Series: Kingdom of the Beloved Part 5: The Light Shines Brighter…
Preaching Text: Matthew 5:13-20
Supplemental Texts: Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16)
Preacher: Pastor Josh Kleinfeld
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silent prayer to center your heart.
Read Matthew 5:13-20. For fun, think of 5 ways that living like Jesus is like light and of another 5 ways that loving like Jesus is like salt.
What are ways that a believer can lose their saltiness?
What are ways that a disciple can hide their light?
What does Jesus mean by saying that his teaching is to fulfill the Law and the Prophets? How does his ministry connect to the Old Testament?
Read what God spoke through the old testament prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 58:1-12. What does this reveal about God’s desire for us?
How does this connect to and illuminate what Jesus says about Pharisees and teachers of the law in Matthew 5:20?
Is your family better or brighter because of your discipleship to Christ? What in your life needs to change to be more like salt and light in your family, workplace, and neighborhood? Consider some of the guidelines given in Isaiah.
Close in prayer. Pray for those you know who need the light of Christ. Ask God for strength and creativity to share the light.
Daily Readings
We’re in a 6 week series in Matthew. We’ve set up readings to get through the gospel in the 30 week days leading up to Lent. Here’s week 5!
Monday: Matthew 21
Tuesday: Matthew 22
Wednesday: Matthew 23
Thursday: Matthew 24
Friday: Matthew 25
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. Imagine resting with Jesus.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the verses slowly. Ask:
a. What does this teach me about God?
b. What does this teach me about God’s kingdom?
c. What needs to adjust in me to live according to His kingdom?
4. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.
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