Category: Pursuit of Happiness

Matthew 5:38-48 // Outrageous Love

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something bizarre you’ve seen that stopped you in your tracks?

Leader Note: Help your group think out of the box here, invite humor, crazy things that happen or we see that seem to come out of nowhere. Transition your group by saying something like… “just as these things cause us to stop and take notice, the words of Jesus in this passage would have been absolute crowd stoppers.” Here are some things are team came up with if you need a little help getting this conversation going! 

  • A man riding a bike in our neighborhood with a parrot on his shoulder
  • An intoxicated person in a “spider-man” costume falling of a sidewalk
  • Someone carrying a baby calf on his back while driving a motor bike
  • A sidewalk “sign waiver” breakdancing on the street corner

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Matthew 5:38-48

What do you learn about outrageous love from the passage? 

  • It goes against what most people think, say and do
  • It’s more the what’s expected, above and beyond vs. the bare minimum  
  • It’s selfless and generous
  •  It’s dangerous, risky
  • Pray is a part of it but it also takes effort, active not passive, you have to do something, turn your cheek, give your shirt, go the extra mile
  • It does not demand or even expect anything in return
  • It doesn’t not pursue revenge, leaves issues of justice to God.

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does it look like to meet hate with hate, where have you seen it?

What does it look like to meet hate with love, where have you seen it?

 

Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about where they have seen the principles of the passage in the world today. Have they actually seen or heard about someone loving this way… what did that look like, what were the defining characteristics? What stories, examples, can you think of where people don’t live this way and what does that look like?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

When was a time someone showed you outrageous love?

Leader Note: While we want our group to discuss where they need to live this way it is helpful to talk about where they’ve given this type of love. This will not only invite emotion but cause people to see that in many ways I have been the offender and need to receive this type of love from others. Recognizing our own need for this compels us to offer it to others.

Where do you struggle to extend outrageous love and what steps can you take to live this way?

Leader Note: Use caution in this question as we never want to excuse any form of abusive behavior. Identifying the person or the situation where we need to live this out does not make the action or behavior ok. By choosing love we take the control away from the abuser and put our trust in God to make things right.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if you actually lived this way? How would others see Jesus, how would they be impacted?

Key Verse: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you – Matthew 5:44

Key Thought: Jesus calls his followers to live out outrageous love!

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Matthew 25:31-46 // Do Good, Be Generous

Lean In // 5 minutes

Leader note: This week a simple question and image has polarized people into two camps.  Click the link below and have group members answer the question.  Make sure to watch your time as the question is simply intended to be fun and create energy.  Don’t spend more than 5 minutes on the question.

Click here: White/Gold or Black/Blue?

What color is the dress?

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Matthew 25:31-46

What separates sheep from goats?

Sample answers may include…

  • Sheep respond with:
    • Action- food for the hungry & water for the thirsty
    • Engaging the stranger
    • Compassion- visiting the prisoner
    • Care for the sick
    • Obedience- Serving others is the same as serving Jesus
    • Seeing and identifying with the “least of these”
  • Goats respond with:
    • In-action
    • Indifference
    • Complacency
    • Rationalization- “why” help is not needed
    • Self-centeredness
    • Belief that the least are unimportant

What’s the surprise in the story?

Commentary: The surprise is found in how the people responded to the poor, needy, marginalized, and broken. 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Who are the “least of these” in our world today? 

Sample answers could include…

  • Hungry/Thirsty – Physically hungry/thirsty, seeking fulfillment & life
  • Stranger – Outsider, the immigrant, marginalized,
  • Without clothes – Homeless, vulnerable, human trafficking
  • Sick – Mentally ill, shut-in, physically handicap
  • Prisoner – Addicts, broken, indebted, broken relationships, depressed

Leader note: Go through each of the categories Jesus highlights in the passage and put together a full list of who would be included in each one before moving on to the next question.  Consider the emotional, physical, spiritual, geographical, financial, and relational factors.

An experiment: Integrating Love, Truth, Justice, & Peace

Leader note: We tend to lean toward one characteristic more than the others.  So, when we see a person described as “the least of these” we tend to react with love, truth, justice, or peace. 

