3/8/09 Reflection of Perfection1. MotivateUse the “Salt Quiz” to introduce the significance of salt in world history.2. TransitionToday we look at how Jesus used the idea of salt to emphasize how believers can affect the surrounding world3. Bible Study3.1 Be Effective in Our WorldWhat are some qualities of salt, how do we use it? - flavor food- preservative- can be used to keep down dust on a road- melts ice- lowers temperature of ice waterListen for what Jesus says about problems with salt.Matthew 5:13 (NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. What did Jesus say about when salt becomes worthless?- loses its saltiness- cannot be made salty again- might as well throw it out- use it to cover a pathway We might wonder about how salt “loses its saltiness” … - sodium chloride will always taste salty. - The problem was not the absence of the salt but the mixture with chemical impuritiesIn what ways do believers today lose their value to society by becoming mixed with “impurities?”- become so earthly minded we are no heavenly good- we acquire a worldly mindset- our values are not based on scripture- we fill our minds with too much earthly entertainment- people cannot see any difference in our lives due to our faith … we look and act like one of them- too worried about what people think about us motivated by materialistic attitudes- worried about political correctness- know scriptural principles, but do not heed them13/8/09 Reflection of PerfectionWhat are some issues prevalent in today’s society in which the preservative nature of Christian faith is desperately needed?- abortion- the content of entertainment (violence, horror, sexuality)- too much emphasis on political correctness- the push for excluding religion from public life (so called “separation” of church and state)- the push for “tolerance” which is really intolerance for Christianity- gay rights, influence of homosexual communityWhat are some actions we can take preserve righteousness in society?- vote for people who hold values of righteousness- support efforts to protect the community from sinful influences- participate in government to have a positive influence- pray for leaders at all levels- communicate the gospel message that will change people’s lives- participate in Christian ministries that will disciple believers- exercise your spiritual gift to edify the body of believers … the church- live/practice a life of righteousness – walk the walk as well as you talk the talk3.2 Glorify God – Reflect His LightListen for how the believer’s function in the world is like a light.Matthew 5: 14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.We don’t hide a light … it defeats the purpose … what are we supposed to do with a light- put it on a stand- put it in a prominent place- let it shine all aroundWhat does Jesus say we should do since we are “the light of the world”?- let your light shine before men- let people see your good deeds- cause them to praise your Father in heavenIn what ways is our world, our culture, our society a dark place that needs light?- a lack of spiritual Truth- darkness of sin prevails in many people’s lives- lack of godly influence in many situations- people need the gospel, the knowledge of salvation - in some places in the world people have never even heard the name of Jesus!23/8/09 Reflection of PerfectionHow then do we let our light shine before men?- share the gospel message verbally- live out the Spirit filled life- allow God to love others through you- demonstrate the effect of God at work in a person’s life- participate in Christian ministries- be involved in community activities and let them see someone in whom the light of the gospel has had an effectWho has been a “light of the world” in your life – who has demonstrated that kind of Spirit filled influence through good works?- a pastor- a youth worker- the person who led you to Christ- a parent or sibling or other relative Thank God for this personConsider how you might pass on their positive influence by being a light in the lives of people within your sphere of influence.3.3 Selfless Love Shows GodlinessWhy is it easier to love some people more than others?- they are nice to you- they respect you, even love you- they aren’t weirdListen for reasons why we should love our enemies (and maybe the weird people).Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.What reasons does Jesus give here for loving our enemies?- shows you are God’s child … you inherit His characteristic of love of even sinners- loving those who love you back is easy, shouldn’t expect a reward for that- even nasty sinners (tax collectors) do that much- even heathen people in primitive cultures do that much- shows we are more like God … perfect as He is perfect33/8/09 Reflection of PerfectionIf our holy God is able to exhibit grace and mercy to everyone, why is it difficult for us tobe like Him?- our human nature is not holy- we have to surrender to God’s Spirit to allow Him to demonstrate His love through ustowards our enemies- our emotions get in the way … these people were unpleasant, even hateful to us What would have to happen in your heart in order for you to be able to pray for an enemy?- you have to give up the hate you might have- you have to hope/desire good things for them- you have to give up the desire to pray curses upon themWhy would praying for an enemy change things?- helps change our own attitude- helps change them … maybe they were nasty to you because of other issues within their life you don’t know about- your prayer for them helps resolve some of those issues3.4 God’s Perfection Reflected through YouListen for a command that sounds impossible.Matthew 5:46-48 (NIV) If you