Let Your Light Shine Before Others
Live Our Calling, Part 2
Leaders: Since this is the first meeting of Circles this semester, if you have any new members in your Circle, this may be a good time for everyone in the group to introduce themselves briefly and perhaps a fun fact about themselves that others in the group may not know. (This activity could be in lieu of the icebreaker)
Icebreaker: Describe a time that you were able to share good news with friends or family and how did it make you feel?
1.What insight, principle, or observation did you take away from this Sunday’s message?
Light of the World
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. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2. Before refrigeration salt was used to preserve foods so that they could be stored without decay for a long period of time. How are we as Christians like salt?
3. Matthew likens Christians to the light of the world. What does this mean? (Matthew 5:14-16, John 8:12, Leviticus 24:2)
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
Leviticus 24:2 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning continually.
John 12:36 (NIV) Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
4. What do you think was Jesus’s point in Matthew 5:16? (Ephesians 5:8-16) How can we as Christians not lose our saltiness, be visible, and not hide our light?
Ephesians 5:8–16 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Start with Prayer
5. How can starting with prayer help us to let our light shine? (Matthew 6:33-34, John 16:24
Matthew 6:33–34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
Listen to those around us
Luke 18:35-43 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
6. How did society value the beggar man? How did Jesus react differently to the man?
7. How does asking questions and listening to people help us to understand their real needs/situation and assist us in sharing the love of God with them?
8. What is God calling us to do when we see people in real need?
Show Hospitality
1 Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
9. Describe the attitude that we are to have toward others.
10. In what practical ways can we “offer hospitality” to others?
Serve
2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
11. According to this passage why is it important to serve? How can I serve so that God is praised? (2 Corinthians 9:13)
12. What do you think are other reasons it is important to serve?
Sharing Our Story
13. What are you willing to do? Are you open to being light in the darkness where you are now?
- In the friendships you have now?
- In the neighborhood you live in now?
- In the place you work or school you attend now?
14. Are you open to living the kind of life that will cause people to ask, “what is different about you?” What would that look like?