City Group Guides: The Kingdom Week 2: “Salt and Light”
1. Setting the Kingdom Vision (10 min)
The Kingdom of God isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we embody.
Jesus never said, “Try to be salt and light.” He said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
This is the identity of Kingdom people: we carry the taste and brightness of Heaven wherever we go.
Salt preserves and brings out flavor; light reveals and guides.
Together, they describe a life that helps others encounter the goodness of God.
As we practice prayer and formation, we’re learning to live from our identity rather than striving for it.
Discussion:
When you think of “salt and light,” what images or feelings come to mind?
Who has been a “light” in your life—someone whose presence helped you see God more clearly?
In what ways do you think prayer helps us live as salt and light?
(Leader note: keep the conversation simple and personal; this sets the tone for openness.)
2. Guide Overview: The Kingdom’s Everyday Witness (2 min)
In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples that the world will see the Kingdom not through grand displays, but through ordinary goodness.
When the Spirit of God shapes our inner life, our outer life begins to shine.
Light doesn’t argue with darkness—it simply shines.
Salt doesn’t lecture food—it quietly transforms it.
That’s how the Kingdom spreads: through presence, character, and love made visible.
Tonight, we’ll practice noticing where God has already placed us to shine and how prayer can keep our saltiness alive.
3. Kingdom Practice: Living as Salt and Light (30 min)
Step 1: Read the Passage (5 min)
Read Matthew 5:13–16 aloud slowly.
Invite everyone to listen for one phrase that stands out or challenges them.
Pause a moment in silence.
Step 2: Reflect (5 min)
Ask quietly in prayer:
“Where have I lost my saltiness—where I’ve gone dull or disengaged?”
“Where might You be calling me to shine light this week?”
Keep two minutes of silence for everyone to listen and reflect.
Step 3: Share (10–15 min)
Invite each person to share one thought or story:
a place they want to bring light,
or a way they feel God inviting them to live with more flavor and grace.
After each share, the group can pray a short blessing like:
“Father, help [name] shine Your light in that space. Let Your Kingdom come through them.”
(Leader note: if the group is quiet, model a simple, honest share first.)
Step 4: Respond in Prayer (5 min)
Lead a brief time of group prayer.
Ask God to awaken fresh courage and joy in being His witnesses—small acts that carry big Kingdom weight: kindness, truth-telling, compassion, integrity.
4. Reflection: The Visibility of the Kingdom (5 min)
Read verse 16 again together:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Discuss briefly:
How can our “good deeds” point not to us but to the Father?
What are small, tangible ways our community can live this out—at work, school, or in our neighborhood?
Remind the group: Jesus never told us to manufacture light. He said we already are light. Prayer keeps the lamp burning bright.
5. Exercise for the Week Ahead (3 min)
Practice: “Notice and Name.”
Each day this week:
Ask God to show you one small way to be salt or light.
Act on it—serve, speak truth, encourage, forgive, or simply listen.
At night, name one moment where you saw the light of Christ in your day.
Bring one story next week to share—a moment where you sensed God using you to brighten or flavor your world.