Read: Matthew 5:10-12, 10:16-25, Acts 5:1-42, Hebrews 11:35-38
Describe the type of persecution the prophets and disciples endured for God and the Gospel.
How does this compare to religious persecution today? What does this imply about God’s blessing today?
Why is this important for both Christians and the church to remember? How does God want you to change?
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Friday, November 29, 2019
November 29, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 8:35-37, 1 Peter 2:20, 3:13-14, James 1:12
How did Jesus provide encouragement to believers who were afraid of religious persecution?
What will happen if this isn’t properly understood? How do you see this taking place today? Be specific.
Describe a time when you experienced spiritual persecution. What does this teach you about Matthew 5:10?
How did Jesus provide encouragement to believers who were afraid of religious persecution?
What will happen if this isn’t properly understood? How do you see this taking place today? Be specific.
Describe a time when you experienced spiritual persecution. What does this teach you about Matthew 5:10?
Thursday, November 28, 2019
November 28, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23, John 15:19-21, 2 Timothy 3:12
Why does scripture promise persecution to every Christian who is open about their faith?
In what way did the life and ministry of Jesus relate to this truth? How does this make you feel?
How does this help with expectations when being more open about your faith? How does it encourage you?
Why does scripture promise persecution to every Christian who is open about their faith?
In what way did the life and ministry of Jesus relate to this truth? How does this make you feel?
How does this help with expectations when being more open about your faith? How does it encourage you?
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
November 27, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:9, 10:34-39, Isaiah 9:6
How does Matthew 10:34-39 seemingly contradict Isaiah 9:6? What response was Jesus describing?
In what way does this help clear up the apparent contradiction? How does this relate to a peacemaker?
What are some ways this can be an encouragement for peacemaking? How does it encourage you?
How does Matthew 10:34-39 seemingly contradict Isaiah 9:6? What response was Jesus describing?
In what way does this help clear up the apparent contradiction? How does this relate to a peacemaker?
What are some ways this can be an encouragement for peacemaking? How does it encourage you?
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
November 26, 2019
Read: Mat. 5:9, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:1-3, Hebrews 3:13
In what way is every Christian responsible for being a peacemaker? Why is avoidance not acceptable?
What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Why is this important to understand?
How are you tempted into avoiding this topic? What are the biblical ramifications? How will you change?
In what way is every Christian responsible for being a peacemaker? Why is avoidance not acceptable?
What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper? Why is this important to understand?
How are you tempted into avoiding this topic? What are the biblical ramifications? How will you change?
Monday, November 25, 2019
November 25, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:9, Romans 15:33, 1 Corinthians 14:33, Ephesians 6:14-15, 2 Peter 1:2
Describe the two different types of peace presented in today’s Read: ing. How are both “relational”?
In what way does this relate to the role of a “peacemaker”? What does this also imply about division?
How do you typically respond to this topic? Be specific. How does this adjust your perspective?
Describe the two different types of peace presented in today’s Read: ing. How are both “relational”?
In what way does this relate to the role of a “peacemaker”? What does this also imply about division?
How do you typically respond to this topic? Be specific. How does this adjust your perspective?
Saturday, November 23, 2019
November 23, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:8, 23:13-36
What underlying sin did Jesus expose in the Pharisee’s approach to serving God?
How is this the opposite of a pure heart? How can this same thing happen in the Christian life? Be specific.
What is required to prevent this sin from taking root? How will you monitor this in your own life?
What underlying sin did Jesus expose in the Pharisee’s approach to serving God?
How is this the opposite of a pure heart? How can this same thing happen in the Christian life? Be specific.
What is required to prevent this sin from taking root? How will you monitor this in your own life?
Friday, November 22, 2019
November 22, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24:4-6, 2 Cor. 3:17-18, Gal. 5:22-25, Eph. 4:25-30, 1 John 1:9
Describe how a pure heart relates to seeing God. How does this also interact with God’s blessing?
Why will sinful activity always cause spiritual blindness? What is the way to prevent or fix the issue?
How would you describe your ability to “see God”? What specific step will you take to grow in this area?
Describe how a pure heart relates to seeing God. How does this also interact with God’s blessing?
Why will sinful activity always cause spiritual blindness? What is the way to prevent or fix the issue?
How would you describe your ability to “see God”? What specific step will you take to grow in this area?
Thursday, November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:8, 15:15-20, Psalm 51:10, John 4:24, 2 Cor. 7:1, 1 Tim. 1:5, Philippians 4:8
Explain what it means to maintain a “pure heart”. How is this different than just godly behavior?
Why is this an important distinction to make? Be specific. What is required to maintain a pure heart?
In what way does this relate to knowing yourself? What adjustments is God prompting you to make?
Explain what it means to maintain a “pure heart”. How is this different than just godly behavior?
