The Upside of Living Down

Passage

Matthew 5:1-12

Sermon Summary

Jesus' Beatitudes epitomize what a good life looks like, both now and in eternity. They are realistic, integrated, Jesus-powered, Already/Not Yet, and Active, not Passive.

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. If you were already familiar with the Beatitudes, how did the sermon revise or refine your understanding of them?
3. Choose one of the Beatitudes and describe how Jesus embodies it.
4. What specific truths, postures or practices help you to live the beatitudes by grace, rather than trying to earn God's favor?
5. Which of the Beatitudes do you most resonate with as a characteristic of your life now, however imperfect it may be?
6. Name some of your hopes or goals for this year. How might the Beatitudes change the way you experience them?

Resources Consulted:

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Matthew for Everyone, NT Wright
• The Message of Matthew,John Stott
• The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: John Pennington
• The Sermon on the Mount: Sinclair Ferguson
• American Gospel (song), Jon Guerra

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