Blessed to be a Blessing, Matthew 5:1-11
Icebreaker: Share a situation when you did something resulting in an unexpected benefit.
The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said:
3 Blessed (Makários) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Notes:
These teachings of Christ are referred to as the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are derived from the Latin beatitudo/beatus, because the first word of each statement in the Latin Vulgate is beati, which translates Matthew’s Greek word makários (traditionally translated “blessed”).
Makários (“blessed”) describes a believer in enviable (“fortunate”) position from receiving God’s provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend (“make long, large”) His grace (benefits). This happens with receiving (obeying) the Lord’s inbirthings of faith. (HELPS Ministries Inc)
This study is an overview of the beatitudes with focus on the meaning of “blessed.”
Discussion Questions:
1. What did Jesus refer to in teaching the beatitudes? (Matthew 4:17,23)
2. Who was Jesus addressing when he taught the beatitudes? (Matthew 4:24-5:2; 7:28-29)
3. How does Jesus’ teaching of the beatitudes apply to us today?
4. Pastor Dave said that “Blessed refers to an existing state of security, good fortune and joy, the distinctive joy accrued to those who have salvation in the kingdom of God. It’s what you already are and what already exists. Not a qualitative ‘If this; then this.’ Blessed is what you are, not what you hope to receive.” How does this insight inform your understanding of “blessed”?
5. How is blessed compared to joy? (Romans 15:13; Acts 13:52; Gal 5:22-23)
6. What observations can you make of the fact that the first (v.3) and eighth (v. 10-12) benefits are in present tense while the second to seventh benefits are in the future tense?
7. What is the origin of being “blessed”? (Gal 3:6-9)
Galatians 3:6–9 (ESV) 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
8. How can we be “blessed” and yet be in miserable circumstances? (Hebrews 12:2)
9. How can Psalm 1:1-2 help us to better understand the “blessed” life? Streams, fruit, green leaves
10. Can one miss out on being “blessed”? Why or why not?
11. The beatitudes are a package deal for those who are saved, not something to pick and choose from. What responses do the beatitudes demand of us?
12. Being blessed is important as the New Testament refers to “blessed” 49 times. How can we live out being “blessed” daily? Give practical examples.
13. Pastor Dave said, “Our theme as a church for 2021 is ‘I am blessed to be a blessing to a godless world.'” What are ways, we the blessed, can be a blessing to the godless world?
14. Are you equipped to share the gospel and be a blessing to someone who does not have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?