We’re about to change up the version we’ve been using. Today I’m going to have you read Matthew 5 out of The Message. The link will take you there. This will help some of you as you read a familiar passage to hear it with fresh ears. If it’s new to you, it will make perfect sense.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 5:1-48

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 5:13-16

 

Yes, Matthew 5 is packed full of amazing stuff to focus on. This is actually the beginning of 3 chapters we call “the sermon on the mount.” It begins with the “Beatitudes” and then Jesus let’s us know what followers of His are going to look like. We’re focusing on verses 13-16 because we’ll be looking at them again this weekend.

 

Jesus gives us two primary pictures of the kind of change-agents we’re to be in the world we live in: Salt & Light. Think for a moment of the absolute change these things make when they’re brought into a situation.

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

Perhaps we could confess the sin of NOT making much of a difference by being just like everyone else around us. However, today we’re going to look at this for our application purposes as a command to obey.

 

Dear Father, there is nothing I want more than to be a part of your solution for this broken world. You are already at work right here in our valley. I want to join you in what YOU are up to. Help me see being the church is way more than just coming to a church service on the weekend. Make my heart pound faster when I see opportunities to be Salt and Light right here where I live. The change can be big or subtle. How can I make my neighborhood a better, safer, friendlier place? How can I help others take more pride in our valley? I can’t wait for The Big Serve. Help me to have a willingness to serve wherever and whenever you want me in the game. USE ME. When I’ve served in a loving way, help me have the right words to share the reason I served, which is YOU.