The Beatitudes

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Read Matthew 7:28-29. Jesus came to speak the truth as someone who understood the heart of scripture. It wasn't what they previously understood. Discuss a time when scripture transformed your way of thinking from the past. Why do we sometimes have difficulty with that kind of change?

2. Read Matthew 5:3-4. The poor in spirit recognize their spiritual poverty, but those who are poor in spirit are joyful. How does grief and being impoverished cause a personal blessing? Is this a paradox? Discuss why we may have difficulty with these passages.

3. Read Matthew 5:5. Sometimes we need to lay down our rights and our positions and become meek to experience God's blessings. We don't usually value meekness today. Why is this so? Discuss as a group.

4. Read Matthew 5:6-7. What are you currently hungry and thirsty for? Talk about these things and what parts of those desires need to be replaced. We want to receive mercy, but why do we sometimes have a hard time giving it to others?

5. Read Matthew 5:8-9. Is your heart currently undivided? If not, what things are keeping you from unity with the Father? What is the difference between a peacemaker and one who doesn't cause trouble? Why is it important to be a peacemaker?

6. Read Matthew 5:10-12. No one wants to receive persecution for any reason. Living for Christ invites this challenge. How can we receive the blessing that comes with this persecution and surrender to the Father even when it's painful? Discuss a time when you have encountered great persecution and how you handled it with the group.