The Year of Jesus:
The Sermon on the Mount
Find your new group! vccindy.org/groups
Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
Share an experience where your intentions and actions led to unexpected results. What did you learn from it?
Please read Matthew 7:24-26 and then Matthew 5:17 aloud.
• How do these verses together show that Jesus wants us to take His Words seriously and actually live them out?
Matthew 5:3-4 MSG
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”
• How do the blessings challenge us to avoid the attitudes that lead to hurt, struggle, or “curses” in our lives?
Matthew 6:1 MSG
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
• Why do you think Jesus warns us not to do good things just to be noticed but to do this to glorify our God? How can we discern our motives?
Please read John 1:14-18 aloud.
• In what ways does this show that Jesus’ arrival is the culmination [completion] of God’s ongoing revelation rather than the beginning of a new belief system?
Please read Matthew 7:24-26 and then Matthew 5:17 aloud.
• How do these verses together show that Jesus wants us to take His Words seriously and actually live them out?
Matthew 5:3-4 MSG
“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule. You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”
• How do the blessings challenge us to avoid the attitudes that lead to hurt, struggle, or “curses” in our lives?
Matthew 6:1 MSG
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
• Why do you think Jesus warns us not to do good things just to be noticed but to do this to glorify our God? How can we discern our motives?
Please read John 1:14-18 aloud.
• In what ways does this show that Jesus’ arrival is the culmination [completion] of God’s ongoing revelation rather than the beginning of a new belief system?
Start praying: Be bold and pray with power.
Father, God, Our hearts are open to Your wisdom and guidance. Thank You for the teachings of Jesus. Show us the connection between our intentions and our actions and how reflecting Your love and truth glorifies You. Help us to understand our faith and life journey is not about replacing what came before but fulfills and builds upon it. Give us the wisdom to see the blessings and challenges in our lives as opportunities to grow. We trust in Your plan for our future and seek to walk in the light of your truth every day. In Christ Jesus. Amen.
Leader: Make time to pray for and with each other. Break into groups of three, take time for healing prayer or pray with individuals requesting prayer. This is important!
Start Doing:
Dive into the Sermon on the Mount and connect the dots between the beatitudes, the instructions on prayer and giving, and the practical guidance for living out faith.
Please read and meditate on Matthew 5, 6, 7.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Please read and meditate on Matthew 5, 6, 7.
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”