GOING DEEPER
08.18.2019 | “12 WORDS | Wk 12: Self-Centeredness”
Join the community and go deeper with this Bible study.
Breaking Ground
Share a story about a time when you got to share big news with someone. What was it? How did they respond?
The Dig
What first comes to your mind when you think about being a “messenger” in the spiritual context? Do you have positive or negative thoughts when you hear it?
Next, read Matthew 5:13-16.
What stands out to you when you hear these two metaphors?
Central to the metaphor is that neither the salt, nor the light, tries to be what they are – they just simply are salt & light.
How does this impact how you understand sharing your faith with other people? Does that fit how you’ve seen spirituality & faith shared in the past?
Next, take time to talk through each of the metaphors.
Start with salt. This was an important commodity in the ancient world, especially when it came to preserving foods & adding flavor to meals.
How does this impact how you understand Jesus using this metaphor for us?
What do you think this says about how we are supposed to live in the world?
Next, think back to the sermon and the various ways that light was understood differently in the ancient world:
- No electricity, so it took work to get fire/light.
- Crucial for warmth.
- Sign of safety & security.
- Was used to point people home.
Which of these do you connect to the most? How do they inform what Jesus is telling his disciples to be & do in this teaching?
What does Jesus see as the outcome when we fail to do these things well? How does self-centeredness play into what he is saying?
Finally, close by talking about the idea that we are blessed to be a blessing.
What blessing in your life (your story, your time, your talents, your treasures) do you struggle with letting go of or giving away for God’s Kingdom? Why do you struggle with this?
What might it look like to try & be more generous in this area of your life?
Getting Out of the Hole
Continue reflecting on what you are working to change & grow in during this season (see: Going Deeper for Control for context). This week, take time to think about how you can give back. Look into volunteering & service at Element3 Church & reach out to a ministry leader. Just commit to trying out in that area for 1 month & see what happens!
Additional Resources*
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church & the Biblical Story by Michael Goheen
Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, August 25: Join us for our new series Practice Makes Permanent, where we will be looking at baptism, communion, & child-dedications as key practices of the church!
* Please see mye3.org for details.