BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
(The Sermon on the Mount I)

Matthew 5:1-16; 17-48
Key Verse: 5:3

   "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
   heaven."


1.  Read v. 1-2.  To whom did Jesus give this teaching?  Read v. 3.
    What does "blessed" mean?  What are some examples of "blessed"
    people from the Bible?  What does it mean to be "poor in spirit"?
    What does Jesus promise the poor in spirit?

2.  Read v. 4,5.  What kind of sorrow makes men happy?  Who are the
    meek?  What blessing is promised to them?  Read v. 6.  What does it
    mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?  What does Jesus
    promise those who do?

3.  Read v. 7,8. How can we be merciful? Pure? Why should we?   Read v.
    9. What can we learn from Jesus about being peacemakers?  Read v.
    10-12.  What kind of persecution results in blessing? What can you
    learn from the Beatitudes about how to be really happy?

4.  Read v. 13.  How can Christians be like salt in the world?  Read v.
    14-16.  How can Christians be like light?  Why do some Christians
    become good for nothing?  What can we learn from these verses about
    the purpose of the blessed life of a Christian?

5.  Read v. 17-48.  What is Jesus' attitude toward the Law?  How does
    Jesus challenge us to live by the spirit of the law?  What can you
    learn here about anger? Lustful thoughts? Divorce? The word,  `Yes'?
    Revenge? The scope of love? What must be our response to these
    teachings?