TITLE: FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
TEXT: MATTHEW 5:1-17
1. This week at Vox we started a new teaching series through the Sermon on the Mount called, “The Patient Acquisition of Virtue.” Right now, in your faith, where would you like to grow? Where do you feel God challenging you?
2. Jesus teaches the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. Read this portion of scripture together. Which Beatitude stands out to you? Which one challenges you the most?
3. To be “poor in spirit” means to acknowledge your own spiritual bankruptcy. Most of us are more prone to see ourselves as “middle-class in spirit.” We don’t think that we are the holiest person, but we aren’t the most wicked either. Read Isaiah 64:6 together. How does this challenge your view of yourself? How does this impact your relationship with God?
4. The Beatitudes lead us through an inner process of humility and surrender that eventually leads to Jesus. Read Philippians 3:8-9. How did Paul become “righteous” before God? How have you been impacted by the truth of the gospel's gift of righteousness through Christ?
5. True virtue requires a DEEP INNER CHANGE…" Jesus starts the sermon with the Beatitudes because they are a road that leads to a NEW heart".
Where are you on this road, is there a deep hunger in you for righteousness? Are you merciful or holding onto a grudge? Take time to share, and then pray for one another, asking the Holy Spirit to work in your life over the next six weeks.
6. Challenge: The Beatitudes is the gospel in 8 phrases. - Meditate on these phrases each day this week. Spend time allowing the Lord to examine your heart before God and follow the road that lead to Jesus so that we can fully live as salt and light in this world.
For Further Reflection/Study: (Romans 3:21-22, Philippians 3:8-9, Matthew 5:17, Matthew 11:13, Isaiah 40:9, Isaiah 55:1, Is 61:1-3)