Week 1
Week 1
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
Over the next few weeks we will be walking through Jesus’s words in the Beatitudes. Christ’s words were often counter-cultural in ancient Israel. In today’s society, that's an even truer statement. Jesus is the Voice of Reason that speaks into cultural chaos. This week is focused on the ‘poor in spirit’.
WARM-UP:
For two minutes each, go around your group and give everyone the chance to share their story about how they met Christ and got plugged into SLO City. There may be a few new members in the group and this can be a fruitful way to help them feel included. This is meant to build connections and practice listening.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
What jumped out to you from what was shared in the video?
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
The ancient Israelites have a track record marked by desperation. After being displaced from their homeland around 720 BC by the Assyrians, God sent the Babylonians to carry Israel into exile 200 years later because of their disobedience, idolatry, and injustice towards the poor. Entire Israelite generations were desperate for a taste of home. In the midst of their circumstances, God was with them. He promised to bring them home. Desperation isn’t something we aim for, but God can use it to show us the need we have for him.
Everyone is desperate for something (money, connection, acceptance). What are you desperate for right now? What does desperation often do to you? If you are comfortable, share with the group.
Read Jeremiah 29:5-11. This was God’s promise to the Isrealites in Babylonian exile. He charged them to be a light to the nation. How do you see God show up in your desperate situations?
Before discussing this question, read Psalm 69:32.
Being poor in ancient Israel was more than economic disparity. It was believed that because one lacked financial resources, they also lacked spiritual resources (not much different than our society), thus someone to avoid. But Jesus pushes back against culture. He teaches us that those who have little in this world have a great inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. He is giving ownership to those who have no ownership in this world.
Read Luke 4:18. Throughout the scriptures, God’s heart is for the poor, needy, and desperate. Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Kingdom of Heaven is a concrete hope for the things to come. Jesus isn’t dishing out empty sayings, but the promises of heaven.
How does our culture teach us to view the poor in our community?
What do you think of when you hear Jesus say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit?”
Read Mark 10:17-27.
The story of The Rich Young Ruler highlights a struggle we all face, externally and internally. Jesus challenged this young man to give his possessions to the poor and follow him. Not because he was called to poverty, but because Jesus knew this man’s possessions sat on the throne of his heart. Riches tell us to be independent of God. In reality, we are dependent on God, whether we realize it or not.
How do the Beatitudes speak into our western, materialistic, hustle culture?
Like The Rich Young Ruler, in what ways have we allowed riches to replace God’s reign in our lives? What things could you give up to cling tighter to Christ?
Having resources isn’t bad. God uses people with resources to bless others all throughout scripture. However, when you start to live for material things above the things of Christ, there's a problem. The poor spirit is a desperate spirit that seeks after the will of God and uses what they have to advance his kingdom.
Two people read these verses:
Proverbs 29:7
Philippians 2:1-2
How can we begin to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor in our community?
ACTION:
This week, get plugged into an organization like CAPSLO that services the houseless community in SLO.
Week 2
Week 2
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to those who mourn or lament. Pain is something we are all accustomed to. Seasons of lament or mourning contain elements of grief, loneliness, helplessness, and anguish. However, Jesus tells those who mourn, they will be comforted. We can have hope in our pain. We do not mourn like those without Christ. We can trust in Christ’s promises, because he is our comforter. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and we go through the tunnel with each other.
WARM-UP:
For two minutes each, go around your group and give everyone the chance to share a positive and a negative from their week. This creates a space for people to share the good and the bad that’s going on in their lives. It also helps strengthen listening skills.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
What jumped out to you from what was shared in the video?
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
GRIEVE
Barry Bub, MD, a psychotherapist, chaplain, and counselor states that lamenting is an “expression of suffering.” It's more than just being sad. Walking through lament/mourning involves grieving, breathing, and receiving.
