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
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.
- Do you have circumstances in your life that are hindering you from being salt and light to those around you? What has caused you to believe you cannot adequately serve God through this time? After meditating on the week’s message and Matthew 5:13–16, do you see it differently now?
- It can be easy to get down and depressed when seeing and hearing about what’s going on in the world around us. Why is it tempting to focus on those things instead of the solution we hold within us (the light of Jesus Christ)? How can we expect the world around us to live how Jesus teaches when we allow things to pull us down?
- Pastor Anthony mentioned that salt is oftentimes most useful in its crushed form. Like salt, sometimes it’s in our darkest moments that our light shines the brightest. Read James 1:2–3 and Ecclesiastes 7:2–3. Have you experienced this principle in your life? Now read the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20. God wants to use even the bad things that happen in our lives for our good and His glory. How can we mentally and spiritually prepare ourselves for the challenging experiences in life so that the world can see the peace and joy that only Jesus provides? How can we continue to be a light for the Lord when we feel defeated, downtrodden, and exhausted?
- We need Jesus to aid us in being a light to the world—we cannot do it ourselves. After all, it isn’t our light shining through but God’s. Read John 14:26. What does this verse say about how He will help us? What do we do if we feel inadequate?
- Pastor Anthony discussed how people will know us as Christ-followers by the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives. Read Galatians 5:22–25. Which aspect of this is hardest for you to live out and why? What can you do to grow in this area? How can your Life Group help you?
- Who was light in your life that helped lead you to Christ? What was it about that person’s life that affected your walk? Can you say you are fulfilling that same role for someone else right now? If not, how can this change? Do you believe that God has strategically placed you in your community or job to impact those specifically around you?
- It’s never too late to shine brightly to those around you, even if you think your reputation is beyond repair. Think about the stories of Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, and Saul/Paul (to name a few). God can use anyone for His purposes no matter how far they have fallen. Can you think of any other examples from the Bible or in your own experiences where you have witnessed God perform a 180° in someone’s life? How did that change impact others around that person?
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 be praying for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?
Questions about following Jesus?
Want to know how simple it is to have a relationship with Jesus? Interested in talking with someone about Jesus? Let us know below.