Message Notes
Look Back
How did you trust God to meet your needs when you felt poor, sad, meek or hungry this week?
Look Up
Read Matthew 5:7-13
- What do people typically think of when someone is described as “the salt of the earth”? Does this leave a positive, negative or neutral impression on most people? Why?
- What do verses 7-10 say are the kind of things that people do to show that they are truly “salt of the earth”? How does this compare with how most people think about this?
- Why do you think Jesus included verses 11 and 12 in this teaching? What point do you think He was trying to make or emphasize?
Read Matthew 5:14-16 and John 1:1-9
- What is the “light” that Jesus is talking about in Matthew 5:14-16? How might you describe this to someone who is not committed to following Jesus?
- What does Jesus say should be the purpose of letting our “light” shine? How does this apply to you personally?
- What is the “light” that John is talking about in John 1:1-9? How easy is it for you to accept and explain John’s message in these verses?
- How is the “light” that Jesus talks about connected to the “light” John mentions? How does it impact the way you try to influence others?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
In what ways are you influencing people? In what ways can your actions help others to better understand God and the influence God has in your life?
Notes
The apostle John starts his biblical account by telling us that Jesus brought “light’ into a dark world, and that we are to be a witness to that light to others. Jesus confirms this when he encourages us to let this light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
