INTRODUCTION
Let there be Light! What a journey these past three weeks have been as we have tracked God’s light from Genesis, through the Gospels, and into our current world. You are the means by which the world will see Jesus. That truth can seem like a burden or, possibly, even like a bad idea. God knew what He was doing when He chose to allow His light to shine through jars of clay like us. Let’s allow these discussion questions to guide us to the truth about ourselves and the truth about our awesome Savior so we can be a better reflection of Jesus. Here we go…
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In your life how have you seen God assert His authority over the chaotic darkness to create life?
Jesus came to show us what God is like. What is an area of your life that is more God-like than it used to be due to Jesus being in your life?
Can you think of a time that someone noticed the light of Jesus shining through you?
Were you tempted to take credit or were you able to quickly tell them your Source of light?
Our world is shrouded in darkness. We will not spend much time focussing on the darkness, but what are some ways that darkness in our world impacts your life?
God’s plan is for our lives to invade and shatter that darkness. What are some specific places and/or ways you can allow your light to shine into the darkness you experience?
Are you aware of any strategic places you regularly visit or relationships you have that may be part of God’s strategy to bring His light into the world?
Our job is not to drive out darkness, but to shine the light. What do you need to do to make sure you are shining light and not focussed on driving out darkness?
God wants us to be accurate reflections of the beauty and light of Jesus. What is a way that you tried to reflect Jesus, but you realize He was not reflected as clearly as you would have liked?
What can you do to reflect Jesus more accurately?
It is natural for us to allow the world to get between us and Jesus. In Pastor Cory’s message we heard about worry and the deceitfulness of riches, but there are so many other things the vie for our attention. What are some specific things that get between you and Jesus?
Jesus wants to shine His light into us and then through us. The more we allow Him to reveal the truth about us and allow Him to make us more like Him, the more He will shine through our lives. This process is not fun and not easy. Let’s take a few moments to encourage others in this process. How do you see the beauty of Jesus’ light shining through others in your group?
People do not see what we believe or our faith. They see our actions, hear our words, and know how we affect their lives. How can you allow your words, actions, and demeanor to affect those around you in a way that points them to a more accurate reflection of Jesus?
MOVING FORWARD
God shattered darkness to bring light and to create life. He shattered darkness to bring His Son to bring Hope and Life for all of us. He continues to shatter darkness by bringing Hope and Life through available beacons strategically placed in your home, your workplace, your neighborhood, your family, our church, on Veteran’s Parkway, and even in Wal Mart. All we need to do is accept the truth about Him and the truth about us. He came because He adores us and because He knows we need Him. He shines into us because He knows what is best for us. He shines through us because He knows that when those around us see good through us it will give us a chance to explain the reason for our goodness. All of our goodness is only from Jesus. Let His goodness emanate and radiate through your life. Let there be light!