As a Look Out experiment, choose a category from the “least of these” question (listed above) and divide your group into four groups.  Depending on their category, group members will only give voice for either love, truth, justice, or peace.  So, group members in the love category will speak up for the “least of these” through only a perspective of love while group members in the truth category will give voice for their perspective through a lens of truth, and so on and so forth. 

*Please remind everyone that it is only an experiment!

Sample Story: Mike pulls up to a traffic light and discovers a person standing on the side of the road holding a sign.  The Love Group responds by finding a way to help the person by rolling down the window and giving them something.  The Truth Group responds by thinking, “They made decisions that have led to this circumstance and I know that helping can only further the hurt.”  The Justice Group responds by advocating for the poor and needy and how they never received the same opportunities as others.  And, the Peace Group responds by trying to harmonize the different ways to help the person in need.

Look In // 15 minutes

Leader note: With the definitions of the “least of these” listed above and in mind, lead group members through these questions.  Don’t let the group settle for just the usual talking points like homelessness or immigration.  Rather, encourage group members to go deeper.

Where have you recently seen someone in need?  How did you respond?

What could it look like to integrate love, truth, justice, & peace for those in need?

Leader note: As the leader, pay attention to group member’s stories and themes so that you can possibly respond to helping those in need as a group.

How could your group respond to the needs in your community?

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would happen in our community and world if we unleashed good deeds and generosity?

Leader Note: This weekend is our Be Fearless campaign where we are unleashing good deeds and generosity.  If you are looking for opportunities to serve, please click this link: Be Fearless.  There are five events to serve with one goal in mind: To fearlessly change the world for Jesus Christ.  Here are the events:

Saturday, March 7-

  • Boys and Girls Club Work Project Irvine – 8:30a-12n
  • Kids Around The World – 10:30a-1p

Saturday, March 14-

  • Boys and Girls Club Work Project Costa Mesa – 8:30a-12n

Saturday, March 21-

  • Lighthouse Community Centers Work Project – 8:30a- 12:30p
  • Medical Clinic at Christian Arabic Church – 8a- 3p

Key Verse(s): For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. – 1 Timothy 6:18

Key Thought: Do good for those who can’t and won’t do anything for you.

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 // Giving Is Living

Lean In // 5 minutes
 
What something you’ve bought that was a total waste of money?
 
Leader Note: Keep this question light and encourage everyone to play. In couples group it’s probably not a great idea to have them talk about what they think their partner wastes money on! Think of informercial products, silly trinkets, things that end up in the trash or in storage in a few weeks.
 
Transition your group by saying something like… “when it comes to our finances there’s one thing that we can all generally agree on, there never seems to quite enough of it do to all things we want to do. We want to spend time in this discussion looking at how the scriptures shape our view wealth and generosity.”
 
You may also want to quickly review week 8 of Rooted where we discussed how although we don’t see our think of ourselves as being “rich” that living in Orange County automatically puts us within the top of the worlds richest economies. We are rich in opportunities, resources and possessions, especially when you consider the baseline for much of the world’s population. We are “those who are rich in this present world.”
 
Look Down // 10 minutes
 
 
What does this passage say about wealth?
 
Sample answers…
  • Wealth can lead to arrogance – creates a false sense of security
  • You can’t put your hope in it
  • Wealth isn’t something you can count on, put your hope in
  • God alone gives us wealth, trust in his provision
  • God gives us wealth so we can be generous, share with others
  • Generosity produces a richness in us that we can’t get anywhere else
  • God wants us to be rich, experience wealth, in doing good deeds
  • Wealthy people are the ones who understand it’s all from God
  • Wealthily people use what God has given them to bless and serve others
  • Giving leads to true life/treasure that extends beyond this world
 
Look Out // 10 minutes
 
What are the traps people fall into because of wealth?
 
Sample answers…
  • No one can tell me what to do you.. I have money so I know everything
  • Creates a false sense of power and entitlement
  • Thinking it makes me secure
  • I own what I have, I earned it and can do whatever I want with it
  • My worth is equal to my bank account
  • Wealth buys happiness
  • Wealth is the answer to all of lives questions
  • Selfishness and greed, can’t get enough of it
  • Debt, chase after it, live outside of my means
  • Creates worry, anxiety, always concerned “how my money is doing”
  • Disconnect you from the needs of others, out of touch with other’s needs
  • I’m smarter, I work harder
Leader Note: Invite stories here for where people have seen others fall into traps because of their thinking and actions concerning wealth. For example, it someone answers… “it creates a false sense of security” ask them where they have seen that.
 
