During His most famous sermon, Jesus told His followers what He was calling them to in just two words… “you are.” He didn’t say to work towards some future potential. He told us it’s already a reality. For those who know Jesus as Savior, we ARE the salt and light. That’s a given. The question is, are we actually doing what we were made to do?
Key Scripture
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.”
Matthew 5:13
Discussion Questions
Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.
- Pastor Anthony briefly reviewed the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–10. Jesus started His famous “Sermon on the Mount” in this passage. He proclaims that His followers would be “blessed,” although that doesn’t promise laughter, health, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. Rather the hope, joy, and peace of knowing Jesus. Why are the beatitudes a perfect foundation for verse 13 and declaring that we are salt?
- Have you ever met someone who was incredibly “salty” and seemed to attract others to Jesus like a magnet? What did their life look like, and what characteristics did that person possess?
- Read Matthew 5:14–16. Pastor Anthony discussed how in Christ, we are different from the world and can have influence over it. The way we follow Jesus should make the world thirsty for Him. What examples do you have of living differently from the world to reach others for Christ? Share with your Life Group and learn from one another.
- Is there something that’s causing you to lose your flavor/saltiness? If so, what steps can you take to turn those things over to the Lord? How can your Life Group help?
- Pastor Anthony said that as salt, our responsibility is to preserve society from moral decay. That’s more than just being a good person and doing the right things or going to church. It’s leading people into a relationship with Jesus so that they, too, would be transformed by Christ. How can we ensure our “salt” is gospel-centered instead of just about morality?
- We live in a society that is increasingly hostile to God, His commandments, and those who follow Him. Sin is often celebrated and made to seem natural and positive. As a group, read John 15:19. We know that we will be hated by this world for speaking truth, so how do we maintain our saltiness and light while at the same time calling out sin and standing for truth?
- Are you deliberately seeking to influence the lives around you for Christ? Reflect on the names you wrote down this week that God placed on your heart… what are you doing to invest in them? How can you use that relationship to initiate a conversation about your faith in Jesus or invite them to church?
- What part of Anthony’s message impacted you the most and why?
Accountability
- Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
- Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
- How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?
Questions about following Jesus?
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