Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Matthew 5:11-16), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Jesus says that following him, living in relationship with him, being a citizen of the kingdom of heaven will make you distinct from this world in ways that are contrary to the world, yet good for the world. As salt preserves meat from going bad, so God’s gracious salvation eternally preserves his people from spiritual decay and death. When Jesus calls us “salt,” he says that we testify to God’s salvation in ways that extend his salvation to others. Why do many people find this to be irritating enough that they will persecute Christians for their saltiness (vv. 11-12)? Why are Christians tempted to lose their saltiness (v. 13)? What is it about the Christian living with God through faith in Christ that is so polarizing?

• As light dispels darkness, so God’s revelation eradicates ignorance. Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), “the true light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9), because he has made God known to us for real relationship with him. When Jesus calls us “light,” he says that we participate in making God known to others for their relationship with him. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (v. 16). What specifically Christian “good works” invoke either resistance or acceptance, either hostility or praise, either persecution or conversion? What “good works” require a relationship with God through faith in Jesus, and communicate that relationship to others? Can non-Christians do these particular “good works”? Can someone “give glory to your Father” without coming to faith in Jesus?

• Salt is in conflict with rot, and light is in conflict with darkness. Jesus expects his people to be in conflict with the world, as he is, and yet not with hostile intent. How can you be against the world for its good? How can you be in conflict with someone for the sake of loving that person? Have you experienced the salt and light of Christ, demonstrated by Christians, as a confrontation that was good for you? Have you participated in the life of Christ, being salt and light to someone, in a confrontation for their good? Have you seen resistance or acceptance result from these encounters? What made the difference? Can you ensure the outcome of acceptance through anything you do? How do you feel about that?

• FOR THE CHILDREN: Do you have a relationship with Jesus? What does that look like? What does it look like when you are alone? when you are at school? when you are with your family? when you are at church? Do you want others to be saved and to know Jesus? Why? Is there any way you can help others to know Jesus? Do you sometimes feel afraid to tell others about him? Do you ask him for help when you are afraid?