According to Barry, there are two types of lament, acute and chronic. Acute lament is the process of going down so we can come up. Picture an upside down bell curve. We allow ourselves to express pain and walk with others in the process so we can find healing. Lament may become chronic when grief following a trauma is ignored, disenfranchised, or suppressed, preventing healing from happening.
The past 5 years have left most of us in some form of lament. What are you grieving internally?
What is something in culture that you’re grieving?
How did that season of mourning affect your faith?
BREATHE
Many ancient Isrealites existed in chronic lament. Over the generations, Israel had been oppressed by various empires while most of the population had been exiled to foreign lands. The average person was only one failed crop yield away from starvation. They lived hard lives. They were people that needed comfort. Lamentations 1:17 says, “Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her.” The entire book of Lamentations are people's honest expressions of grief to God, no matter how ugly. Lamentations is plural because lamenting is a communal act. We aren’t meant to walk through grief alone.
Being able to breathe in the goodness of God and exhale your pain starts with honesty. How have you been honest with God in your grief?
On a scale of 1-10, how honest are you with others about your grief? Why did you choose that number?
RECEIVE
Jesus sat on a Judean hillside, surrounded by lamenting people. He said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Jesus broke their cycle of chronic lament. They could find peace with the Prince of Peace. They were comforted because Jesus was their comfort.
Jesus can do the same thing for us. We are all going through something. As Christians, it is our duty to carry each other's burdens as stated in Galatians 6. We have the opportunity to be someone's comfort as the hands and feet of Jesus. God doesn’t want us to suffer alone. We can receive peace when we allow others to suffer with us.
Being a good listener is the most important part of sharing another’s burdens. A scriptural example of this is found in John 21. After Jesus’ death, Peter felt great shame because he had denied Jesus 3 times. Peter went fishing that night and his friends went with him. There are no recorded conversations, but we can assume that they just sat and listened to Peter grieve.
How does your understanding of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 5:4 influence your approach to social and political issues that cause you distress?
How can you make room in your life to receive Christ’s comfort in your seasons of lament?
Has anyone ever helped you walk through grief? What was one thing they did that stood out?
Given what we talked about, what are a few ways to walk alongside our neighbors in their grief?
ACTION
This week practice the breath prayer at least 2 times each day. It's something you can practice in your grief, anxiety, or worry. It helps create dependence on God in difficult situations.
“Jesus, Son of God (inhale), have mercy on me, a sinner (exhale).” (Luke 18.13)
“Loving Shepherd (inhale), you are with me in this valley (exhale)” (Psalm 23)
“Caring Father (inhale), I cast my anxiety on you (exhale)” (1 Peter 5.7)
Week 3
Week 3
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to the meek. Often, our society has equated meekness with weakness. We need to reimagine meekness. Courage, humility, patience, gentleness, and control are all aspects of meekness. In Israel’s history, what marked a great leader was their ability to embody these characteristics. Jesus says the meek will inherit the earth. In other words, the meek will inherit purpose and destiny.
WARM-UP:
For two minutes each, go around your group and share a moment from this past week when you noticed a situation where meekness was ignored. This can be a political moment, relationship, or a cultural experience. This is meant to help us identify some of the extremes in our society.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
What jumped out to you from what was shared in the video?
QUESTIONS:
In today’s culture, meekness is frowned upon. If you don't operate in the extreme or out of extreme feelings, you are usually looked at differently. For example look at the intensity between republicans and democrats. Meekness is a balance that learns to fluctuate when needed (speaking and listening, leading and following, strength and weakness). Our society needs some balance.
The heart of "meekness is resigning as God." What does this mean practically in our daily lives? What areas do we tend to try to control?
How does our cultural understanding of meekness differ from Jesus' teaching, and how should it affect our daily choices as Christians?
What areas of society would meekness impact the most?
Scripture shows us that meekness is a virtue. Proverbs 16:32 says, "Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city."
Meekness is strength under control. Many biblical leaders, like Moses, were meek and largely influential in the story of God. He lead with courage and respect. In today’s world, we rarely find leaders that operate this way.
