The trumpet you played in high school, encased and gathering dust in the closet, may just be a treasure chest. What if you played it again? Led a marching band? Played The Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl? God has a plan and purpose for us all. What’s yours?
Notes And Next Steps
Matthew 5:13-20 + Part 2 of the series “The Savior's Sermon"
 

You are just the right person to make just the right difference.

“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 underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13)

The salting of sacrifices was not for taste but to indicate that the covenant, or promise, of God changes things. (Leviticus 2:13)

“You are someone special I want on my side.” (Philippians 2:13-16)

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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.” (Matthew 5:14,15)

Your good deeds can’t be hidden.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

“If we don’t live and love and offer in ways we are gifted to do, even if we’re still growing, then the world will be missing what is ours alone to offer.” Why might we belittle others making a difference? Why might we use their giftedness as an excuse for us to shrink back? Which words of Jesus show us a better way? Discuss 1 Corinthians 12.

Discussion Questions

“If we don’t live and love and offer in ways we are gifted to do, even if we’re still growing, then the world will be missing what is ours alone to offer.” Why might we belittle others making a difference? Why might we use their giftedness as an excuse for us to shrink back? Which words of Jesus show us a better way? Discuss 1 Corinthians 12. 
“Sometimes Christians are either silent in our witness, or screaming so loudly that our coworkers, family, friends and neighbors can’t hear us.” Which direction do you lean—silent or screaming? What encouragement in today’s sermon helps you improve your witness? Discuss Philippians 2:13-16.
Tell about a time you made a positive difference for someone? Tell about a time that your words or actions helped someone see God. Discuss 1 Peter 2:9,12.