Facebook: facebook.com/faccalgary. Twitter:

Transcription

1

2 CONTENT Session 1...Flipped Attitude (Matthew 5:1-12) Session 2...Flipped Influence (Matthew 5:13-16) Session 3...Flipped Heart (Matthew 5:17-48) Session 4...Flipped Generosity (Matthew 6:1-4) Session 5...Flipped Awareness (Matthew 6:5-18) Session 6...Flipped Values (Matthew 6:19-34) Session 7...Flipped Judgment (Matthew 7:1-12) Session 8...Flipped Wisdom (Matthew 7:13-29) Family Activities Facebook: facebook.com/faccalgary Twitter: What to expect We are so excited that you have chosen to lead a group through this study. We have eight sessions that contain foundational Scripture and discussion questions designed to lead your group through Jesus Sermon on the Mount. This discussion guide is designed to engage your group in deep and meaningful conversation. At the end of each section we have provided you with room to take notes and write down the praise reports and prayer requests of the group. Each session will begin with an ice breaker question and foundational scripture that can be read out loud.

3 Each teaching session on the DVD focuses on the theme outlined in the booklet for that week s study. Although the discussion guide is designed in order from Session 1 to Session 8, you can introduce each session in the order that works best for the group over any period of time. After you watch the DVD sessions, open with a word of prayer then allow a few minutes for com ments or discussion before starting into the questions listed in this booklet. The questions listed in this discussion guide are designed to encourage the group to wrestle with the content and to provoke discussion. The leader should feel free to go through all or just a few of the questions depending on the group s desire to engage on a given topic. At the end of this booklet you will find a family activity section that has different activities to help your family learn and grow together! Learning to live all for Jesus is a wonderful and fulfilling journey and these sections will help you do just that! How to use this guide To Begin is designed to break the ice and allow for group members to engage in opening conversation. The questions are usually fairly simple so anyone can participate. Digging Deeper is designed to engage the group in a more robust conversation. The questions in this section will hopefully engage group members from all walks of life. Remember you don t have to work through all the questions. As a leader, you can use all the questions or pick the ones that you think would best suit your group needs. As you work through each question, encourage members of the group to think about how the Scripture and teaching apply to our daily lives. Praise & Prayer Points is designed to help you keep track of the prayer requests and praise reports in your Life Group. As a leader it s important to keep a list of what s going on in your group so you don t forget! This will also help you stay engaged throughout the week as you continue praying for your group.

4 SESSION 1 Flipped Attitude (Matthew 5:1-12) TO BEGIN What were your initial thoughts about Jesus? What words would you use to describe your initial thoughts? READ Matthew 5:1-12; then watch DVD Session 1 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. What strikes you most about these statements from Jesus? Tim Keller claims that many Christians would rather be middleclass in spirit than poor in spirit. What do you think he meant by that? Does being poor in spirit mean that you should be constantly depressed and discouraged? If not, what does it mean? What kind of person gets blessed by Jesus? What does Jesus promise for us in the Beatitudes? Which Beatitude do you resonate with the most? What does living a life of righteousness look like in our culture? Dallas Willard helps us think about the Beatitudes today by

5 writing: Blessed are the physically repulsive, blessed are those who smell bad, the twisted, misshapen, deformed, the too big, too little, too loud, the bald, the fat, and the old for they are all riotously celebrated in the party of Jesus Who do we normally exclude from the party of Jesus? Who else might we add to the list? What does this quote reveal about the nature of the Kingdom of God? The Gospel tells of a kingdom where no one is beyond blessing. How are we to extend blessing to those we meet? Do you consider yourself gentle, humble, and thoughtful? How can we learn to live in such a way? (At the end of this booklet you will find a family activity section that has different activities to help your family learn and grow together!) PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

6 SESSION 2 Flipped Influence (Matthew 5:13-16) TO BEGIN Who is someone that has had a great influence on your life? READ Matthew 5:13-16; then watch DVD Session 2 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. In Matthew 5:13-16, the Greek gives the impression that Jesus told his disciples with force You, yes really you, you are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world. How do you fulfill your calling as salt to the people around you? Share some examples. How has your saltiness been received by others? Have your ever been persecuted because you follow Jesus? Why or why not? How have you been able to make sure that the way you live your life is always gracious and full of love especially to those who persecute you? Is the way your live your life flavourful to the people around you? In other words, is the way you live your life something that others would want? How can you live a live a life of flavour?

