Week of 1/21/16

Life Group
WEEK 6

The Sermon on the Mount

THEME: I’m way up…I feel blessed

READING FOR PREPARATION:

·       “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5.3)

·       “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matt 5.4)

·       “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt 5.5)

·       “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt 5.6)

·       “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matt 5.7)

·       “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt 5.8)

·       “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt 5.9)

·       “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5.10)

·       “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5.11-12)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. 1What does Matthew 4.23 say Jesus was doing? How does this set the stage for 5.3-12?
2. What was the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12? What promise is made by Jesus in Matthew 5? How do we receive this promise (Matt 5.20; Rom 3.21-25)
3. What are the realities of the kingdom of heaven that are portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount? Where else do we see these promises in scripture?

FINAL DISCUSSION:

What does it look like for us to live in the blessed reality of the kingdom of God?