1 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Study Guide
The Good Life Summary
Matthew 5:1-12 makes up what is commonly called the Beatitudes, which comes from the Latin word beatus, meaning “blessed.” The Beatitudes provide a picture of what life in Jesus’ kingdom looks like and the kind of character His followers possess. They are not laws that, if obeyed, merit someone’s salvation. Instead, they are evidence that someone is truly saved. In other words, when individuals experience God’s grace poured out through the gospel, this is the kind of life it produces, and the type of life citizens of the kingdom pursue. In this way, they flourish, which is an appropriate way to understand the word blessed. In this way, they experience the Good Life. Jesus’ version of the Good Life starkly contrasts with the world’s version of the good life. These eight beatitudes show us what we truly want and the life we are actually after. Only this life can give us the meaning, joy, and wholeness we desire.
Reflection Questions
As we enter this new semester of House Church and kick off this series in the Beatitude, carefully reflect on the questions below. Ask God to examine your life and reveal areas where you need to grow. Also, spend some time thanking Him for how He has endured you, matured you in your faith, and upheld you in His love.
1. How does the world define the Good Life? What does a blessed life look like from an earthly perspective? Be specific and list a few bullet points.
2. In what ways does Jesus challenge the world’s concept of the Good Life? How does life in His Kingdom look different? Why is it better and more blessed?
3. As you think of your own life, how have you adopted, or been tempted to adopt, the world’s view of the Good Life? What might repentance look like for you in those areas? Where do you have difficulty accepting what Jesus says about the Good Life?
4. Read through each Beatitude slowly (Matthew 5:1-12). Which of these do you need to grow in? Which of these have you experienced growth in over the past several months?