Week 2 Discussion Questions and Bible Study
Spiritual Poverty and Holy Mourning
Study Passage Matthew 5:1-4
1. Who are these “crowds” that are mentioned in verse one…………..what sort of people were they, why were they following Jesus? In what ways do you think they were similar to you and in what ways different? What is it that Jesus “taught” them?
2. Some English translations use the word “happy” or “fortunate” rather than “blessed”. What does it mean to you to be blessed or happy? Do these two blessings (and the six that follow) sound like the normal path to happiness? How do you think the original hearers felt as this pathway to blessedness was described? Do you think this a “true path to happiness/blessedness” for your life? Have you taught, or will you teach these principles to your children? Is this a viable way of life for the third millennium?
3. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Discuss the five characteristics relating to spiritual poverty mentioned in the talk. What is the opposite of spiritual poverty? Why is poverty of spirit essential for receiving the Kingdom of God? In Luke’s gospel (read Luke 6:20-26) Jesus says: “Blessed are you who are poor” and then He has very strong words for the rich. Is material poverty essential for spiritual poverty? Can material wealth stand in the way of spiritual poverty? Discuss your answers to the last two questions in some detail.
4. What is the “Kingdom of God” that Jesus says the poor in spirit inherit?
5. Read Romans 14:17 and discuss Wesley’s comments on it: -“for the Kingdom of God that is, true religion, does not consist in external observances. But in righteousness - the image of God stamped on the heart; the love of God and man, accompanied with the peace that passeth all understanding, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Try and reach some agreement on what righteousness is, what joy is and what peace is. For personal reflection: Do you have this Kingdom within you?
6. What is the dictionary definition of “mourn”? List some of the emotions that accompany such mourning. What does Jesus want us to mourn (three things were mentioned in the talk)? Should the list of emotions apply in these three areas as well? For personal reflection: Do you mourn?
7. How are spiritual poverty and holy mourning connected?
8. Discuss the various ways that God comforts us. Perhaps share how God has comforted you.
9. Some case studies: Depending on time, read the following texts and identify spiritual poverty, holy mourning and God’s comfort: 2 Kings 22; Nehemiah 1; Job 2:11-13; Psalm 36:1&2; Luke 18:9-14; Luke 19:41-44; Luke 23:39-43; James 4:8-10 Reflect on recent news (locally, nationally and internationally) and identify spiritual poverty and spiritual pride in the newsmakers and talk about what has or is making you mourn.
10. Mission Pillars
Spirituality: How can these two Beatitudes lead to a deepened spirituality in individuals and in societies? Evangelism & Church growth: How does holy mourning influence this pillar and motivate us to “save souls”?
Justice & Service: Is it possible for things like racism, sexism or any other form of discrimination to co-exist with spiritual poverty and holy mourning? What are the injustices in your area (think especially in the area of HIV & AIDS and poverty) and are they causing you, as an individual and as a church, to mourn? Is spiritual pride preventing social service?
Development & Economic Empowerment: Do I need all the money I think I do and do my personal finances reflect a spiritually poor, total trust in God for my present and future needs? Is my financial support of the church and its mission sacrificial?
© 2006 JohnWesleyProject.com
