Tuesday Bible Study (Zoom) for February 23rd @ 14.30 hrs.…
To the Tuesday Bible Group,
It was suggested we undertake a Lent Series of studies. I can think of nothing more suitable than to continue reflecting on Jesus’ Beatitudes in the weeks leading up to Easter.
2 weeks ago, we looked at the meaning(s) of “Blessed” and began with the first and foundational beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
(For your own personal study, read Revelation 3: 17-22. How would you assess the poverty of spirit of this particular church?)
Please recap on what we learned.Try to back up some of your answers with scripture. In interpreting scripture, it is important to compare one scripture with another.
For this session, be prepared to make the link between the 1st and 2nd Beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn…”
- Why would those who are poor in spirit feel a need to mourn? What kind of mourning is Christ referring to here? Is this the kind of mourning you do?
- Read Romans 7: 7-25. This mourning is over the struggle with sin “Paul-style”! What words and phrases describe his struggle? Why is it so hard for us to admit sin to ourselves and others? What is the single solution to Paul’s wretchedness? (Romans 7:25)
- How is it that those who mourn will be comforted? What does Jesus mean by this? Can we reconcile this with the suffering in the world?
- What does this beatitude tell you about the heart of God? (Rev 7: 17)
For Discussion:
Some Christians think that being filled with the Holy Spirit means they should wear a perpetual grin and be continuously light-hearted. The Christian life is not all smiles and laughter. There are tears and they should be shed more often.
We make much of grace but make light of sin. There isn’t enough godly sorrow for sin amongst us (2 Corinthians 7: 10). There simply isn’t enough repentance. How do you respond to this?
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