Gospel Character

Read Matthew 5:1-12 ESV
1. Icebreaker - Which part of the United States is closest to Africa? Take a poll and then look up the answer. Now be honest about how many of you looked up the answer before community group.

2.Is this your first time hearing the Sermon on the Mount, or have you studied it before? What hopes do you have for this preaching series?

3.Why do you think it is so challenging to take Jesus’ words in this sermon seriously?

4.Which of the Beatitudes is most lacking in your character? Which is most challenging for you to trust that it leads to blessing? Why?

5.Who are some examples of Christians in your life that you see the Beatitudes at work in their character? How has this brought about positive spiritual fruit in their lives?

6.How does embracing each Beatitude lead us to understand and delight in the gospel?

7.How does this kind of character affect life in the church? What about the church’s witness to the community?