Pastor Matt began our series about the Sermon on the Mount out of Matthew 5. He reminded us that Jesus invites us into a way of being in the world that results in flourishing—not just our own, but for those in our circle of influence and communities.
MY STORY
Describe a period of time in your life when you truly felt satisfied and content. What happened during that time? Who contributed to that wonderful season of flourishing?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
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)
What are some of the venues in which Jesus’ taught? Why did he sometimes choose to speak to massive crowds? What would be the advantage in that?
In a world where we are over-saturated with content, how do you choose what or who to listen to?
Which of Jesus’ teachings is optional for His disciples?
Why must the follower of Christ not only take everything He taught very seriously, but seek to apply those principle in our everyday lives, especially in our relationships?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Define human flourishing ...
What does it mean for you to flourish?
How can you reasonable contribute to the flourishing of others in your circle of influence and your community?
Without naming anyone, who is NOT flourishing in your world? What does he or she need, spiritually and personally, to get back on their feet and begin to prosper (in the biblical sense).
In what sense is human flourishing impossible apart from obeying Christ and being empowered by the Holy Spirit? 1
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Enhance your own flourishing by focusing on an instruction of Jesus you find the most difficult to appropriate, and, (perhaps with small steps), start putting that teaching into action.
What creative and specific thing can you do this week to contribute to the flourishing of someone in your circle of influence or your community?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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