Reflection of Perfection March 8

This is a quiz … Let’s see how much we know about the history of salt … view the quizview the quiz Here’s the answersanswers Today we look at how Jesus used the idea of salt to emphasize how believers can affect the surrounding world

Be Effective in Our World What are some qualities of salt, how do we use it? Listen for what Jesus says about problems with salt. Matthew 5:13 (NIV) "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 by men.

Be Effective in Our World What did Jesus say about salt when it becomes worthless?  We might wonder about how salt “loses its saltiness” … – sodium chloride will always taste salty. – The problem was not the absence of the salt but the mixture with chemical impurities

Be Effective in Our World In what ways do believers today lose their value to society by becoming mixed with “impurities?” What are some issues prevalent in today’s society in which the preservative nature of Christian faith is desperately needed? What are some actions we can take preserve righteousness in society?

Listen for how the believer’s function in the world is like a light. Matthew 5: "You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Glorify God – Reflect His Light We don’t hide a light … it defeats the purpose … what are we supposed to do with a light What does Jesus say we should do since we are “the light of the world”? In what ways is our world, our culture, our society a dark place that needs light?

Glorify God – Reflect His Light How then do we let our light shine before men? Who has been a “light of the world” in your life – who has demonstrated that kind of Spirit filled influence through good works?  Thank God for this person Consider how you might pass on their positive influence by being a light in the lives of people within your sphere of influence.

Selfless Love Shows Godliness Why is it easier to love some people more than others? Listen for reasons why we should love our enemies (and maybe the weird people).

Listen for reasons why we should love our enemies. Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Selfless Love Shows Godliness What reasons does Jesus give here for loving our enemies? If our holy God is able to exhibit grace and mercy to everyone, why is it difficult for us to be like Him? What would have to happen in your heart in order for you to be able to pray for an enemy? Why would praying for an enemy change things?

Listen for a command that sounds impossible. Matthew 5:46-48 (NIV) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? [48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

God’s Perfection Reflected through You How does choosing to love only those who love you show disrespect for God and for others? Why would an employer require a worker to sign an ethics statement or a statement of faith (if the employer was a religious organization)?

God’s Perfection Reflected through You According to this passage, God expects perfection from believers. Why do you think would He expect so much?  Positionally before God, we are made perfect, we are justified  We are being made perfect each day as we surrender, submit to the control of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives

Application When you shake salt onto food you cannot precisely control where it lands. – Consider that God allows us to be used by Him in many different situations – It might not be on a witnessing team – It might be in a passing encounter – It might be in a daily workplace relationship – We cannot control where our “saltiness” might be used by God

Application Many people compartmentalize religion and say it should not affect other areas of life – Followers of Christ should make a difference out in the world – Jesus did not want just religious talk – Jesus wants life changing actions – Ask God to show you how you can make a difference outside the church building this week

Application What enemies do you have that you need to be praying for and being nice to? – An ornery neighbor – Someone at work – A not so friendly competitor – A goofy relative  Resolve to pray God’s blessings on them daily

Reflection of Perfection March 8