Look In // 15 minutes
 
What traps have you fallen into regarding wealth and money?
 
Sample answers…
  • Thinking what I have is mine, I earned it and I can do whatever I want with it
  • That it will solve all my problems, if I only had a little more then I would be happy
  • Wealth will improve the ways people see me, give me prestige
  • Worry that I won’t have enough, can’t trust that God will really meet my needs
  • Money gives me ability control others, makes me a person of authority and influence
  • People who don’t have significant wealth are a waste of time, thinking less of them
  • Uncertain… now that I have it, I can’t live without
  • If I had more I could give more, I’ll give have enough, when I’m taking care of
  • That giving doesn’t really bring me peace, I do it out of obligation
  • Ownership
 
What do you need to believe about God to get out of that trap?
 
Sample answers…
  • That everything I have comes from him, he owns it all
  • My identity comes from how God sees me, not in my wealth
  • That God knows my needs and he will take care of me
  • That giving is a command that is for my benefit, not my punishment
Leader Note: There are two main things we want our groups to see in this passage. Firstly, that we can’t place our hope and trust in our wealth. Secondly, that God calls us to be “rich in good deeds” through the ways we use what he has given us to bless and serve others. The first understanding is a matter of changing our perspective and the second is one of practice. Shift your group with the next question to focus on what it could look like to practice generosity for the sake of others.
 
What could we as a group and as individuals do to be “rich in good needs”
 
Leader Note: Encourage your group to dream about what it could look like to commit to giving regular with their time, talents and treasures. What are the needs in your community that you could rally around together? We believe that God has unquietly placed our groups together for a reason that goes way beyond us simply meeting together for our own encouragement! He wants to use your group serve and bless others. 
 
Live It Out // 5 minutes
 
What if we made generosity a normal expression of our group? What would change around us?
 
Leader Note: Outreach Weekend is next weekend! Set your group up this week by telling them that you’ll have an opportunity to give and serve together, to put this week’s discussion into practice.

Key Verse: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God. 1 Timothy 6:17a

Key Thought: God owns everything

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 // I Like Giving

Lean In // 5 minutes

What do people worry about today when it comes to money?

Sample answers…

  • Cost of sending kids to school
  • Having enough for retirement
  • Living “pay check to pay check”
  • Never benign able to get of debt
  • Never having enough
  • Having more than the “next guy”
  • Loosing it all – how to protect and invest it safely

Leader Note: Pay attention to the answers as your group may answer in the third person but it may actually be what they are worried about and it will come up again later in this discussion.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

What does the passage say about generosity?

Leader Note: Remember to keep your group engaged with the passage. Encourage them to put it into their own words while not straying from the meaning of the passage. Ask them to point to the verse when they give their observations.

Sample answers may include…

  • You will have enough
  • There’s a connection between what you plant and harvest (give and receive)
  • It’s a decision, a choice… a free non-forced choice
  • When we choose to give it should be an all in choice, because we want to
  • God loves when people give with joy
  • God is in control of the return
  • God promises to take of you, give you all you need
  • God wants to give to you so that you will have more to give to others, not just keep it for yourself
  • God want’s to enrich us in every way to bless others – not limited to just money
  • When we give others get to experience the heart of God
  • When we give God gets the glory
  • Giving is a sign of an obedient follower

Look Out // 10 minutes

What happens when we live with financial fear and worry?

Sample answers may include…

  • We hold on to what we have, less likely to give anything
  • Our relationships take on stress, they suffer
  • We make decisions based of desperation
  • We feel less free to take risks in life
  • We can see past our current troubles, no vision for the future

Look In // 20 minutes

Where do you worry about your finances?

How can this passage address your worries?

Leader note: Have your group choose one or two verses or truths from the passage that directly address their worries. Have them put into a sentence, I worry about ____________ but I choose to believe that _____________________. Have them claim the promises from this passage as a way to move from worry to trust.