Why is this an important distinction to make? Be specific. What is required to maintain a pure heart?
In what way does this relate to knowing yourself? What adjustments is God prompting you to make?
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:7, Luke 10:25-37
Describe the three different responses to the man who had been robbed. How did the Samaritan show mercy?
What was required for this to take place? In what way can mercy be more than caring for a need?
How can you be tempted to avoid mercy? Who can you extend an act of mercy to today? Be specific.
Describe the three different responses to the man who had been robbed. How did the Samaritan show mercy?
What was required for this to take place? In what way can mercy be more than caring for a need?
How can you be tempted to avoid mercy? Who can you extend an act of mercy to today? Be specific.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
November 19, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:7, 6:14-15, 18:23-35, James 2:13
Describe the reciprocal nature of showing mercy. Why is this important to remember?
Explain how Matthew 18:23-35 provides a specific example of this truth.
How does the reciprocal part of mercy make you feel? Be specific. What growth steps can you take today?
Describe the reciprocal nature of showing mercy. Why is this important to remember?
Explain how Matthew 18:23-35 provides a specific example of this truth.
How does the reciprocal part of mercy make you feel? Be specific. What growth steps can you take today?
Monday, November 18, 2019
November 18, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:7, Hebrews 2:14-18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Romans 15:8-9, Eph. 4:32, Titus 3:4-5
Why do you think mercy is such an important virtue in the Christian life? How does it reflect God?
Why will this always be countercultural? What specifically will prevent mercy from taking place?
In what way is mercy being reflected in your life? What does this highlight about God’s blessing?
Why do you think mercy is such an important virtue in the Christian life? How does it reflect God?
Why will this always be countercultural? What specifically will prevent mercy from taking place?
In what way is mercy being reflected in your life? What does this highlight about God’s blessing?
Saturday, November 16, 2019
November 16, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:1-6 - 4
Briefly summarize what each beatitude means and how to step into it.
Which beatitude requires you to make the most adjustment? Why?
How will you continue to work on these areas in the upcoming weeks? Remember God will bless you!
Briefly summarize what each beatitude means and how to step into it.
Which beatitude requires you to make the most adjustment? Why?
How will you continue to work on these areas in the upcoming weeks? Remember God will bless you!
Friday, November 15, 2019
November 15, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:6, Romans 7:24, Psalm 119:105, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Based on today’s scriptures, what three spiritual disciplines are important to develop a Matthew 5:6 attitude?
How would you describe your current hunger and thirst for righteousness? Why?
What does this imply about you being blessed by God? What specific area will you step into this week?
Based on today’s scriptures, what three spiritual disciplines are important to develop a Matthew 5:6 attitude?
How would you describe your current hunger and thirst for righteousness? Why?
What does this imply about you being blessed by God? What specific area will you step into this week?
Thursday, November 14, 2019
November 14, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:6, 22:37-39, Psalm 63:1, 107:9
Explain the difference between hunger and thirst compared with simply eating and drinking. (i.e. desire)
Why do you think Jesus used this description for pursuing godly behavior? What does it prevent?
How do you process this beatitude in terms of your desires? What adjustments do you need to make?
Explain the difference between hunger and thirst compared with simply eating and drinking. (i.e. desire)
Why do you think Jesus used this description for pursuing godly behavior? What does it prevent?
How do you process this beatitude in terms of your desires? What adjustments do you need to make?
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
November 13, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:5, Exodus 4:21-23, Numbers 12:1-16
When you think of Moses and his interaction with Pharaoh, what terms would you use to describe him?
In what way was he an example of being meek? How does this help you picture meekness in action?
How do you feel God wants you to adjust your attitude today? How can being meek help?
When you think of Moses and his interaction with Pharaoh, what terms would you use to describe him?
In what way was he an example of being meek? How does this help you picture meekness in action?
How do you feel God wants you to adjust your attitude today? How can being meek help?
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
November 12, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:9-11, Revelation 21:1-4
What two things did Jesus promise to those who are meek? How would a Jew have understood them?
In what way does “inherit the earth” relate to Christians today? How does this elevate a meek attitude?
How do you see meekness as countercultural today? What does this imply about your Christian witness?
What two things did Jesus promise to those who are meek? How would a Jew have understood them?
In what way does “inherit the earth” relate to Christians today? How does this elevate a meek attitude?
How do you see meekness as countercultural today? What does this imply about your Christian witness?
Monday, November 11, 2019
November 11, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:5, Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:1-3, 2 Corinthians 10:1
In your own words, describe meekness. How is it different than weakness?
What is required for meekness to take place? (Hint: breaking a horse) How does being defensive relate?
What are you currently facing that God might be using to grow you in meekness? Be specific.
In your own words, describe meekness. How is it different than weakness?
What is required for meekness to take place? (Hint: breaking a horse) How does being defensive relate?
