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How is Your Life Living Up to Your Label?

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous… PSALM 139:13-14 NLT

Still, God, you are our Father. We’re the clay and you’re our potter: All of us are what you made us. ISAIAH 64:8 MSG

You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20 NLT

HOW IS MY LIFE LIVING UP TO MY LABEL?

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. MATTHEW 5:13-16 NLT

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH

SALT PRESERVES

Salt does not exist for itself, and neither do we.

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. MATTHEW 9:35-36 NLT

SALT GOES OUT

SALT PURIFIES

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. COLOSSIANS 4:6 NIV

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

LIGHT ILLUMINATES

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. GENESIS 1:1-4 NLT

LIGHT WAS THE FIRST SOLUTION TO THE FIRST PROBLEM

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. PSALM 119:105 NLT

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” JOHN 8:12 NLT

LIGHT INVITES; IT ATTRACTS

They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. JOHN 17:16-18 NLT

WE WERE SAVED TO BE SENT

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. MATTHEW 5:16 NLT

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. EPHESIANS 3:20 NLT

The potential lies in you. The power lies in Him.

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place to reflect with God. Take a few deep breaths and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your time together. Slowly read Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT). Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth—not existing for ourselves, but to preserve and purify others. Who has spoken life into you, strengthening your walk with Jesus? Thank God for them. Now, reflect on your own influence toward others. How has God used you to bring good news, encouragement, or healthy correction to others? Ask if anything—selfishness, pride, or fear—is holding you back from living up to that calling. Confess that to Jesus and invite Him to refresh your soul with His love and grace, so you can more fully live out His purpose. Jesus also calls us to be the light of the world. How do you bring the light of Jesus to those living in darkness? Does the way you model your faith attract others toward a relationship with Jesus, or away? Ask God to show you one way you could be a light to the people around you, then invite Jesus to empower you to shine bright this week.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Ask God. How do we apply this passage to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on this passage?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: How much do brand labels influence what you purchase?
  2. START HERE: What label has someone placed on you or have you placed on yourself, and how has that impacted your life?
  3. START HERE: What label has God given you, and how is your life living up to your God-given label?
  4. KEEP GOING: How does the average person experience you on a typical day?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT). What are some qualities of salt and light that Jesus calls us to live out as His disciples?
  6. KEEP GOING: Why do you think Christians tend toward the extremes of overly salty or not salty at all?
  7. KEEP GOING: How did Jesus model what it means to be salt and light in the world?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Where do you need the power of Jesus in order to be salt and light to people in your world?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: How could your faith be more attractive to others?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Read Colossians 4:6 (NIV). How can we tell if we’re being too salty or not salty enough with people?