Reflection of Perfection

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Reflection of Perfection

• March 8

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This is a quiz

• Lets see how much we know about the history of
  salt view the quiz
• Heres the answers
• Today we look at how Jesus used the idea of salt
  to emphasize how believers can affect the
  surrounding world

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Be Effective in Our World

• What are some qualities of salt, how do we use
  it?
• Listen for what Jesus says about problems with
  salt.
• Matthew 513 (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.

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Be Effective in Our World

• What did Jesus say about salt when it becomes
  worthless?
• ? 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 impurities

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Be Effective in Our World

• In what ways do believers today lose their value
  to society by becoming mixed with impurities?
• What are some issues prevalent in todays society
  in which the preservative nature of Christian
  faith is desperately needed?
• What are some actions we can take preserve
  righteousness in society?

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Listen for how the believers 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.

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Glorify God Reflect His Light

• We dont hide a light it defeats the purpose
  what are we supposed to do with a light
• What does Jesus say we should do since we are
  the light of the world?
• In what ways is our world, our culture, our
  society a dark place that needs light?

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Glorify God Reflect His Light

• How then do we let our light shine before men?
• Who has been a light of the world in your life
  who has demonstrated that kind of Spirit filled
  influence through good works?
• Thank God for this person
• Consider how you might pass on their positive
  influence by being a light in the lives of people
  within your sphere of influence.

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Selfless Love Shows Godliness

• Why is it easier to love some people more than
  others?
• Listen for reasons why we should love our enemies
  (and maybe the weird people).

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Listen for reasons why we should love our enemies.

• Matthew 543-45 (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.

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Selfless Love Shows Godliness

• What reasons does Jesus give here for loving our
  enemies?
• If our holy God is able to exhibit grace and
  mercy to everyone, why is it difficult for us to
  be like Him?
• What would have to happen in your heart in order
  for you to be able to pray for an enemy?
• Why would praying for an enemy change things?

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Listen for a command that sounds impossible.

• Matthew 546-48 (NIV) If you love those who love
  you, what reward will you get? Are not even the
  tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet
  only your brothers, what are you doing more than
  others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be
  perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
  perfect.

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Gods Perfection Reflected through You

• How does choosing to love only those who love you
  show disrespect for God and for others?
• Why would an employer require a worker to sign an
  ethics statement or a statement of faith (if the
  employer was a religious organization)?

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Gods Perfection Reflected through You

• According to this passage, God expects perfection
  from believers. Why do you think would He expect
  so much?
• ? Positionally before God, we are made perfect,
  we are justified
• ? We are being made perfect each day as we
  surrender, submit to the control of Gods Holy
  Spirit in our lives

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Application

• When you shake salt onto food you cannot
  precisely control where it lands.
• Consider that God allows us to be used by Him in
  many different situations
• It might not be on a witnessing team
• It might be in a passing encounter
• It might be in a daily workplace relationship
• We cannot control where our saltiness might be
  used by God

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Application

• Many people compartmentalize religion and say it
  should not affect other areas of life
• Followers of Christ should make a difference out
  in the world
• Jesus did not want just religious talk
• Jesus wants life changing actions
• Ask God to show you how you can make a difference
  outside the church building this week

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Application

• What enemies do you have that you need to be
  praying for and being nice to?
• An ornery neighbor
• Someone at work
• A not so friendly competitor
• A goofy relative
• ? Resolve to pray Gods blessings on them daily

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Reflection of Perfection

• March 8