For example…
I worry that I won’t have enough money for retirement but I choose to believe that God is able to bless me abundantly, and give me all I need

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in your heart and relationships if you help onto the God’s promises about generosity?

Key Verse(s):  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Key Thought: God will meet our needs

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Matthew 6:1-4 // Journey to Generosity

Lean In // 5 minutes

Would you rather receive an Oscar or a Grammy?  Why?

Leader note: We love awards so much that we even like to watch people receive awards.  Use this question to transition into the Look Down section and highlight how people think the only thing better than receiving an award is receiving a public reward!

Look Down // 10 minutes

What do you learn about the generosity of the Scribes and Pharisees?

Read Matthew 6:1-4

Sample answers may include…

  • It was for show
  • Desired honor from others
  • Wanted the immediate reward
  • Gave them prestige
  • Looked to be celebrated
  • Tooted their own horn
  • It was hypocritical

What does Jesus say about practicing generosity?

Sample answers may include…

  • God’s reward is now and in the future
  • The Pharisees and Scribes’ reward was simply the praise of the people
  • The Disciple’s generosity received God’s reward
  • Giving is for the audience of God—Give in secret (v. 4)
  • Generosity is a when and not an if—When you give…(vv. 2-3)
  • Generosity is a practice from a changed heart (v. 1)

Commentary: The challenge with the Scribes and Pharisee’s giving was that it was to be seen by others rather than focusing their giving for God to be seen.  As a result, Jesus refers to them as hypocrites (v. 2).  The image of a hypocrite is an actor with a script that is playing to an audience.  Jesus highlighted the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees because they were giving to be seen as generous rather than giving as a response from a changed and generous heart.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does a life of generosity look like? What does a life not lived generously look like?

Leader Note: This question is designed to get your group thinking about how the biblical principal of generosity works in our world today. Invite your group to share stories where they’ve seen generosity displayed through someone they know and likewise where they may have seen the effects of greed. Let your group know that their examples don’t just have to be about money… i.e time, gifts ect.

Look In // 15 minutes

What holds you back from giving generously?

Sample answers may include…

  • Fear that I won’t have enough
  • The desire to keep more of my money
  • I want recognition for my giving
  • My small amount doesn’t matter
  • The Church doesn’t need my money
  • I want to control how my giving is used

What steps do you need to take to move at generosity?

Sample answers may include…

  • Believe that God is good and trustworthy
  • Realize that my money really belongs to God
  • Take a step of faith:
    • Give for the first time
    • Give regularly rather than randomly
    • Give generously and sacrificially

Where have you experienced God’s rewards through your giving?

Leader Note: There are people in your group that have experienced God’s goodness through their giving.  This is a good opportunity to share stories and hear how God has moved in their lives.  It’s not so they can be seen but rather to inspire the faith of others.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in our community and relationships if we became more generous?

Key Verse(s): Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  – Matthew 6:4

Key Thought: Take the journey to generosity.

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Matthew 5:21-26 // The Anger Games

Lean In // 5 minutes

What makes you angry?

Sample answers may include…

  • Waiting at the DMV
  • Traffic – getting cut off
  • Kids disobedience
  • Vandalism
  • Poor restaurant service

Leader Note: Pay attention to each person’s answer, as it more than likely will give insight into the area they struggle with themselves.

Leader Note: Transition your group to the text by saying something like… “Anger is nothing new! It’s one of the human emotions that has always been around and will continue to exist. Let’s look together and what Jesus has to say about anger.”

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Matthew 5:21-26

What is the danger of anger?

Sample answers may include…

  • Makes us subject to judgment
  • Puts our souls is in jeopardy
  • Brings hell to earth
  • Enslaves us
  • Destroys relationships
  • Creates crippling debt
  • There’s danger in thinking types of anger are ok, just words or thoughts

What does Jesus say about dealing with anger?

Sample answers may include..

  • Dealing with anger is a priority, before we offer our worship
  • It’s personal and requires an action “go and be reconciled to that person”
  • Deal with it quickly, don’t let it linger, build loving relationships now
  • The longer you let it go the more accountable you become

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does it look like to have anger under control?

