 - *Retaining our distinctiveness* - _Luke 14:34-35_ - Bible reading: _I Corinthians 9:26-27_
_Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men._
We have been studying the passage in Luke 14:34-35, on being salt but we must also look at Matthew 5:13 because, Jesus is calling us to be the salt of the earth. To be salt of the earth, there are four applications that we must consider. They are as follows.
1. We are fundamentally different
2. We must penetrate the non-Christian world
3. We must influence and transform the non-Christian world towards the kingdom of God
4. We must retain our distinctiveness
We have covered the first three applications. We will now look at the fourth application of being the salt of the earth, which is to retain our distinctiveness.
Paul explains for us as to how he did his ministry. _I Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; (20) and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; (21) to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; (22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you._
Paul connected with all people in order that they will come to the salvation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. _II Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory._
As much as Paul was reaching out to people, he ensured that he did not lose his own distinctiveness. _I Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. (27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, *lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified*._ This is how it needs to be for each of us that we do all things to present the gospel to people but at the same time retain our distinctiveness to the very end.
_Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,_
*Thought to ponder*
```Will you commit to remain steadfast in the faith, to the very end?```