Part 1 - How to Be Salt and Light
Lead Pastor Chris Kaskel
Part of Change Your World
November 5, 2023

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“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

Salt and Light

things.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. —2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

People Change When…


1. The

demands it, so I should be .

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6:2 NIV
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. —Romans 12:15-16 NIV

2. They get

, so I should and them.

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. —Ephesians 4:29 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. —1 Peter 3:9 NLT

3. They are

to, so I should .

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. —2 Timothy 1:7-8 NLT

4. They learn

, so I should .

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. —1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT

5. Resources become

, so I should them.

““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” —Matthew 25:34-40 NIV

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This week we started a brand-new series centered around Jesus’ command to change our world. In his instructions found in the Sermon on Mount, Jesus says that we are the salt and life of the earth. Salt and light naturally change things. They make things better, bring out the flavors, brighten colors, and add value to life. We are to do the same for other people!

(Matthew 5:13-16 NLT) “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.

Make it Practical

People Change When…

1. The situation demands it, so I should be there for them.
You never know what someone else is going through. Too often people go through struggles in their life alone. Be the one who is always there, just as Chris is always there for us.

2. They get hurt, so I should encourage and comfort them.
Strive to be the one that is always speaking life into others. Choose to see the good in them and then encourage them in that.

3. They are inspired to, so I should tell my story.
The most powerful “witness” we have is the story of what God has done for us and in us. You don’t need to preach at others, you simply need to share your experience.

4. They learn new information, so I should be ready.
Walk your talk - live out what you read in scripture! Your life should cause others to ask questions. Always be ready to give an answer, tell your story, and share Jesus.

5. Resources become available, so I should serve them.
See a need, meet a need. Take on the attitude of Jesus and always be looking for a way to generously serve others!

Talk About it

1. Read Matthew 5:13-16 aloud. What are the properties of salt and light? How can we apply those properties to our lives when it comes to being world changers.

2. Share a time in your life when you “changed”. What was the reason for that change. How can your faith in Jesus intersect with others who are going through the same thing?

3. Read Matthew 25:34-40 aloud. What stands out to you about this glimpse into Judgment Day? Discuss some practical ways you can individually (and as a group) “give a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name”.

Leader Tips

Be ready to share a brief personal story of a time when your life underwent change and the circumstances around it. Encourage your group to find practical ways to serve others and perhaps even execute one of them! Serving together is one of the best ways to bond a group.

Close in prayer asking God to give your group members hearts that love and value people. Pray that they will have the eyes of Jesus to see others the way He does. Ask God to speak to each person and give them practical ways they can change their world.