Louder Than Words, Part 1: Shine Bright
March 30, 2025

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Message Review

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be Christ’s ambassadors and impact people for Jesus.  Our actions always speak louder than our words, especially when reaching people for Jesus.  In a world filled with darkness, Jesus calls us the “light of the world.”  One of the most powerful ways to impact people for Jesus in the midst of darkness is not by being louder, but by shining brighter. 

Main Point: Wherever there’s darkness, shine bright.

Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 5:14-16; Proverbs 4:23

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 5:13-16 Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the following Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (Use the Bible Overview to learn the context)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage? What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’ original intent in this passage? What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you want to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon?

  • What does the phrase “actions speak louder than words” mean to you? Do you agree? Why or why not?

  • Think about someone who positively impacted your life without saying much—just by how they lived. What stood out about them?

  • In your experience, when have you seen someone’s, actions contradict their words in a way that affected their credibility?

  • Read 2 Corinthians 5:20

    • What does it mean to be an ambassador for someone?

    • What does it mean to you to be an ambassador for Christ?

    • How does being an ambassador for Christ challenge or encourage you in how you live and represent Him to others?

  • Read Matthew 5:14-16.

    • Why does Jesus call his followers the light of the world?

    • Why do we need to live out being who Jesus said we are…the light of the world?

    • As a follower of Jesus, what does it practically look like to be the light of the world?

  • The practical application of being “the light of the world” is: wherever there is darkness, shine bright.

    • Where is there darkness in your world?

    • Since your actions always speak louder than your words, how can you shine brightly into that

  • Read Proverbs 4:23.

    • What main point(s) was the writer of Proverbs trying to communicate?

    • In regard to us being the light of the world, why does guarding our hearts matter?

    • What does it practically look like to guard your heart in your current season of life?

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.