• Read Matthew 6:1-4

What are acts of righteousness that you have seen practiced in front of others?

Why do you think that in Jesus’ Kingdom we are not ‘showy’?

All throughout this chapter, we are going to see some ‘practices’ or ‘acts of righteousness’. These do not make us more holy in God’s sight, but actually put us in a humble posture to know Him more. How we practice these practices matters.

• How do you practice giving? What are the ways that you are giving right now?
• What guidelines does Jesus offer related to giving?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Spend some time this morning reflecting on chapter 5.

Read it through.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love God and others in deeper ways.

• Read Matthew 5:27-48

• Read these verses out loud several times or listen to them on your phone—get them into your heart.
• From these verses, describe life in Jesus’ Kingdom:
• What verse(s) popped out to you? Keep paying attention to that!

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:3-6 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:43-48

How do you feel that the sun and the rain go to everyone—whether or not they are unrighteous or righteous? (sometimes that is frustrating for me)

How does loving our enemy help perfect us?

Who is your enemy? Is anyone persecuting you?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:38-42

How did you do yesterday speaking more slowly and pondering more what you are saying?

From these verses, how do they paint a picture of life in Jesus’ Kingdom?

How is this command different from just being a doormat and being taken advantage of?

Has something like this ever been a part of your life? Have you ever ‘gone two miles with someone’?

How does observing this command show trust in God?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:33-37

What is Jesus asking us to do in these verses?

How do these verses give us a glimpse into how the Kingdom of God works?

When you commit to something, how easily is that commitment broken? Why would you break a commitment?

Today—speak slowly and think about what you are saying. Be aware of what you are committing to. Try to say less words and think more.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:31-32

• Why do you think that Jesus equates divorce with adultery— what is the connection?
• Why do you think God feels so strongly about divorce?
• What do you think God’s intent was in creating marriage?

Marriage is a spiritual bond in God’s sight. How does this impact His thoughts on divorce?

How is this relevant in our culture today?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”