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How to Live the Blessed Life

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. MATTHEW 5:1-12 ESV

HOW TO LIVE THE BLESSED LIFE:

UNDERSTAND YOUR DEEP NEED FOR JESUS

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. MATTHEW 5:3-4 ESV

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong… Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. ROMANS 7:21, 24-25 NLT

SEEK TO LIVE A HUMBLE LIFE, LIKE JESUS

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. MATTHEW 5:5 ESV

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: MATTHEW 5:1-2 ESV

The longer you know Jesus, the more humble you must become.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. MATTHEW 11:28-29 ESV

PUT GOD FIRST, LIKE JESUS

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. MATTHEW 5:6 ESV

We live in a self-centered culture. Jesus is inviting you into a God-centered life.

So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. JOHN 5:19 NLT

BECOME A MERCIFUL PERSON, LIKE JESUS

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. MATTHEW 5:7-8 ESV

May God give you more and more mercy… JUDE 1:2 NLT

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. COLOSSIANS 3:13 NLT

WORK HARD FOR PEACE, LIKE JESUS

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. MATTHEW 5:9 ESV

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 1 PETER 3:11 NLT

As a disciple, I must work for peace with:

Greet each other with a kiss of love. Peace be with all of you who are in Christ. 1 PETER 5:14 NLT

SEE LIFE’S DIFFICULTIES AS A GOOD THING, LIKE JESUS

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. MATTHEW 5:10-12 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find someplace quiet to spend time with God, or if you prefer, go for a walk. Take a few deep breaths, asking God to calm your heart and mind. When you’re ready, invite God to guide your time together. In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus calls us to a God-centered life. Who or what is currently at the center of your life? Reflect on what has been occupying your thoughts, time, and energy. Could it be success, relationships, security, or approval? While these can feel important, Jesus invites us to position God as most important in our life. What would it look like to begin to center your life around God, asking Him to bring you purpose and peace beyond what the world offers? Where in your life are you struggling with feelings of weakness, weariness, or insufficiency? Maybe it's in your relationships, work, finances or health? Jesus wants to meet our deepest needs, offering us grace and transformation. Acknowledge the areas where you are relying on self and, by faith, invite God to satisfy your needs. Jesus also calls us to take on His character, becoming more like Him. Who in your life needs your mercy? Where do you need to work for peace? How can you practice gentleness? Ask God to help you reflect His love in your daily life and share the blessings of this beautiful life in Christ with others.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Ask God. How do we apply this passage to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on this passage?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What does a beautiful life look like for you?
  2. START HERE: What are some ways you’ve recently experienced God’s blessings?
  3. START HERE: Share a way in which a difficult season of your life changed your relationship with Jesus.
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV). Which of Jesus’ teachings from this sermon are most encouraging to you, and how so?
  5. KEEP GOING: Which of Jesus’ teachings from this sermon are most difficult for you, and why?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Romans 7:21-25 (NLT). Where in your life are you struggling to do what is right, and how does that influence your need for Jesus?
  7. KEEP GOING: Share a way you’ve experienced Jesus satisfying or meeting your needs in a way you or no one else can?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Colossians 3:13 (NLT). Is there anyone from whom you’re currently withholding mercy or forgiveness? What allowances do you need to make?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What’s one way you could grow in having a God-centered life?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: As you consider yourself, the people you love, or the people you don’t like, where do you need to work for peace, and what steps can you take?