Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 5:13-16
Other Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 3:3; Luke 17:21; Matthew 23:27-28; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:29; II Timothy 2:20-21

INTRO–‘Is There A Disconnect?’Read Matthew 28:18-20 & Acts 1:8

The Church has an image problem because many Jesus followers have a misunderstanding of the word witness. Being a witness for Christ doesn’t mean just telling others about Jesus but becoming a living demonstration of God’s presence and purpose. There is a terrible disconnect in many religious people between what they say and believe and how they actually live life. You can’t worship God on Sunday morning and then live a judgmental, hypocritical, and sinful life the rest of the week and expect that others might believe in Jesus just because you speak about it. Hearing isn’t believing, seeing is believing.

• Name one way in which you feel like you are attempting to change the world for Jesus Christ.


• Can you name one disconnect between what you believe and how you live that out? What can you do to live what you believe in that instance?

WHO WE ARE–‘Salt & Light’Read Matthew 5:13-16; II Corinthians 3:3 & Luke 17:21

In Matthew Jesus is clear that you aren’t supposed to just speak the Gospel, but you are to BE the gospel. The first metaphor that Jesus uses is salt which is not only a preservative but also brings flavor to everything it touches. Light as well isn’t suppose to be hidden but used to shine into dark places bring hope, guidance, and peace wherever it shines. You are God’s word to the world and must live the good news before people will believe it. As Saint Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary use words.”

• Jesus calls you the “salt of the earth.” What “flavor” do you bring to the lives of people around you?


• Do you know someone who truly models a life of salt and light? What do they do that makes such an impact in the lives of others?

THE ISSUE–‘Fast Food Character’Matthew 23:27-28

The problem is that before you can truly go and help transform the world for Jesus, your character must first be transformed by the Holy Spirit. The current culture however, is a fast food culture where the commodity of value is speed and hurry, and if used in a spiritual sense you will only end up with a fast food character. The symptoms of an untransformed character include superficiality, an indifference to the things that concern God, complacency to sin and/or evil, and the lack of grace especially to those in whom you disagree or find fault. This kind of witness will never come close to changing the world for Jesus.

• Describe a time you experienced a “come to Jesus” moment when your indifference or selfishness was revealed to you by your own actions. How is God developing your character in this area?


• If someone were to describe your faith in Jesus by how they see you live, what would they say?

ACTION STEP–‘Character Fitness’Read Philippians 2:12-13 & Colossians 1:29

The answer to a fast food unchanged character is to give constant attention to character fitness. The power of the Holy Spirit is not just something you can plug into and experience instant results. Although you have received all the fullness of God with the Spirit in your life, it still takes time, energy, and work to develop your character into the character of Jesus. The three practices that are most helpful in this pursuit of godliness is first daily eliminate the sinful thoughts, evil desires and bad habits that consistently pop up and desire to have you. Secondly spend as much time in the light of Christ as you can each day as you thirdly serve others making their needs and problems as important as your own. Read II Timothy 2:20-21

• How much time do you commit to physical health and appearance? What about character health and development? How can you increase your character development each day?


• How much of your current life strategy is focused on temporal success? What about eternal significance? What do you need to do to change your priorities to God’s priorities?