This Sunday, Brent described meekness as "strength under control." Can you think of examples where showing restraint actually demonstrates greater strength? How does this differ from what we see in the political landscape?
Jesus had the power to call legions of angels to His side at any time. Yet, He humbled himself for our sake. What does the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Read Matthew 26:50-54) teach us about meekness?
Jesus said that the meek will inherit the earth. More specifically, he means the Land. It's the dirt underneath their feet that supplied what they needed for physical and spiritual life. The “earth” is the place God called his people to. Jesus is saying that the meek will inherit the good things that God promises for those who love him.
How does Jesus’ promise of inheriting “the earth” relate to our identity and destiny?
As we think about Matthew 5:5, how can meekness lead us to the greater things God has called us to?
ACTION
This week, identify a situation or relationship where you tend to react with extremes (e.g., anger, passivity). Practice responding with meekness instead. Be mindful of how that situation begins to change.
Week 4
Week 4
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to those who hunger for righteousness. δικαιοσύνη, the Greek word for ‘righteousness’, can also be translated as ‘justice’. Jesus was speaking to a group of people who had not seen justice in their lifetime. They lived under the thumb of Rome, while also being poor, outcast, and forgotten. People were hungry to see their relationship with God and their community restored. In our society, injustice also runs rampant. Our relationship with God, others, and creation needs restoration. God doesn't shy away from the pursuit of righteousness. Neither should we.
WARM-UP:
For two minutes each, share about a relationship (spouse, relative, friend, mentor) that gives you life.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
What jumped out to you from what was shared in the video?
QUESTIONS:
Part of pursuing righteousness is desiring to be made right with God. Scripture shows us that being in right standing with God involves loving your neighbor (not just the person you live next door to, but the poor, different, oppressed, and those who have wronged you). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells the crowds that they must fix their relationships with their brothers or sisters before leaving a gift on the Lord’s altar (Matt 5:23-24). Those who are hungry to be made right with God, must examine how they treat others.
In our society, it's normal to disregard people who don’t think, look, or act like us. Describe a time when you felt like an outsider. How did this affect your view of others and your faith? Put yourself in someone else's shoes.
We have all wronged or hurt someone, intentionally or unintentionally. What steps did you take towards reconciliation?
How can we build relationships with people who are different from us?
Justice is righteousness lived out. This mindset was a cornerstone of Dr. Martin Luther King’s nonviolence ideology. Sit-ins, community gatherings, and organized marches pushed our society towards justice by righteous living. In Dr. King’s obituary, there is a page of quotes that outline his dreams and inspiration. In 1964 he said, “Some of you have knives, and I ask you to put them up. Some of you have arms, and I ask you to put them up. Get the weapon of nonviolence, the breastplate of righteousness, the armor of truth and just keep marching.”
How are we living out righteousness in our communities and relationships?
What injustices burden your heart that need to be made right?
Pursuing righteousness is ultimately leads to Shalom (שׁלום). Shalom is a Hebrew word that describes everything operating as it should be. It means satisfaction in God and peace in all creation. Ultimately, shalom will not be fully realized until the restoration of all things at the end of the age. However, God still calls us to pursue justice for the poor and oppressed. God invites us to join the work of bringing His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10).
How can you pursue shalom in your relationships?
How can our church better pursue shalom in the community?
ACTION:
Next week, we will be given an opportunity to serve a single mother in need of financial assistance as a congregation through One-for-One. As a group, consider how you can further assist this family (doesn’t have to be financial).
Week 5
Week 5
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to the merciful. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Luke Lyons explained that mercy is made up of generosity and compassion. It's a work that we must do so we can express it to our neighbors. God showed his mercy on us in Christ’s crucifixion which cultivates in our daily lives. No one is perfect, therefore those who have been shown mercy are required to be merciful to others. God, who is perfect, is merciful to us.
