Here are a number of suggestions for those who will be attending Summit Woods Baptist Church this Sunday on how you can be prepared for the study of God’s word.
Carefully Think
- Read Matthew 5:1-12 – focus on 5:10-12.
- What is persecution? What is Jesus not referring to when bringing up persecution?
- Why is persecution listed last in the list of the beatitudes?
- Even though 5:11-12 contain the word “blessed,” and refers to persecution, these verses are quite different than the rest of the beatitudes. List all the differences in form and style between 5:11-12 and the rest of the beatitudes. Why these differences?
- What are the different forms of persecution one can face (v 11)?
- What should be our response to persecution and why (v 12)?
- What biblical examples of persecution can you think of?
- What is the result of persecution (v 10)? Note the similarity with the result in the first beatitude. What is the difference between this one and the others?
Prayerfully Meditate
- For what about your devotion to Jesus and His definition of righteousness have you most recently been persecuted?
- How often do you seem to face persecution for your faith? Why? Why not?
- Do you think Christians should expect regular persecution? Why or why not?
- Is there anything you intentionally hold back in your relationships with friends, at work, at home, etc., because you seek to avoid inevitable persecution? If so, why? If not, how has it provided opportunity to help people understand or be helped by the gospel?
- What challenges you most about finding joy in persecution? Why? What would help you to change?
Intentionally Act
- In thinking through this passage, what areas of your life seem most obvious and in need of change?
- What sins do you need to confess that come to mind from thinking and meditating on this passage?
- How could you use this passage this week to encourage someone who is experiencing persecution?
- How are you praying for those who are persecuted? How could this passage assist you in praying for them?
- Pray for this Sunday’s service, that God will be honored, the saints equipped, and those without Christ convicted of their need.
- Pray for those leading the service – that they will be used effectively to edify the body: Dawson Bryant, music; Brett Harris, Scripture Reading and prayer; Bret Capranica, teaching.
- Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will be singing. Download those you do not have so you can listen to them and prepare yourself to sing with the church. How do these songs encourage the truths in Matthew 5:10-12?
