Mission

Sermon Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Sermon Outline
God intentionally sends His people into the world

1. Engage the world

  • v13 “You are the salt of the earth”

  • v13 “if salt has lost its taste… it is no longer good for anything…”

2. Reveal God

  • v14 “You are the light of the world”

  • v16 “Let your light shine… they may see your good works and give glory to your Father…”

  • v14 “a city set on a hill”

Prayer of Confession
Our Father in heaven, you have called us to yourself, and you have sent us into the world. We confess our stubbornness. We don’t come though you call. We wander. We are guilty of pride, fear, idolatry, and various sins and errors that weaken our love. You have left us here to serve for the good of the world, yet we have sought to have the world serve us. Our foolish ways have dimmed your brightness in us so that we have not sufficiently revealed your glory. Forgive our sin. Thank you for the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us this week to walk faithfully with you so that your good purposes are fulfilled in us. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

  1. What is the meaning of life?  Are there specific purposes for humanity and our existence?

  2. How can human beings draw out the goodness of the world?  What tasks do we do that make the world a better place or makes life better?

  3. How do people who live justly help limit the harmful effects of others in the world? 

  4. What specific interests, abilities, affinities, etc. do you have that contribute to making the world better?

  5. What keeps you from engaging the world?

  6. What is the source of your light?  What kinds of works do you do, and who do they glorify?

  7. How does looking to Jesus change us?  What are we to see? 

  8. How can others see Jesus in you?  What character traits, habits, or actions shines light into the lives of others?

  9. How can the church, as a community, have an impact in the world?  In what ways can the church reveal God’s glory?  How can the church make the world a better place?