Salt and Light

2. August 25th 2025 "Salt and Light"
Daniel Hasty

This sermon continues the Upside Down Kingdom series by exploring Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13–16, where He calls His followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Unlike every other religion that teaches people must work their way toward God, Christianity proclaims that salvation is by grace through faith alone — and good works flow out of that salvation, not into it. Jesus declares that Christians are salt, preserving what is good and making God’s ways “taste good” to the world, and light, shining visibly so others can see their good works and glorify the Father. The message challenges believers not to hide or blend in, but to live distinctly so that God’s plan of redemption reaches others through them.

Bible Verses:
Matthew 5:17, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:7, Ephesians 2:1-9, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 5:13, Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:15, Matthew 5:16

Primary Category: Sermon on the Mount

Keywords: Upside down kingdom, Salt and light, Matthew 5:13-16, Grace not works, Living out faith, Good works after salvation, Being a witness, Glorifying God, Distinct Christian living, Sharing your story, Jesus

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Light & Conversational Questions
1. If you had to choose — are you more of a “salt person” (snacks, chips) or a “sweet person” (chocolate, candy)?
2. Have you ever been inspired to make a change in your life because of someone else’s story or example?
3. What’s the brightest place you’ve ever been? What about the darkest?
4. Growing up, did your family ever use flashlights, lanterns, or candles during a power outage? Any funny stories?
5. Do you usually prefer to blend in with the crowd or stand out? Why?
6.What’s something small (like salt or light) that made a big difference for you recently?

Deeper Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus started with who we are (“you are salt and light”) instead of what we should do?
2. In what ways does being “salt” challenge us to live differently from the world?
3. What does it look like to “preserve” goodness and truth in your family, friendships, or workplace?
4. How can our lives make God “taste good” to others instead of bland or unappealing?
5. Jesus warns about salt losing its saltiness. What are some ways Christians can become “diluted” today?
6. What keeps us from letting our light shine openly for others to see?
7. How do good works point people toward God rather than back to ourselves?
8. Where have you seen someone else’s faithfulness inspire or strengthen your own?
9. How can we discern if our works are flowing from salvation instead of being an attempt to earn it?
10. What would change if you really believed God has prepared specific good works for you to do that no one else can?

Extend the Conversation Questions

1. Read Philippians 2:14–16. How does Paul’s call to “shine like stars in the world” expand on Jesus’ words about light?
2. Where do you see God giving you opportunities to be “salt and light” in your daily routines this week?
3. How can sharing your personal story (like Noah and Emily did) make a difference in someone else’s life?
4. What are some intentional ways your group could serve together as salt and light in your community?
5. Read 1 Peter 2:12. How does living differently among unbelievers bring glory to God, even if it’s misunderstood at first?

Worship Songs
Great Things    • Phil Wickham - Great Things (Official Lyri...  
Jesus We Love You    • Jesus We Love You (LIVE) - Paul McClure | ...  
More Like Jesus (Passion)    • Passion, Kristian Stanfill - More Like Jes...