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Studies in Matthew 5: The Disciple and His Benefactor

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MLA citation style

Mears, Ian Roland. Studies In Matthew 5: The Disciple and His Benefactor. Moore Theological College. Retrieved from the Atla Digital Library, https://images.quartexcollections.com/moore/thumbnails/preview/394facd1-595e-408c-9f44-81cbdf27b989.

APA citation style

Mears, I. Studies in Matthew 5: The Disciple and His Benefactor. Retrieved from the Atla Digital Library, https://images.quartexcollections.com/moore/thumbnails/preview/394facd1-595e-408c-9f44-81cbdf27b989.

Chicago citation style

Mears, Ian Roland. Studies In Matthew 5: The Disciple and His Benefactor. Moore Theological College. Retrieved from the Atla Digital Library, https://images.quartexcollections.com/moore/thumbnails/preview/394facd1-595e-408c-9f44-81cbdf27b989.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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  • Mears preaches on the uniqueness of the Christian based on Matthew 5:13–16. Four metaphors are employed: salt, light, a city on a hill, and a lamp on a stand. Salt primarily functioned as a condiment and preservative for food but also had religious significance. It could symbolize barrenness, but in the Old Testament it is often used positively, such as in Elijah’s ministry, where it signified purging and purification. The covenant of God, likened to a covenant of salt, refers to an ongoing and perpetual covenant. In Ezra, a reference to the king’s salt implied loyalty and close fellowship. In Ezekiel’s description of the river flowing from the temple, salt retains its symbolic importance. Jesus’ use of the term is primarily encouraging: the disciples are precious and dear to God, loved by Him. Yet Jesus also reminds the disciples that, as salt, they have a function to perform. The parallel references in Mark and Luke enrich our understanding of the imagery. As salt, the Christian is unique in holding fast to the gospel; to lose one’s saltiness is to fail to hold onto its message. Jesus reminds believers to remain steadfast in the gospel. As lights of the world, Christians shine forth God’s glory in their lives and actions. To be a believer in Christ is, by nature, to assume the role of a city on a hill.
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  • In copyright - educational use permitted. This item may be used for the purposes of research and study. Please acknowledge that it is held by Moore Theological College