The teachings of Christ and the New Covenant supersede the Old. In His birth, death and resurrection Jesus fulfilled them. It is finished. The Holy Spirit who from the beginning guided man from the outside now resides within those who believe in Jesus and allow His life to replace theirs.
The believer does not have inherent light; rather we have reflective light. As we behold the glory of the Lord, we reflect it.
supersede |ˌso͞opərˈsēd|
verb [with object]
take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant: the older models have now been superseded.
The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in His children.
Believers should be the outward sign of an inward God. Without love for all of His creation…we are nothing. Micah 8:6
Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God and of his righteousness and peace.
Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood “light” as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom. Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. Everything is known to God who sees all.
The similitude |siˈmiləˌt(y)o͞od|
- a comparison between two things.
Matthew 5:13-16
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.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
50 sSalt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Mark 9:50
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:12
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Philippians 2:15
12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Peter 2:12
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
John 15:8
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