Kingdom Life | September 26, 2021
+ Read Scripture
Matthew 5:1-12
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Talk Sheet Questions
Have you ever been persecuted? Can you tell us about it?
Have you ever seen someone with a “persecution complex” who thinks they are being persecuted when they were not? What is that like?
What might make the blessing of the kingdom of heaven fitting or especially rewarding for those who are persecuted? (10)
Verse 11 talks about words being used against you. Would enduring evil words or physical persecution be worse for you? Explain.
Explain how would you talk yourself into rejoicing and being exceedingly glad about persecution. (12)
Prayer
Pray for joy as we identify with Jesus in his suffering. (1 Peter 4:13)