7 What does it meant to be the light of the world? Jesus doesn t want us to put our light under a bowl. What are some ways we hide our light? Do people in your world know that you are a follower of Jesus? In what ways have you been an example to those around you? Have there been moments where you failed to let people know about Jesus? What did you do? What should you ve done? How have you let you light shine this week to bring God glory? What are some practical ways we can live to bring glory to God? (At the end of this booklet you will find a family activity section that has different activities to help your family learn and grow together!) PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

8 SESSION 3 Flipped Heart (Matthew 5:17-48) TO BEGIN What s your favourite holiday of the year? READ Matthew 5:17-48; then watch DVD Session 3 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. Discussion Questions on Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus teaching goes above and beyond the Law and deals with the issues of the heart. How does Jesus teaching fulfill the Law and the Prophets? What is your view of the Old Testament? Can you see Jesus in the pages of the Old Testament? Why, or why not? Do you value God s Word like Jesus does? How can you grow in your love and appreciation for God s Word? Discussion Questions on Matthew 5:21-26 How can someone tell when you re angry? When was the last time you were really angry? How did you respond? If you could do this situation over again, what would you do differently?

9 Read the passages below and discuss any insights: People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:29 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Colossians 3:8 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19. In those situations where you know someone is angry with you, what have you done to make peace? How can we learn to live in peace with others? Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18. Discussion Questions on Matthew 5:27-37 If sexual sin begins in the mind, what steps can we take to deal with these issues in our thought life? How does sin in other areas affect our ability to resist sexual temptation? For those that are married, what keeps your marriage strong? What are you and your spouse currently doing to ensure that you remain true to one another? In regards to purity, is there anyone that you are currently accountable to? If not, who will you ask to become your accountability partner? Would you consider yourself a man or woman of your word? Why or why not? Would people say that you are a person of integrity?

10 Discussion Questions on Matthew 5:38-48 Sometimes it seems like it s easier to act first and ask for forgiveness later, however, that s not the attitude we should have as followers of Jesus. How have you ever reacted poorly against those who have hurt you? How can we learn to be full of grace with relationships that trouble us? How do you respond when you are insulted or taken advantage of? How will Jesus teaching here change how we interact with other s demands? How have you loved your enemies? How can we reach out to my enemies in a way that shows them love? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, I will take revenge; I will pay them back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12: After reading this passage of Scripture, an atheist Bertrand Russell once responded, The Christian principle, Love your enemies is good.... There is nothing to be said against it except that it is too difficult for most of us to practice sincerely.

11 Was he right? If not, how can we practice sincerely Jesus words in verses 38-48? "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

12 SESSION 4 Flipped Generosity (Matthew 6:1-4) TO BEGIN Have you ever given a gift anonymously? What was fun or exciting about that experience? READ Matthew 6:1-4; then watch DVD Session 4 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. Jesus urges you and me to give with pure motives that please God. Do you think that you are able to discern the motives and attitudes of your heart? Read 1 Corinthians 4:1 5. Would you consider yourself a generous person? In what capacity and to what extent are you currently giving to those who need our help? What is the motivation behind your giving? Have you ever given to the needy expecting to be publically recognized? Do you think it s wrong to be publically recognized? The Russian author Turgenev wrote, I do not know what the heart of a bad man is like, but I do know what the heart of a good man is like, and it is terrible.

13 Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23 24 For from within, out of a person s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. Mark 7:21 22 How can we practically learn to give to those who are in need with the right attitude? (At the end of this booklet you will find a family activity section that has different activities to help your family learn and grow together!) PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

14 SESSION 5 Flipped Awareness (Matthew 6:5-18) TO BEGIN Looking back over the past week, what was your highlight? READ Matthew 6:5-18; then watch DVD Session 5 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. When we pray, it s important to remember that God cares about our heart. In Luke 18:10-14, the Pharisee prayed thirty-three words compared to the tax collector's seven. But God heard the shorter prayer because it was offered to Him genuinely rather than out of self-importance. Jesus gave us a great example on how to pray. Why do you think it s important that we learn from his teaching? How would you describe your prayer life? In what ways do you struggle praying privately and in front of others? Have you learned to talk to God as your heavenly Father? What role does extending forgiveness to others play in your prayers? In light of this passage, who will you consciously and continually choose to forgive? Have you ever fasted? What was your experience like? Would

15 you do it again? If so, how would you fast differently knowing what Jesus has said here? Are you motivated to fast even though it is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament? Why or why not? How would you explain fasting to others? Why might God want you to fast? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. Matthew 16:27 So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God. Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. Romans 14:10 12 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2 Corinthians 5:10 How can we find balance between our salvation by faith with rewards for obedience and serving God? PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

