Sermon on the Mount: Part 3

Our response to hearing the Sermon on the Mount needs to be obedience. However, the Holy Spirit will need to change our hearts in order for us to obey, because we cannot do it in our own power.

Beatitude #6 - Pure in heart. Read Matthew 5:8. God sees what is truly in our heart. Being 'pure in heart' is all about the inside. The key is Authenticity: Blessed are those who are real with God and one another. Spiritual growth is hindered when we are not authentic. When you are not genuine it is like "wearing a mask with a forced smile".

Beatitude #7 - Peacemakers. Read Matthew 5:9. Being a peacemaker is all about inter-personal relationships and loving people for Christ's sake. When there is conflict address it with gentleness and confess your feelings, dont confront.

Beatitude #8 - Persecuted because of Righteousness. Matthew 5:10. Verbal and emotional persecution is widespread in the U.S. There are 160,000 martyr's around the world each year. Matthew 5:12 says to rejoice even when it is difficult. Live your life all out for Jesus.

Discussion Questions:
1. How can we follow Jesus and yet try to impress one another?
2. Where in your life is pretense, phoniness, or posing?
3. Do you pretend to be someone your not?
4. Do you feel free to be yourself?
5. Do you stir up trouble because you are an angry, bitter, or grumpy person?
6. Do you stir up trouble because you hold grudges and won't forgive?
7. Do you avoid conflict resolution in your life.... in your marriage?
8. When others are at odds, do you pour out water or gasoline on that situation?
9. Are you willing to follow Christ no matter how uncomfortable you may get or what it might cost?
10. Have you fully surrendered your life to Jesus Christ?
11. Are you living for the next world or for this world?