Check-In (Highs & Lows) 15 min
A great, quick way to catch the highlights of what is happening in the lives of the people in your group is to take turns quickly sharing the “highs & lows” of your week. High: What was your biggest highlight since we last met? Low: What was the low point during this time?
Settle-In (Ice-Breaker) 10 min
Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt like your world was spinning out of control, like you were stuck in a metaphorical washing machine? How did you navigate through it? What was the result?
Dig-In (Scripture) 35 min
1. Read Matthew 5:1-12. How does the Sermon on the Mount challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms?
2. In Matthew 5:2, Jesus proclaims that we are blessed if we are “poor in spirit.” Why is it considered a blessing?
3. The word blessed is predominant in this passage. The word in Greek is makarios, which means “happy” or “fortunate.” How might this change your understanding and/or perspective of this passage?
4. Read Psalm 37:11. How does this scripture open up a larger understanding of Matthew 5:5?
5. Read and reflect on Matthew 5:9 and Romans 8:14. What do these passages speak to about living a lifestyle of peace and how they reflect what it means to be a child of God?
6. Reflect on Matthew 5:10-12. What is the significance of persecution and the Christian walk in this passage? Why does Jesus speak of persecution in the Christian walk?
Gear-Up (Application) 15 min
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. In what areas do you struggle with dependence on God? What are some practical steps you can take to make strides in those areas?
2. Consider the current state of affairs in our world. How does the brokenness and injustice around us impact you? How can you mourn over these issues while maintaining hope in God’s redemption?
3. Evaluate your approach to strength and meekness. How can you demonstrate strength under control in your interactions with others? In what areas do you need to surrender your own strength and rely more on God?
4. Assess your practice of mercy, purity, and peacemaking. How can you show more mercy to those around you? How can you cultivate purity of heart in your thoughts and actions? In what ways can you pursue peace in your relationships and communities?
Step-Up (Homework)
Being obedient in your faith walk will mean that you live “upside down” from what the world shows. Spend time in prayer asking God what areas of your life need to be in better line with God’s way of living “right side up.” Journaling can be a powerful additive to your faith and worship experience. Consider journaling about the things you’re struggling with from today’s study. When you come back to it later on and see how God has worked in you and changed your life in positive and meaningful ways.