16 TO BEGIN SESSION 6 Flipped Values (Matthew 6:19-34) When in your life, if ever, did God become more than a word to you? READ Matthew 6:19-34; then watch DVD Session 6 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. Discussion Questions on Matthew 6:19-24 What does it mean to store up earthly treasures? What are some of your most valuable possessions? In what ways have you seen the decay and destruction of your belongings? Have you ever been robbed? If so, what did this do to your sense of security? In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. Proverbs 23:5 What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? How can we learn to store up treasures in heaven? How have your passions influenced the decisions you make? Where is the Lord asking you to give your time, abilities, and resources? What s wrong with this idea of the more things I possess the happier I will be? How can I become more content

17 with what God has assigned to me? Would others describe you as a generous person? Why or why not? Andrew Murray once said, We ask how much a man gives; Christ asks how much he keeps. How can we learn to bless others? Can you honestly say that God is your only master? Is there someone or something that has taken priority over God? How can we live lives that Honour God in all that we say and do? Discussion Questions on Matthew 6:25-34 Is there a difference between being anxious and being irresponsible? Read Matthew 25: How does this parable help answer these questions? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:34 35; If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Ephesians 4:28; Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14

18 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don t follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: Those unwilling to work will not get to eat. Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 13. Why is a godly work ethic emphasized in the Scriptures? What do you worry about the most? What does constant worry reveal about your faith? How do your biblical values and convictions determine how you handle the stress of life? What are the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual consequences of worry in your life? How has worry affected those around you? Read Philippians 4:4 7. What concepts stand out to you? How could this passage change your perspective for the better?

19 Was there a time when you were really worried about your material needs? How has God faithfully met all your needs? What is enough when it comes to possessions? Augustine said, Our hearts are restless until they find rest in God. How can we consciously and continually find rest in God throughout the week? PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

20 SESSION 7 TO BEGIN Flipped Judgement (Matthew 7:1-12) What day of your life would you most like to relive? Why? READ Matthew 7:1-12; then watch DVD Session 7 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. In what situations do we most often hear Matthew 7:1 quoted these days? Does this passage absolutely condemn all judging? Why or why not? According to John 7:24, how should we approach making judgements? How often do we look beneath the surface before making judgements? What does Paul say is the case with one who judges hypocritically (Read Romans 2:1-3)? When have you illegitimately judged another follower of Jesus? Why do we find it easy to judge others? This week, pray the following prayer: Lord, may I be slow to judge others and quick to judge myself. Have you ever judged another believer for a sin that you have committed before or are currently committing? Have you ever

21 been guilty of having a double standard toward another brother or sister in Christ? What is the proper response to those we have judged inappropriately? How can we learn to view people who sin with a spirit of grace and concern rather than with a spirit of condemnation? Looking back, have you ever tried to force Christianity on someone who didn t want to listen? How do we know if we have gone too far and have thrown our pearls to pigs? When it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus with people, how can I know when enough is enough? How can I ensure that asking, seeking, and knocking are an active part of my Christian life? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 Then I will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me. Hosea 5:15 How does the golden rule affect the way you live your life? (While driving, at the store, talking to your neighbours?) How have you learned to do unto others as you would have them do unto you? In what particular relationship do you struggle living out this kingdom principle? What tangible step can you take this week

22 to love this person? Will someone diligently seeking the truth find God? (At the end of this booklet you will find a family activity section that has different activities to help your family learn and grow together!) PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

23 TO BEGIN SESSION 8 Flipped Wisdom (Matthew 7:13-29) What songs or Scripture verses do you still remember from your childhood? Why do you think these have stuck in your memory? READ Matthew 7:13-29; then watch DVD Session 8 DIGGING DEEPER Discuss what stood out to you most from the Scripture and video session. Discussion Questions on Matthew 7:13-23 How do you know that you have received eternal life? C.S. Lewis said, The safest road to hell is the gradual one; the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without sign posts. How would you explain this to someone who does not follower Jesus? As a believer, how are you seeking to walk through the small and narrow gate in your Christian life? From your perspective, who are contemporary examples of false prophets? How can we learn to discern individuals who may be false prophets? Why are good works so deceptive? How have you seen this to be the case in your own life? Where are we to look for our assurance? How should Christians interact with those who claim to be believers but are not living obedient lives?

24 Augustine said, He who believes that God is holy will despair trying to appease Him. When have you observed your inability to please God? Why is it still so easy to struggle with our own pride and selfishness? What can we do this week to humble ourselves before God and others? What does Jesus says about the gate he prefers us to choose? What does he say about the other gate? Discussion Questions on Matthew 7:24-29 Taking in God s Word needs to be a huge part of our lives as followers of Jesus. What are the best methods of filling our minds with God s Word? How often do you obey and apply what you read and hear? What personal storms have you experienced in this past year? How was your walk with God in the midst of the storms? What have you learned about your spiritual foundation in the midst of your storms? How are we able to strengthen our foundation during these rough times? Who do you know that are building on a solid foundation? What specific areas of your life needs to be stabilized or restructured? Jesus was a great example of a revolutionary teacher. What made Jesus teaching so amazing? Read the passages below and discuss any insights: There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead,