Sample answers may include…

  • Keeping it to yourself, frustration
  • When it’s restrained, not expressed outwardly
  • Words muttered under your breath
  • When it’s a one time event
  • When it’s masked with sarcastic or coupled with humor

What does it look like to loose control of anger?

Sample answers may include..

  • When it turns violent, physical
  • Slander, using words to inflict pain, cursing
  • When it’s repetitive

Leader Note: Another way to frame this question is… “how far is too far with anger?” The point of this question is have your group wrestle with the idea of “How good is good enough.” Throughout the sermon on the mount Jesus combats this idea that there are managble and measurable lines that make us holy and un-holy.

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you tolerated anger?

Leader Note: Another way to ask this question may be… “Where have you allowed anger to take hold of you?” You’re looking for personal examples, relationships and situations here. Model and encourage honesty by being the first to answer this question.

Where have you been the offender?

Leader Note: Set up this question by first drawing your groups attention to the two illustrations Jesus uses in verses 23 – 25. Notice that in both examples Jesus illustrates the person as the one who has caused the offense… “someone has something against you” and “your accuser.” Jesus is very intentional in these examples. Letting go of anger requires taking ownership of where we have played the part of the “offender.” In this we move past blame and resentment and move toward honesty, vulnerability and forgiveness.

Leader Note: Tie this in with the above response. Challenge yourself and your group to think about their part as the offender, where and how they have have instigated or held onto to anger. Of course this may not be the case in situations of abuse and violence. Use care and caution as you move forward with this question.

What would it look like to ask for forgiveness?

Leader Note: As you ask this question be sure to also highlight for your group what forgiveness is and what it is not. Again, be clear that this may not be the case in situation of abuse and violence.

Forgiveness is…

  • Motivation: God forgave me
  • You owe, I pay
  • Refusing isolation, bitterness and vengence
  • Trusting God to make it right

Forgiveness is not…

  • Excusing, justifying or denying
  • Pardoning, letting of consequences
  • I heal myself, anger, taking control
  • Reconciliation. It takes one person to forgive but two to be reconciled

This is the gospel, recognizing our part in sin and admitting that we are helpless in making ourselves clean.

This is what God has done for us
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

This is what God calls us to do
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionated to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Live it Out // 5 minutes

What would change in your relationships if you lived this way?

Key Verse(s): “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! Matthew 5:21-22

Key Thought: In order to deal with anger we need to see our part as the offender and take the humble posture of seeking out forgiveness, 

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Matthew 5:17-20 // All About That Grace

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some headlines that have captured your attention? 

Sample answers may include…

  • OJ Simpson
  • North Korea and the release of The Interview.
  • Justin Beber and Salena Gomez are back together.
  • Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant’s “no catch” call.
  • Fire pit removal of Newport Beach.

Leader note: There are lot of headlines that provide controversy. This week we are going to look at some words from Jesus that would have instigated controversy in the ears of the hearers.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Leader note: Give your group the Look Down question before reading the passage.

What do you learn about the law?

Read Matthew 5:17-20

Sample answers may include…

  • Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.
  • Every part of the law matters to Jesus.
  • If you set aside, minimize or trivialize the law, then you are considered least in the kingdom.
  • Scribes and Pharisees were thought of as righteous followers of the law.

Commentary: The Law and the Prophets encompassed the biblical texts of Jesus day. By fulfilling every part down to the smallest part, Jesus is placing the highest value on all of Scripture. The “righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees” represents the religious leaders’ attempt to make the law manageable and serve their own purposes, which looks like legalism. Jesus is challenging their attempts to earn their way to God’s blessing. Therefore, a righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees is a different kind of righteousness – one that God always intended. It is a righteousness that captures every part of the law including the spirit of the law because it is empowered by God’s Spirit. This kind of righteousness is available to all, not just the spiritual elite (Scribes and Pharisees), and comes through God’s love offered to us through Jesus.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do people pick and choose the rules they follow?  

Sample answers could include…

  • Dieting
  • Jaywalking
  • Media piracy
  • Texting and driving
  • “Where is the line?” (about anything)

Where do people pick and choose with God? 

