Matthew 5:13-16

Fresh Ink, Pt. 3

Every time we gather as a group, these are some ways we ensure the best group discussion:

• We make the circle safe by staying honest and transparent - leave the masks at the door.

• We keep it inside the circle. Each person’s story is theirs alone to share.

• We look to the Bible for wisdom and truth, and work together to let it shape how we see the world.

• We don’t try to fix each other in front of each other or give unsolicited advice. We lovingly save hard conversations for private moments.

• We respect each others’ time by starting and ending when we say we will.

• We believe that in Jesus Christ, there is hope for everyone.

James 1:22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt

• Value

• Preserves 

• Flavors

• Creates thirst

• Healing

Light

• Brightens

• Guides

• Warms

• Reflects

• Chases out darkness

MLK Jr.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Philippians 2:14 (NLT)

“…you will shine like stars in the universe…”

MUD: Memorable + Understandable + Doable

• What was the most memorable part of the message or service this weekend for you personally? Why?

• Did anything you heard challenge or influence how you think about God or your life?

• How can what you learned influence or change how you live in everyday life? What tangible steps would it take to make that change a reality?

Additional Questions

We are all influenced by MANY different sources that shape our view of the world, of other people, of ourselves, and more.

• What sources of information or entertainment are the biggest influencers of your own worldview? Think about what brought you to those sources - which have been chosen intentionally, and which have sort of just happened TO you?

• Have you ever been able to tell what kind of positive or negative effects those sources of input have on your mood, your behavior, your beliefs, or anything else?

Salt adds value, preserves, flavors, creates thirst, and heals - at our best, Christ-followers are like salt to a world in need.

• Who do you know with a faith that is like salt? What effect do they have on the people around them?

• What are some practical ways you can be like salt in your everyday life for the sake of the people around you?

Light brightens, guides, warms, reflects, and chases out darkness - at our best, Christ-followers are like light to a world covered in darkness.

• Who do you know with a faith that is like light? What effect do they have on the people around them?

• What are some practical ways you can be like light in your everyday life for the sake of the people around you?

Read Philippians 2:1-16 together. Paul says that imitating Jesus’ radical humility will set us apart to shine like stars in the universe.

• Look through the verses in Philippians and compare the description of Jesus’ humility to some of the norms and values in our world today. Where do you see the radical and counter-cultural differences of Jesus’ humility?

• Where can your own life be shaped more by that kind of humility?