What are you currently facing that God might be using to grow you in meekness? Be specific.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
November 9, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:1-4, Daniel 9:1-20
In what way did Daniel experience the truth of Matthew 5:1-4 in both mourning and poor in spirit? Be specific.
Why will stepping into these two attitude adjustments make you available for God’s blessing in daily life?
What will it also prevent from taking place? Take time and ask God to reveal the deeper meaning for you.
In what way did Daniel experience the truth of Matthew 5:1-4 in both mourning and poor in spirit? Be specific.
Why will stepping into these two attitude adjustments make you available for God’s blessing in daily life?
What will it also prevent from taking place? Take time and ask God to reveal the deeper meaning for you.
Friday, November 8, 2019
November 8, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:4, Psalm 30:5, 119:134-136
Why will slowing down to honestly ponder the damaging effects of sin lead to a godly mourning?
What do you typically mourn about? (e.g. sickness, hurt, failure, etc.) How often do you mourn about sin?
What does God promise when godly mourning takes place? How can you adjust your perspective today?
Why will slowing down to honestly ponder the damaging effects of sin lead to a godly mourning?
What do you typically mourn about? (e.g. sickness, hurt, failure, etc.) How often do you mourn about sin?
What does God promise when godly mourning takes place? How can you adjust your perspective today?
Thursday, November 7, 2019
November 7, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:3-4a, Genesis 37:29-34, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 16:9-10
How does Matthew 5:3 help with the context in understanding Matthew 5:4? How could this get misunderstood?
What are some other examples of this type of mourning found in today’s Read: ing? Be specific.
How do you usually respond to the sinful behavior of others? (i.e. mourn vs. mad) What is God teaching you?
How does Matthew 5:3 help with the context in understanding Matthew 5:4? How could this get misunderstood?
What are some other examples of this type of mourning found in today’s Read: ing? Be specific.
How do you usually respond to the sinful behavior of others? (i.e. mourn vs. mad) What is God teaching you?
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
November 6, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:9-14
What root issue was Jesus addressing when He presented the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector?
In what way did this highlight the truth of Matthew 5:3? Why will this always prevent pride from creeping in?
What is God revealing to you about keeping a poor in spirit perspective? How do you need to adjust?
What root issue was Jesus addressing when He presented the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector?
In what way did this highlight the truth of Matthew 5:3? Why will this always prevent pride from creeping in?
What is God revealing to you about keeping a poor in spirit perspective? How do you need to adjust?
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
November 5, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:3, Psalm 51:17, Luke 12:32, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 John 1:8-10
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? How does this relate to the kingdom of heaven? Be specific.
In what way did Jesus present the Gospel in Matthew 5:3? How can this get misinterpreted?
Describe how you felt when you became a Christian. What has changed? How can Matthew 5:3 help?
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? How does this relate to the kingdom of heaven? Be specific.
In what way did Jesus present the Gospel in Matthew 5:3? How can this get misinterpreted?
Describe how you felt when you became a Christian. What has changed? How can Matthew 5:3 help?
Monday, November 4, 2019
November 4, 2019
Read: Matthew 5:1-3a, Psalm 1:1, 32:1-2, 84:12, 146:5, Luke 11:28, Romans 4:6-8
In your own words, describe what it means to be blessed by God. How does this relate to happiness?
In what way will God’s blessing be different than the world’s approach to happiness? Give an example.
Knowing that God promises to bless you, in what way are you missing out? Pray and ask God for insight.
In your own words, describe what it means to be blessed by God. How does this relate to happiness?
In what way will God’s blessing be different than the world’s approach to happiness? Give an example.
Knowing that God promises to bless you, in what way are you missing out? Pray and ask God for insight.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
November 2, 2019
Read: 2 Peter 1:1-3:18
As you review 2nd Peter, what stands out to you as important for this stage in your walk with the Lord?
Describe any areas of growth that you recognize have taken place. How does this encourage you?
Describe any areas of growth that need to take place. What steps will you take moving forward?
As you review 2nd Peter, what stands out to you as important for this stage in your walk with the Lord?
Describe any areas of growth that you recognize have taken place. How does this encourage you?
Describe any areas of growth that need to take place. What steps will you take moving forward?
Friday, November 1, 2019
November 1, 2019
Read: 2 Peter 3:18, 1:5-11
In what way did Peter end his letter the same way he began it? What does this imply about spiritual goals?
What can happen if this principle for Christian living is overlooked? How do you see this happening today?
How have you spiritually grown over the course of our study in 2 Peter? What new goals will you set?
In what way did Peter end his letter the same way he began it? What does this imply about spiritual goals?
What can happen if this principle for Christian living is overlooked? How do you see this happening today?
How have you spiritually grown over the course of our study in 2 Peter? What new goals will you set?
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