For The Week Of February 6 2022

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All Nations Church

Life Group Study

Matthew 5:13-16

Week of February 6^th, 2022

Study by Wayne Arcand

 

In this study, we will look at two passages of scripture, Psalm 1 in the Old Testament and Matthew 5:13-16 in the New Testament in that order. As we consider the text, we will see how well the Old Testament relates to the New Testament.

Enjoy.

 

Psalm 1 (NIV)

¹ Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

⁴ Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

 

1. As we consider verse 1 and 2 of Psalm 1:
   1. Can you combine phrases or sentences that make a positive statement?
      1. How would following this positive practise prevent a person from living a life or doing things where they are not blessed?
   2. What is the opposite of “blessed is the one”?
      1. Considering the opposite of being blessed, what is the warning in these verses?

 

2. Verse 3 is rich in meaning. Read the verse and consider:
   1. What is this verse an analogy for?
   2. Who is the stream of living water?
   3. What does the phrase “which yields it’s fruit in season” suggest to you?
      1. What do you think takes place in our lives before we yield fruit?
      2. Since this verse does not suggest a time frame, what do you think will determine when our season is?
   4. Why does the leaf not wither?
   5. What is the key to “whatever they do prospers”?
   6. Rewrite this verse as it applies to you. I am …….

 

3. What is the connection between most of verse 1 and verses 4 and 5?

 

4. What is the promise and the warning from verse 6?

 

5. Summarize in two or three sentences the message from Psalm 1.

 

Matthew 5 (NIV): Salt and Light

13 “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.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 

How can salt lose it’s saltiness? According to scholars, salt in that area came from salt marshes southwest of the Dead Sea. This salt had impurities in it that would cause the salt to deteriorate and loose it’s saltiness. At that point it was thrown out. Even today in Israel, that salt is spread on flat roofs to harden the soil and prevent leaks. That is where the children play, so the salt is literally trampled underfoot.

 

6. Who is the authour referring to in these verses?
   1. How do we become the salt of the earth?

 

7. What is the purpose of salt?
   1. How does this analogy apply to the follower of Jesus?

 

8. What is the purpose of light?
   1. How does this analogy apply to followers of Jesus?
   2. What is the purpose of letting your light shine?
   3. What impact might this have on an unbeliever?

 

9. What are examples of how we can be salt and light in the world?
   1. Where does this start?

 

10. Summarize the message from this passage of scripture.

 

Discussion Question:

Reread the two passages we are studying today and consider the guidance we are finding in these verses for living our life. What parallels can you find between the two passages?

 

Pray that the Lord would empower you with the Spirit of wisdom and discernment that you might be salt and light in your world.