The Real Jesus: The Beattitudes - Week 4
Week of February 23
Matthew 5:6
This year in House Church we will be reading and discussing the Gospel of Matthew to better understand who Jesus is and what he has done.
Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples and he left his profession as a tax collector to follow Him. The purpose of his gospel was to give evidence to his Jewish brothers that Jesus was the one they had been looking for. He wanted them (and us) to see that Jesus was the long awaited messiah and King. He would be the one to make all things right, and restore the broken relationship between God and man. Matthew’s life was radically transformed by an encounter with Jesus, and our prayer is that through this study you will encounter The Real Jesus through His word, and be transformed just like Matthew.
These questions are written to be used during our house church meetings. If you find yourself unable or attend a gathering this week we encourage you to use these questions at home to sink more deeply into this series.
Opening Question(s):
Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 5:6
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
Matthew 5:6
This year in House Church we will be reading and discussing the Gospel of Matthew to better understand who Jesus is and what he has done.
Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples and he left his profession as a tax collector to follow Him. The purpose of his gospel was to give evidence to his Jewish brothers that Jesus was the one they had been looking for. He wanted them (and us) to see that Jesus was the long awaited messiah and King. He would be the one to make all things right, and restore the broken relationship between God and man. Matthew’s life was radically transformed by an encounter with Jesus, and our prayer is that through this study you will encounter The Real Jesus through His word, and be transformed just like Matthew.
These questions are written to be used during our house church meetings. If you find yourself unable or attend a gathering this week we encourage you to use these questions at home to sink more deeply into this series.
Opening Question(s):
- What is the most satisfying meal you've ever had?
- What is your favorite meal to prepare for you / your family?
- What are some things that most people hunger for in life?
Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 5:6
- How do we hunger and thirst for righteousness? What do you think Jesus is saying here?
- Martin Lloyd Jones points out that this verse is the first of the Beatitudes that gives us a more positive element, of looking for a solution, while the others so far are asking us to be more introspective, and examine our lives in comparison to God's standard. Why do you think Jesus led with examination over a solution?
- In the western world most people are far more "hungry" for happiness rather than righteousness, and they seldom find it. Why do you think that is? How can seeking righteousness lead to happiness? (Some versions of scripture say, "Happy are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness...)
- Righteousness means simply, "To be right with God". What does that mean to you?
- How does the Bible express what it means to be right with God? Read Philippians 3:8-14.
- What's one step you can take this week to move toward righteousness, or right standing with God?
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
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