Sample answers could include…

  • “White lies”
  • Generosity
  • Living in community
  • “How far is too far”
  • Sabbath
  • Serving others

Leader note: Divorce may come up in this question. This topic will be handled directly in two weeks. It may serve the group to delay discussion around divorce until then to give the topic adequate space to unpack.  

Look In // 15 minutes

What do you do on the outside while hoping for change on the inside?

Sample answers could include…

  • I feel bad, so I serve others to feel better about myself.
  • I give money because I want to be a good person.
  • I do the right thing so I don’t feel guilty on the inside.

When you follow the rules, what are your expectations?

Sample answers could include…

Following the rules means:

    • I won’t be disappointed, or hurt.
    • Things will always work out.
    • God will only bless me if I follow the rules.
  • If I take care of myself and have good health, I won’t get cancer.

Leader note: It will be helpful to review the syllogism below Kenton used in the message as you discuss the following Look In questions.

Legalism/Contract: I obey God >> God sees my obedience >> God accepts me and blesses me

Grace/Covenant: God loves, accepts and blesses >> I see God’s love >> I obey God

That we obey is as important as why we obey. The why reveals our attitude behind what we do. If we expect God to love and bless us because we obey, we miss the grace covenant. God loves us, period. And it is His love that empowers us to obey (Phil. 2:13).

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would it look like to follow Jesus because you are loved? 

Leader Note: The question makes the assumption that sometimes we do what is right hoping God will love us in return. The reality is he already loves us deeply and blesses us. This reality gives us the motivation to pursue Him and be a blessing to others.

Key Verse(s): For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

Key Thought: We are loved beyond comprehension not because we pursue God, but so we can pursue Him. This is true happiness.

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

 

Matthew 5:13-16 // Light It Up: Pursuit of Happiness

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s your favorite bag of chips? 

Leader note: Use this question to engage your group and get everyone playing.  Make it fun by having group members describe the brand, flavor, etc.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Leader note: Give your group the Look Down question before reading the passage.  For this week’s study, the passage is taken from The Message translation.

What does Jesus say about why we are here?

Read Matthew 5:13-16

Sample answers may include…

  • To be Salt of the earth, bring out the God flavors of everything (v.13)
  • To be Light of the world, illuminating God’s truth (v.14)
  • To be like cities on a hill, refuge and guidance (v.14)
  • To be like lamps that give light in everyone (v.15)
  • To do good deeds that cause people to praise God (v.16)
  • To be open with others—generous with our lives (v. 15)

Commentary: In Jesus’ culture, salt was very important to every day life and had multiple uses.  It was even used as a medium of exchange in commercial ventures like money.  One of the primary uses was a preservative.  Before refrigeration, people would rub salt into their fish or meat to delay it from decaying.  Salt was also used to enhance the flavor of food.  Light, too, was significant in the ancient world as it illuminated the darkness both metaphorically and practically. 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Leader Note: Before asking this next question prompt your group to recall the two qualities that both salt and light offer from the sermon.  The author says that disciples are here to be salt-seasoning that bring out the God-flavors of the earth and to be light that brings out the God-colors of the world.  Salt is a preservative and enhancer.  Light is illuminates what is beautiful about God.  With these thoughts in mind, lead the questions.

How are the God-flavors preserved in our world? 

Sample answers could include…

  • Speaking truth—giving a voice to the voiceless
  • Standing for justice issues
  • Living ethically
  • Being good neighbors
  • Building healthy marriages and families

How are the God-colors illuminated? 

Sample answers could include…

  • Being creative—writing, painting, starting businesses, etc.
  • Through generosity—giving our time, talent, and treasure
  • Bringing beauty to our places of work through excellence
  • Discovering and living out our calling and purpose

How are the flavors spoiled and the colors hidden?

Sample answers could include…

  • Cut off from God
  • Selfishness
  • Busyness
  • Sin
  • Worry/Anxiety

Look In // 15 minutes

Where has God uniquely placed you to be salt and light?

Leader Note: No matter where you are placed there is still opportunity to bring the God-flavors and the God-colors to your unique life positioning.

How are you living this out? 

Where do you hold back?  And, why?

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in our community and relationships if you lived this out?

Key Verse(s): Let me tell you why you are here.  You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth…You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…Matthew 5:13,14 (The Message)

Key Thought: Light it up and pass the salt.

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Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.