Step Seven

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
- Matthew 5:9

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
- Matthew 5:3-9

INTERNAL:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit…
4 Blessed are those who mourn…
5 Blessed are the meek…
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…

EXTERNAL:
7 Blessed are the merciful…
8 Blessed are the pure in heart…
9 Blessed are the peacemakers…
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…

“You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”
- Anne Lamott

13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

14 “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”

15 The commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”
- Joshua 5:13-15

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
- Matthew 5:43-45

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Mixer

If you had intro music, what would it be?

Discuss/Reflect

In this week’s episode of As Normal As Weird Can Be, Pastor Jared & Mike Foster talked about creating healthy habits.

1.     What is one unhealthy habit you’ve started since quarantine? Is there a cue to it?

2.     What area of your life has been neglected? What habit would you like to create in this area?

3.     What is a habit of worship you have created or would like to create?

Sermon Questions

1.     Review Matthew 5:9. How would you define a peacemaker?  Does someone you know fit this description and what qualities do they possess?

2.     Regardless of our own behavior, God always gives us His best.  Is there someone you know who seems down on life or maybe a bit negative?  How do you feel when you’re around them?  Based on this week’s message, what would be the best way to respond to this person?

3.     The first four verses of the Beatitudes are internal and the next four are relational, or external.  How do we adjust our attitudes and equip ourselves internally, so that our external behavior aligns with a peacemaker and extends others grace?

Go Deeper

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Friendships are an important part of our walk with Christ. When going through trials in my own life, I have been thankful to have friends that kick me into gear.

The world is filled with several people that might not share the same values and beliefs as us. And while we would love to dismiss them, we as Christians are called to lift people up, be encouragers, and be peacemakers. We all need friends that will point us to God’s Word, and friends that will speak truth over our lives, even if it is not what we want to hear.

I am thankful for the friends that have loved me at my worst to see me at my best. I pray, I too, am the type of friend people can come to and not expect judgment or criticism but rather love and encouragement.

(Jaden Duncan)

Suggestions to Serve

Good Neighbor Drop-N-Drive | The Church at RB | Thursday 10AM-2PM

Good Neighbor Day | The Church at RB | Thursday, May 14 9AM-3PM

Prayer

Leader prays over the group.

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