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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
The Sermon on the Mount
5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
The Beatitudes
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[a] 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.
3 Observations:
- This message is for believers
- The Beatitudes are not pick and choose
- This message was radically different than what was expected
The Beatitudes:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Matt. 5:3, Luke 18:9-14, Titus 3:5
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Matt. 5:4, 2 Cor. 7:10, Luke 18:13, 1 John 1:9
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth
Matt. 5:5, 2 Tim. 2:15, Rom. 12:3, Matt. 27:11-14, Acts 21:27,-22:30
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied
Matt. 5:6, 1 Pet. 1:16, Rom. 12:1-2
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy
Matt. 5:7, James 4:11-12, 5:19-20
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God
Matt. 5:8, Ps. 51:10, 1 Pet. 1:22, 1 John 3:3, 1 John 1:9
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God
Matt. 5:9, 2 Cor. 5:18, Rom. 12:17-21, 8:28
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 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. 5:10-12, 1 Pet. 4:15-16, James 1:2-4, 2 Tim. 3:12, Matt. 10:22, 1 Cor. 2:9
Reflection
Getting Started
Have you ever read or heard about this story before?
What stood out to you as we were talking about it?
Where have you seen the Beatitudes used before?
Have you ever heard someone refer to the Beatitudes in a way that doesn’t really reflect the meaning that Jesus had when He gave the Sermon on the Mount?
If you’re going through these questions in a small group, share about any observations that you may have had about this message.
Diving In
Read Matthew 5:1-12. This week’s reflection questions are going to be a little different than normal. After reading the passage, spend some time in prayer, asking God how well you embody each one of the Beatitudes.
As you go read through the list, which one(s) of the Beatitudes stand out to you, and why?
Go through each Beatitude, and prayerfully ask God how you’re doing with each one.
As you prayed about how well you embody each one of the Beatitudes, which one would you say you do the best in? Which one do you need the most amount of work in?
How do you think embodying each one of these Beatitudes would change your life?
What practical step(s) can you take to better embody each Beatitude.
Applying the Scripture
What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word?
What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture?
How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?
Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?