Women of Grace 2007/2008

The Sermon on the Mount: Being Women of the Kingdom
Homework for Lesson Two
The Beatitudes: Poor in Spirit and Mournful

Read and memorize Matthew 5:3, 4

1. Read Matthew 5:3-11.
(a) What are the characteristics of those who are blessed, according to Jesus?

(b) What do the following verses teach about one who is blessed?
Psalm 1:1

Psalm 32:1

Psalm 84:5

Psalm 94:12

(c) How do these ideas compare to the world's (and sometimes the church's) standard for blessing and happiness? Give specific examples.

2. (a) How can a person live up to all that Jesus describes in the Beatitudes?

(b) Are all Christians supposed to show all these characteristics? Why or why not?

3. What does it mean to be "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3)? See also Psalm 51:17 and Revelation 3:17 to help with your answer.

4. (a) What does Jesus say is the requirement for those who enter the kingdom of God in John 3:3, 5?

(b) How does the characteristic of being "poor in spirit" relate to these truths in John 3:3, 5?

5. (a) What kind of mourning is Jesus talking about in Matthew 5:4? See Luke 18:13 and Romans 7:24 to help with your answer.

(b) What comforts you when you mourn?

6. (a) How is poverty of spirit, an inner quality, expressed outwardly in a woman's relationships, actions, etc.?

(b) How is mourning, an inner quality, expressed outwardly in a woman's relationships, actions, etc.?

7. (a) What new truth(s) did you learn about the first two Beatitudes?

(b) What truth was particularly meaningful to you as you contemplated Jesus' teaching?

8. How will you begin to practically apply the truths that you have learned this week? Put your answer in the form of a brief prayer request (10-15 words). Write your answer also on a 3 x 5 card that you can share with your prayer partner.