WARM-UP:
For two minutes each, share about a relationship (spouse, relative, friend, mentor) that gives you life.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
The author of James in the New Testament is the brother of Jesus. Ironically, he most likely came to faith after Jesus’s death. His letter is to the Jewish believers in Judea and beyond. In many ways, he is writing to people like himself. James 2:1 begins with a warning against prejudice. In summary, if we show special attention to the rich and dishonor the poor, we are breaking the law of God. If we choose to withhold mercy from certain people based on difference, we are sinning. James 2:13 NLT says, “There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
In what ways have you experienced God's mercy in your life, and how has that shaped your ability to show mercy to others?
In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to extend mercy, and why do you think that is?
We live in a world that is low on mercy. Historically, the merciful have rarely flourished. Our society is faithful to the “an eye for an eye” ideology. Our political landscape only widens our division by using fear and manipulation. Showing mercy is considered weak. However, Jesus flips this notion on its head. “Blessed are those who show mercy, for they will be shown mercy.”
How does Jesus' definition of mercy challenge our typical understanding and practice of it?
How can showing mercy counteract this trend of “an eye for an eye” in our relationships and society?
Mercy consists of generosity and forgiveness. Reflect on the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18. In this story, forgiveness is tied directly to generosity. The servant owed a debt he could never repay. At first, the King to whom he owed 10,000 talents, chose to forgive him. But after the unmerciful servant withheld forgiveness and generosity from a fellow servant, he was condemned by the King. Jesus’ parable highlights the showing forgiveness and generosity to our neighbors is only a fraction of God has forgiven us of.
Is there anyone in your life you're struggling to forgive or show mercy to? Without sharing too many details, how can you begin to forgive them?
Are you interruptible? How can you be more generous with your time, money, and attention?
ACTION:
Try to be interruptible this week. If someone needs you, take time away from your busy schedule to assist them.
Week 6
Week 6
Watch the Recap Video
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to the pure in heart. Those that are pure in heart will see God. What does this mean? How can anyone physically see God? Jesus is calling us to be devoted to God, even though we have many shortcomings. We have to reimagine what it means to have a pure heart in the sight of God.
WARM-UP:
Go around the group and share two practices you do to keep yourself physically, spiritually, or emotionally healthy.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
How do we create a pure heart? In reality, we cannot. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart O God…” God is the only one that can change the purity of our hearts. Jesus is speaking to a group of people that are broken, messed up, and sinful. Yet he still says that those with a pure heart will see God. We are the people in the crowd.
When you hear Jesus say “blessed are the pure in heart”, what comes to your mind?
How can we begin to reframe what it means to have a pure heart?
In short, the prophet Jeremiah describes the heart as deceitfully wicked and evil. Who can know its depths? If unchecked, our heart can lead us to destruction. Much of that wickedness exists because our hearts follow too many things at once. We are not singularly devoted to one path. Our society constantly wants little pieces of our heart. We must counteract that. The pure in heart are the ‘singular’ in heart.
How can we practically apply the idea of 'trusting God with our whole heart' in a world full of competing demands and distractions?
David writes that we must examine our hearts. What questions do we need to be constantly asking ourselves to make sure our hearts are aligned with God?
In the message on Sunday, Brent discussed the postures of the pure in heart are those who trust the Lord, who test / examine their hearts, who confess and commit their motives and plans to the Lord. How can we encourage these postures in one another?
Part of seeing God is allowing yourself to be seen by God. The woman who bled for 12 years is a great example. She knew that Jesus was God because she took a chance and allowed herself to be seen by Jesus in her weakness. By reaching out and grabbing his cloak, she was taking a leap of faith. There’s no doubt that people had tried to pray for her and provide treatment within those 12 years. But in those days, if you had a serious ailment you had to live outside the city to prevent it from spreading. She was desperate and Jesus was her last hope.
What can we learn from the bleeding woman who touched Jesus' cloak about vulnerability and experiencing God's power?
