Kingdom Influence Part 16 with Discussion Guide

BySteve

Kingdom Influence Part 16 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Steve continues the Kingdom Influence series by focusing on Jesus’ teaching about being ‘salt of the earth.’ He emphasizes that this is an identity statement – believers ARE salt, not trying to become salt. However, Jesus warns that salt can lose its saltiness, which represents Christians losing their distinctiveness and effectiveness in the world. This happens through drift – gradually absorbing cultural values instead of being shaped by Jesus. The solution is to remain connected to Jesus daily through His Word, prayer, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. Our influence in the world depends on our distinctiveness in Christ, not superiority or weirdness, but Christlikeness lived out through humility, mercy, integrity, and peace.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we thank You for calling us to be salt in this world. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be honest about areas where we may have lost our saltiness or begun to drift from You. Holy Spirit, speak to each person here in the way they need to hear from You today. Give us ears to hear and hearts ready to respond to Your truth. We surrender this time to You and ask that You would use it to draw us closer to Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s your favorite way to use salt in cooking, or what’s the saltiest food you’ve ever eaten?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:13
  • John 15:4-5
  • Hebrews 2:1
  • Romans 12:2
  • 1 Peter 2:12
  • Philippians 2:14-15
  • Colossians 2:6-7

Questions

  • What does it mean to you personally that Jesus says ‘You ARE the salt of the earth’ rather than ‘try to become salt’?
  • Pastor Steve mentioned that salt can lose its saltiness when other minerals are added to it. What are some ‘other minerals’ (cultural influences, distractions, etc.) that might dilute our effectiveness as Christians?
  • The sermon emphasized the danger of ‘drift’ – gradually absorbing cultural values instead of being shaped by Jesus. Can you think of an area where you’ve noticed this happening in your own life or in the church generally?
  • How do we balance living in the world while maintaining our distinctiveness as followers of Christ? What does this look like practically?
  • Pastor Steve quoted Hebrews 2:1 about paying ‘careful attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away.’ What practices help you stay attentive to God’s voice amid all the noise of daily life?
  • The passage from John 15 talks about remaining in Jesus like branches remain in a vine. What does ‘remaining in Jesus’ look like in your daily routine?
  • Paul instructs us to ‘do everything without grumbling or arguing.’ Why do you think this is connected to being effective salt in the world? How can we grow in this area?
  • How can we tell the difference between being distinctively Christian versus being weird or superior? What should our distinctiveness actually look like?

Life Application

This week, pay careful attention to what voices and influences are shaping your thinking and opinions. Identify one specific area where you may have begun to ‘drift’ or blend in with cultural values rather than reflect Christ. Choose one daily practice (Bible reading, prayer, worship, etc.) that will help you stay more connected to Jesus as your source, and commit to it for the next seven days.

Key Takeaways

  • Being ‘salt of the earth’ is an identity given by Jesus, not something we achieve through effort
  • Salt loses effectiveness when other substances dilute it – similarly, we lose our distinctiveness when we absorb cultural values instead of being shaped by Jesus
  • Drift happens gradually when we stop paying careful attention to what is shaping us
  • Our influence in the world depends on our distinctiveness in Christ, demonstrated through Christlike character
  • Staying connected to Jesus daily through His Word, prayer, and yielding to the Holy Spirit is essential to maintaining our ‘saltiness’

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be salt in this world and for the privilege of partnering with You to make a difference. Help us to stay close to You each day, remaining connected to You as our source. Show us areas where we may have begun to drift, and give us the grace to turn back to You. Keep us from losing our distinctiveness, not through pride or superiority, but through genuine Christlikeness. May our lives this week reflect Your love, mercy, and truth in ways that draw others to You. Help us to do everything without grumbling or arguing, overflowing instead with thankfulness. We commit to staying salty for Your glory and for the sake of those around us who need to see You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

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