Saturday, February 1st | Men’s Breakfast | 8 AM; Coffee will be on at 6:30.
Sunday is Souper Bowl of Caring - Please bring cans of soup for our food bank.
Scripture
Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Questions for Reflection
1. What are some ways people typically try to find happiness or fulfillment in life?
2. What was the setting for this sermon? (5:1)
3. What unexpected command is given to Christians who are insulted, hassled, and lied about? (5:11-12)
4. What people in history have endured nasty persecution? (5:12)
5. What do you think it means to be poor in spirit?
6. What does it mean to be meek?
7. How would a person behave if he or she were hungering and thirsting after righteousness?
8. What are some examples of showing mercy?
9. How does society’s list of admirable virtues compare and contrast with these kingdom virtues?
10. How (if at all) does the promise of future blessing affect us in the present?
11. Which of these promises means the most to you today? Why?
