As the world grows dimmer and moral decay continues to rise, our natural response is to fight or to flee. But for Christians, this is not a time to retreat, but to engage; to carry the enormous influence of the gospel as the “salt of the earth” in a tasteless world and the “light of the world” to people overwhelmed by darkness. Don’t run! Shine in your home, neighborhood, school, workplace and community. ~ Pastor Dave
Open: Have you ever been stuck in darkness without a light? Share your story.
Read: Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 26:17-18; 1 Peter 2; Colossians 4:6
Discuss:
1. Describe different Christian reactions to the current state of the world? What would you consider to be a healthy view of the world? Why do so many Christians view the world from a personal perspective and not a missional perspective?
2. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus begins his illustrations of salt and light by making a statement about identity (“You are the salt” and “You are the light”). Peter repeats this same idea in 1 Peter 2:8-10. How does gospel identity motivate gospel mission? Describe your identity in Christ.
3. What does salt do? How was salt used in the first century? If believers are the salt of the earth, what does this imply about the earth? What are some ways that a church on mission looks like the “salt of the earth”? What does Jesus say about salt that is no longer useful? In what ways do we cease being “salt”?
4. Following Jesus’ analogy of salt and light, describe some differences between salt and light. What is the purpose of light? As Christians, where does our light originate? Describe what it looks like to be the “light of the world”? What hinders Christians from shining as the light of the world? What situations or circumstances cause you to “dim your light”?
5. In Colossians 4:6, Paul exhorts believers to season our speech with salt. In what ways should our speech be different than the world? In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Peter calls Christians to act as sojourners and guard our conduct. How should our conduct differ from the culture around us?
6. Our call to be salt and light is all about helping people see God and His glory. Who are the people around you that God may be calling you to illuminate with the gospel? What are some ways that you can better shine the gospel?
Pray: Take time to thank God for bringing you out of darkness and into the light of Christ. Pray that God would reveal areas of your life still stained by darkness and places where you might be hindering the work of light through you. Ask God to empower you to live as salt and light before those around you. Pray that God would give you the boldness to share His gospel.
Memorize/Meditate: Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