25 you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God s Word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Hebrews 5: What responsibility do we have to teach God s Word to those who have been placed in our lives? What have you learned from our study through the Sermon on the Mount? How has God changed your heart? In what ways have you decided to live a life that honours God, all for Jesus? PRAISE & PRAYER POINTS

26 FAMILY ACTIVITIES These are optional family activities you can do with your life group or at home with your families. For many more idea for how to support your children s faith at home take a look at the Parent Cue app available at the itunes store. Attitude: Matthew 5:1-2 Preschool Activity: Have kids color a picture of scenery and then get them to make a puppet of themselves. Talk with them about good attitude and bad attitude. Have them use the stick puppet to act out a good attitude in the place they colored. Talk with your kids about having a good attitude everywhere they go. Prayer Time: Dear God, help us to have a good attitude everywhere we go. Grade School Activity: With your kids read James 1:19. As a group make up actions for Quick to Listen, Slow to speak, slow to anger. You can also change your tempo while you do the actions, for example say Quick to listen REALLY fast, say Slow to speak really slow, and say Slow to anger really slow but yell ANGER! Once you have your actions and voice down say it with actions three times as a group. Once you re done laughing about how silly you were talk with your kids about what kind of attitude God wants us to have.

27 Prayer Time: Father God, please help us to have a Godly attitude all the time. Influence: Matthew 5:13-16 Preschool Activity: Get enough light switch covers for the preschoolers in your group. Get some stickers and puffy paint (glitter if you re brave) and have the kids decorate the light switch cover. Have parents put up the light switch cover at home and tell their kids to remember that Jesus wants them to be the light of the world. Prayer Time: Dear Jesus, show us how to be the light of the world. Grade School Activity: What you'll need: Lightning Bug Game 1. one flashlight per participant (adults can play too) 2. A room free of clutter, with a wide, open space for playing or you could bundle up and go outside. How to play: 1. Children will quickly turn their lights on and off in a darkened room. They will keep the light off for a count of 5. 1 parent will say 'Shine your light' at the beginning of the time and 'off' at the end. 2. When children turn their flashlights off, they can move up to five steps in the dark. They must stay still when they flash

28 their light. Remind them to move carefully (no running) to keep from bumping into each other. 3. One adult is it and tries to find someone. The person who is 'it' is also limited to five steps at a time. 4. Repeat flashing the flash lights until someone is tagged and becomes the new 'it'. Read Mat 5:13-16 together. What do you think Jesus is saying here? One adult lights a candle, then as a group talk about the attributes of light. Jesus wants us to "shine as lights" by doing works that will turn the attention of others to God. Prayer Time: Lord, You want to use us to bring more people into Your kingdom. So, we pray that You will teach us this morning how to live our lives in such a way that we make a positive impression on our friends and family. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen. Generosity: Matthew 6:1-4 Activity: Read Deuteronomy 24: Questions for discussion What were the Israelites commanded to do when harvesting sheaves, grain, olives and grapes? Who would benefit from the harvesting not being as thorough as it could have been? Why were they commanded to be considerate of those less fortunate?

29 Talk about who could use food or encouragement in your community. How can we be intentionally considerate of other people? As a small group talk with your children about people you may know who could use encouragement. Talk about things that you could do to show how much you care. Pray about the project together: God, is there someone who needs to be encouraged by a gift or a visit from us? The next time your small group meets work together to make something for someone else. Maybe it will be creating a card for a relative, baking cookies for the homeless, making a care package for someone in need, or planning a visit with someone who struggles with loneliness. Judgement: Matthew 7:1-2 Preschool Activity: Play Caught You Tag w/ your preschoolers. Talk about how everyone gets caught but that God loves us all the time, even when we get in trouble! Prayer Time: Dear God, thank You for loving us even when we do something wrong. We love you!

30 Grade School Activity: What You Need: A ball or something to toss What You Do: Have your small group including the kids stand in a circle and toss the ball around. After they have thrown it around a few times, have them close one of their eyes. As soon as someone misses the ball, they are out. Play until the final two people remain. Play again, having them catch it as they jump up and down and/or while standing on one foot. What You Say: Sometimes it seems so easy to judge other people and think they should have done something or not done something else. We might have thought the ball someone else missed would have been easy to catch. But, we don t always know what someone else is going through. We have our own problems to take care of and we should be careful not to judge someone else, because you ve been wrong too. This week, remember that you have been wrong, so you shouldn t judge others. Prayer Time: Father God, please forgive us for the times we have judged others. Please give us the strength not to judge other people in the future.

31 Notes

32