Share a time in your life when you saw God or felt seen by God. How did that fuel your walk with Christ?
ACTION:
Let's have pure hearts.
Practice the Prayer of Examen this week. First, approach God with a posture of gratitude then move to a time of reflection (What are my motives? How am I honoring God in this season?). Next, spend time in silence, creating space to hear from God. Prayer is a two-way street. Oftentimes, we speak to God without letting him get a word in. Allow God to respond to you this week.
Week 7
Week 7
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to the peacemakers. The peacemakers will be called children of God. There is never a time when we look more like Christ than when we make peace. Children are a reflection of their parents. Peacemaking is one way we can show the world that we belong to God.
WARM-UP
Go around the group and share a hopeful story that you heard in the past couple of weeks. Too often, the news causes us to focus on the negative. Take some time to focus on the positive.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
Jesus challenges us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. When we pursue peace, there's a chance we will run into conflict. Let’s be clear, pursuing peace does not mean avoiding conflict. Pursuing peace involves standing up to injustice and fighting for the marginalized. A peacemaker is not passive, a peacekeeper is.
When I think of a peacekeeper, I think of the Capital Police from the ‘Hunger Games’. What differences come to your mind between peacekeeper and a peacemaker? Why does this distinction matter?
What New Testament stories show Jesus acting a peacemaker in a culture that was angry and condemning?
Speaking the truth can be hard. In situations where it is easier to just keep the peace, speaking truth can still be the right option. This can challenge some of our relationships. However, we need to be careful not to burn all of our bridges.
How can we balance speaking the truth in love with the desire to achieve harmony in our relationships?
How does seeking the truth in love lead us towards reconciliation, not retaliation?
Part of being a peacemaker is serving generously and humbly. Jesus lived his life from the position of the suffering servant. Scripture says that Jesus had equality with God but it was not something to be counted. Rather, he served others so we ought to do the same as peacemakers. Romans 12.9-11 says, “9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”
What are some ways we can serve others like Jesus did?
How can living with a servant’s heart impact our neighborhoods and community?
ACTION
Practice building bridges in your community. Choose one person with whom you disagree politically or culturally and invite them for coffee to listen and understand their perspective better.
Check out the ‘Serve the City’ tab on the SLO City Church website, pick a service project, and participate as a group.
Week 8
Week 8
INTRO:
This week, we are focusing on Jesus’ words to those who are persecuted. God tells us throughout the scriptures that we will have trouble in this life. Christ says that we should take heart. If the world hates us, just know that they hated Him first. If we stand strong, our reward will be great in heaven.
WARM-UP:
Go around and for two minutes, share how this series has changed your views on the political season.
Read Matthew 5:1-16 aloud during each group before starting the questions.
QUESTIONS:
Persecution can be applied to many different things. One thing's for sure, Jesus tells us that it will come. If we are following the way of Christ, we will face opposition. However, we are encouraged to rejoice.
When you think of persecution, what initially comes to mind?
It's strange that Jesus tells us to have joy in the midst of persecution. Joy in the midst of suffering is a paradox to the world. What do you think Jesus means here? What examples can we pull from Jesus’ life when he had joy in persecution?
In the sermon this Sunday, Chris Davis shared a saying from his grandma with us. She used to say, “Keep on livin’”. It's a simple quote with deep meaning. Chris’s grandma was telling him, that no matter what happens in this life, keep pushing forward. By the power of Jesus, we can put one foot in front of the other.
Share a time when you faced opposition and only by the power of God, you made it through.
Romans 5 says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” As Chris said, we must have the courage to endure. What does endurance look like in your life?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “ Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Chris encouraged us to focus on the eternal. Troubles are only temporary, but a relationship with God is forever.
One way to stay focused on eternity is to be surrounded by a Godly community. Who in your life needs to be reminded of the hope of eternity with Jesus? How could you be present with them this week?
ACTION:
Visit the “Serve the City” tab on the SLO City Church website, pick a service opportunity, go serve with your group.