Discussion Guide | Mar. 30, 2025

March 31st, 2025

Introduction

"Insights from the Master [Part 1]" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon focuses on the Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Dr. Shuler explains how these teachings provide insights into living a blessed and abundant life, describing them as 'beautiful attitudes' or 'be happy attitudes.' He emphasizes that true happiness comes from God and is deeper than temporary pleasures, contrasting with declining happiness rates in modern society.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to study Your Word and the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes, open our hearts and minds to receive Your wisdom. Help us to be receptive to what You want to teach us today through our discussion, and guide us in applying these truths to our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing that consistently brings you joy, no matter what else is happening in your life?

Main Study

Key Verses

Matthew 5:3-12
Romans 12:18
Matthew 5:9

Questions

How would you define being 'poor in spirit,' and why does Jesus say this leads to blessing?
What does it mean to be 'meek' in today's world? How is it different from being weak?
How can we actively be peacemakers in our current divided society?
What does it mean to have a 'pure heart,' and how can we cultivate this in our daily lives?
How does showing mercy to others lead to receiving mercy ourselves?
What are some practical ways we can 'hunger and thirst for righteousness' in our daily lives?
How can we maintain joy even when facing persecution or difficulties for our faith?
Which Beatitude challenges you the most and why?

Life Application

This week, choose one of the Beatitudes and intentionally practice it each day. Keep a journal of how this practice affects your interactions with others and your relationship with God. Pay special attention to opportunities where you can be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or community.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

True happiness comes from living according to God's principles, not worldly success
Being meek means having strength under control, not weakness
Peacemaking requires active engagement, not avoidance of conflict
Pure hearts lead to seeing God in all aspects of life
Living out the Beatitudes may be costly but comes with divine rewards

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching us these beautiful attitudes that lead to true blessing. Help us to embody these characteristics in our daily lives, especially in being peacemakers and showing mercy to others. Give us the strength to live out these principles even when it's difficult, and help us to be light in our world. In Your name we pray, Amen.

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