The Spirit of the Christian - Matthew 5:1-12

By David Woods

Discussion: Are we (Americans) truly poor? Why or why not?

Discussion: We are holiness Christians. We have been saved and entirely sanctified. We are very "conservative." Are we spiritually poor?

Discussion: What are some ways we are spiritually poor?
(Ideas: Lack of true revival, lack of salvations and entire sanctifications, lack of making a difference for Christ in our communities, materialisitic attitudes, more accepting of worldly philosophies.)

Discussion: Do we feel our spiritual poverty is enough that we need to "mourn" over it?

Prayer: Confess areas that we feel we are spiritually poor.

Reflection: What changes in your life is the Holy Spirit asking you to make?

Discussion: Can you truthfully say that you have surrendered every area of your life to God and are trusting Him to have His will?

Discussion: How can we create a greater hunger in our lives for God this week?

Discussion: Would our community describe our church as "merciful"?

Discussion: How can our church promote peace in our neighborhood?

Discussion: Define "persecution." Are we American Christians suffering persecution?

Discussion: Should it concern us that our "Christianity" never results in opposition? Is this just a blessing of living in America, or is it a sign that we are not living in and are not making an impact in the "real world"?