Out of This Worldنموونە

Day 3) The Way We View Purpose

What Should We Know About Reaching People?

1) The Reward Is Worth It

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12 ESV)

As Christians, our purpose is to glorify God by sharing Him with others. While the journey of reaching people is the most fulfilling way to live, it can also be incredibly challenging. That’s why we must begin with a deep understanding of the end. When we reach the conclusion of our lives, we will enter into an eternal reality that is far greater than we can possibly imagine—a perfect relationship with God in a perfect environment, much like the Garden of Eden He created in the beginning. No matter how difficult our purpose becomes, we can keep going when we remember the reward for perseverance.

2) The Responsibility Is Ours

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 5:13-15 ESV)

God gives salt its flavor; He is the life behind all cities; and He is the source of all light. However, Jesus’ warning is clear: even though the source of strength is sufficient, it is our responsibility to position ourselves so that the flavor of God’s grace and the light of His unmatched hope can shine freely through us. Instead of allowing fear to hold us back, we must boldly share the incredible message of His life, death and resurrection with those He places in our path.

3) The Results Are His

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

The world loves to measure success through numbers and tangible outcomes, but God’s measurement system goes much deeper. The world emphasizes recognition and praise for achievements, but we know that all glory and praise belong to Him alone. In your pursuit of reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, make sure your heart is postured to give all the glory to Him.

Big Idea: Reaching people with the Gospel is both our calling and our challenge—but the reward is eternal and the results belong to God. When we live as salt and light in the world, our faithful obedience brings glory to the Father and points others to the hope found only in Him.

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) When the challenges of reaching others feel overwhelming, how can an eternal perspective (like the reward in heaven) help us stay motivated and faithful? Can you share a time when remembering the bigger picture helped you persevere in a difficult season?

Question 2) What does it look like in your daily life to “be salt and light”? Are there any fears, distractions or habits that make it harder for you to shine the light of Christ freely?

Question 3) Why is it important to remember that God is in control of the results when we try to reach others?