1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. What is an example?
Lights in a Dark World
A person or thing that acts as an illustration or model of something.
Someone we look up to in order to learn
A realization that others are looking to us and observing.
We ought to conduct ourselves so as to influence others in a proper direction

3. What is an example?
Lights in a Dark World
Examples inform – observed information that gives direction
Found everywhere – we can look around an learn
James 3:4 – the ship’s rudder
Hebrews 12:9-11 – discipline
Proverbs 6:6-8 – the ant
Parables of Jesus – Matthew 13:11

4. What is an example?
Lights in a Dark World
Our concern in this study addresses how we are influencing others.
Do not forget that we are ALWAYS being watched by someone (and possibly watching someone)
We will notices numerous examples and descriptions of example in coming lessons

5. Power of example Never underestimate the power an example can be
Lights in a Dark World
Never underestimate the power an example can be
Accomplish many things both good and bad
They can have lasting effects – sometimes never forgotten
We can learn from examples
With example you can win one over, increase opportunities
OR turn them away!

6. Power of example
Lights in a Dark World
Often times we do not realize we are being examples – you never know WHO is watching
You may be ignored by one you want to influence
OR you may be influencing someone in the future

7. Power of example
Lights in a Dark World
Sometimes our example prompts others to improve or stand firm (Philippians 1:12-14)
Bad behavior can also influence for evil (1 Corinthians 8:10, Galatians 2:11-14)
You may never find out how you are influencing someone

8. You are the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13
The power of example
You are the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13

9. Salt A very powerful description
Matthew 5:13 Mark 9:50, Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

10. Salt
Salt is necessary for life – essential for nerve and muscle function, as well as the regulation of body fluids, including blood
Similarly, the salt of God’s word is necessary to sustain our spiritual lives

11. Salt It flavors – perhaps one of the better known purposes
This was at least part of Jesus’ observations in Matthew 5:13 & Mark 9:50
As Christians, we are to do our best to “flavor” the world in a pleasant way – integrity, kindness, respect, caring, etc.

12. Salt
Usually designed to be taken with something else – in small amounts, it is sprinkled on food
Our example is very important, but it must be accompanied by God’s word John 8:32, 17:17
Example gives us the credibility to teach God’s word to others

13. Salt
Preserves – while today, still a preservative, this was more important in previous generations. And added value to salt
In this crooked and perverse generation, we need to preserve the truth.
Who knows what we might accomplish Moses - Exodus 32:11-14
King Josiah, postponed destruction of Jerusalem – 2 Kings 22:20
Ultimately, the death of Jesus preserves us

14. Salt Creates thirst – salty foods and drinks produce thirst
Jesus offered “living waters” - John 4:10-14 John 7:38, He who believes in Me, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water
What are we doing to provoke thirst in others?

15. Salt Can be an irritant – salt poured in wounds (but it can be good)
As we stand for truth, we will be an irritant to the ungodly cf. Luke 23:2, He perverts the nation Acts 24:5 – Paul described as a plague Acts 16:20 – trouble makers
We continue to be salt, because others are searching!

16. Salt
Can ruin – salt was often poured in fields of conquered people to devastate them. We sprinkle salt, lest we ruin the food with too much
Can we be guilty of being too salty as Christians? Do we become irritants when it is not necessary?
We cannot FORCE our faith on anyone

17. Salt
To be effective, salt must come in contact with something – it will do nothing if it remains in the shaker
How can we be “the salt of the earth”, if we are sprinkling it on society?

18. Salt It can lose its effectiveness – it is possible.
Matthew 5:13 – if salt looses its savor…
We are to CONTINUALLY be salt!
Colossians 4:6, let your speech be seasoned with salt

19. What are you doing with your salt?