Small Group Discussion

Opening Question:

Icebreaker Question

• Share about a time when you had to admit you needed help with something. What made it difficult or easy to ask?

Key Takeaways:

• Jesus’ inaugural address establishes how citizens of His kingdom should live – starting with the heart, not external appearances
• The Beatitudes describe the type of people who will flourish in God’s kingdom
• Dropping the mask means getting real with God about our need, our pain, our lack of control, and our dissatisfaction
• God is more for you than you are for yourself – He wants you to flourish, not just follow rules

Discussion Questions:

Poor in Spirit | Read Matthew 5:3

1. On a scale of 1-10, how self-sufficient do you try to be? What makes it hard to admit you need God’s help?
2. The sermon mentioned Paul’s words: “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). What area of your life are you trying to handle without Jesus right now?

Those Who Mourn | Read Matthew 5:4

1. Why is it so hard for us to be honest about our struggles, especially in church? What would it take for our group to be a safe place to say “I’m not fine”?
2. What’s the difference between godly sorrow that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to death? (Reference: 2 Corinthians 7:10)

The Meek | Read Matthew 5:5

1. The airplane turbulence illustration showed how our response reveals our control issues. What are the “turbulence moments” in your life right now where you’re gripping the armrests?
2. What would it look like practically to surrender control to God in one specific area of your life this week?

Hunger & Thirst For Righteousness | Read Matthew 5:6

1. The sermon said, “Your presence is my promised land” – that what we’re looking for isn’t out there, it’s Jesus right here. How does this change your perspective on your current circumstances?
2. What does it practically look like to “hunger and thirst for righteousness” in daily life?