Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Ephesians 5:8-17; 1 Peter 2:11-12

• Share any reflections you have from lasts week's bible study (or Sunday's sermon) on 'Embrace Your Calling'.

• How did you go with trusting God and following Him this week?

Read Matthew 5:14-16 & Philippians 2:14-16

• What do you think Jesus meant, when he said his followers are to be 'the light of the world'?

• What aspect of this does Paul pick up on in Philippians 2? [1]

• What can make it difficult for us to live differently to those around us in positive ways?

• Do you feel like you are able to shine your light to those around you? Why/why not?

Read Ephesians 5:8-17

• Here Paul further expands the idea of living in the light. What do these verses add to our understanding?

• Why do you think Paul tells his readers to "be very careful how you live"?

  • Are there particular areas in your life where you have noticed you need to be especially careful and wise about how you live?

  • How easily are we led astray to conform to the pattern of the world?

Francis Foulkes writes of Ephesians 5:8-13, "This is the goal... men and women not only receive the light, but become luminous. Such is the work of Christian evangelism, the light of one soul making another light."

• Who were the people in your life who shone the light of Jesus to you before you knew Him for yourself? Share any stories you have of someone's lifestyle/priorities/decisions having an impact on you.

• Have you ever surprised or intrigued (or angered) someone by living differently? What impact do you think this had on them?

Read 1 Peter 2:11-12

• Do you see yourself as a foreigner/exile/sojourner, living as a Christian in Australia? Why/why not?

• How do we fight against our sinful desires as they wage war against our souls?

• According to Peter, what is the end result if we can live good lives? Do you find this motivating?

• What are the pros and cons of 'shining the light' for Jesus in this dark world?

Spend some time praying for one another into the specific areas of life - family, friendships, work, and other communities we inhabit. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and shine His light through you in any dark places you are going into this week.

[1] The NIV translates the end of verse 15 as "like stars in the sky", yet in Greek the phrase is almost identical to the phrase "light of the world" in Matthew 5:14. The ESV does much better here, translating Phil 2:15 as "shine as lights in the world." It is almost certain Paul has Jesus' words in mind and wants his readers to recall Jesus' teaching as well.