Welcome: This week, Pastor Dave kicked off our new series with the first of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Another way to say “poor in spirit” is “spiritually destitute - having an absolute need for God.” Because we live in Canada, many don’t realize how “poor” we really are. If you have a lot, it’s hard to see where you might be poor. But it’s vital for us to recognize our need for God. Everyone who recognizes their need for God and puts their faith in Jesus Christ becomes a citizen of God’s kingdom. Leader Tip: Share your own reflections from this message with your group. What convicted you? What encouraged you? Your vulnerability will encourage your group members to open up as well.
Icebreaker: We are coming into a new season and a new series. What are some your favourite things about the fall season?
Worship: Sing a worship song together or read Psalm 16:1-11 NIV.
Word [Select the discussion questions that best fit the needs of your group]:
Each Beatitude begins with “Blessed”. What does it mean to be blessed and how does this differ from happiness? What does the world say it takes to make one happy?
Read Matthew 5:3. Like many of the Beatitudes, this one is sometimes misunderstood. Based on this weekend’s message, what do you think being “poor in spirit” means and what does in not mean? What qualities does a person poor in spirit possess?
Do you feel like you live every day aware of your need for Jesus? Explain your answer.
Read Revelation 3:14-20 and Matthew 11:28-30. Based on these passages, ask the following: What stands out to you in these verses? Why do you think it’s important to admit we need help and why is it hard for people to do this? What happens if we continue in denial? What has Jesus promised to those who admit their need to Him?
What areas would you say you personally need God’s help the most in right now?
Read Romans 12:9-21 and discuss how these verses relate to living “poor in spirit”. How does this clash with the culture of our world today?
Read Romans 14:17-18 MSG, Colossians 1:13-14 and Matthew 12:28 ISV. Discuss the kingdom of heaven and what it looks like in someone’s life?
Read Mark 10:13-16 and Matthew 18:1-4. Just as the kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit, Jesus said the kingdom belongs to children such as these. What are the qualities of a child that we need to live in God’s kingdom? Contrast some differences between being childlike and childish.
Work:
• Pray for one another.
• Share the following Coastal job opportunity link with your group: https://coastalchurch.org/jobs/
• Continue announcing the following ministries launching again this Fall:
o https://coastalchurch.org/alpha/ beginning September 20th.
o https://coastalchurch.org/freedom-session/ introductory meeting began September 7th.
o https://coastalchurch.org/gls/ Global Leadership Summit Oct 21-22 (early bird registration is $135 till September 27th).
o https://coastalchurch.org/inste/ Join an INSTE Bible College small group this fall.