“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 (p.736)
- I Will Let My Good Deeds Shine.
“You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord…” 2 Corinthians 4:5 (p.883)
- Plug into God
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” John 8:12 (p.817)
- Shine out
“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:15-16 (p.736)
Series Memory Verse: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (p.760)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will find one way to shine the love of Jesus to my “One”.
_____ I am receiving the love and light of Jesus for the first time.
Discussion/Groups Guide Activate – Part 2 “Salt and Light”
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion and study of the Weekend Talk. Use this also as a discussion guide with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- Have you ever been in an attic or crawl space when the light went out? What did you do? Did you have help?
- When have you been recognized for a good deed?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
One Thing: I Will Let My Good Deeds Shine.
Series Memory Verse: Matthew 28:19 The Great Commission
One Voice Bible Story Background: Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and Light
- Read Matthew 5:13.
- What does being the “salt of the earth” mean?
- Plug into God.
- Read John 8:12.
- What does it look like for you to plug into Jesus (give practical examples)? Why is it important?
- When do you feel most connected to Jesus? What helps you stay connected?
- Read 1 John 1:5-6.
- How does this verse make you feel about being connected to God as the source of light?
- What does it look like for us to live in spiritual darkness in regard to our good deeds?
- Read John 8:12.
- Shine out.
- Read Matthew 5:14-16.
- Think of a time when you hid your good deeds like hiding a candle under a basket.
- What were the consequences?
- Why is it important that we remember we’re the light of the world? How can that make a difference?
- Read Matthew 6:1-2.
- What does this verse tell us about our good deeds?
- Read Matthew 5:14-16.
Digging Deeper
You will need:
- 2 fresh eggs in the shell
- 2 glasses of water
- a spoon
- salt
Put one egg in the glass carefully using the spoon. What happens?
Put some salt in the second glass, stir it, and put the egg in carefully using the spoon. Now, what happens?
Try to balance an egg on a flat surface standing up straight.
Make a small mound of salt and place the egg standing straight up on the salt. Gently begin to blow the salt away from the egg. What happens?
Read Hebrews 10:24. Why is this important for us as Life Group members?
My Next Step This Week
_____ I will find one way to shine the love of Jesus to my “One”.
_____ I am receiving the love and light of Jesus for the first time.