Bible Study Guide/ Matthew 5, (40-BSG-5K)/ Discussion Questions

To Think About And Discuss – [1] Those living the lifestyle mentioned in the beatitudes will be “blessed.” Why do the righteous suffer so much in this world despite adhering to the Beatitude formula? (Mt 5:11).

[2] “You are the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13). What is the purpose of salt? What was salt used for in the Old Testament? What useful qualities does salt have? Why are Christ’s followers liken to salt today? In what ways can we be like Salt?

[3] Compare 5:14 with John 8:12. In what ways can we be like the Light? What are the similarities and differences between these two verses?

[4] How did Jesus expand the meaning of the seventh commandment? Matt. 5: 27-28. How is the principle here involved explained in James 1:14-15.

[5] “Blessed are the pure in heart!” Why is it important to keep the heart pure? (Prov. 4:23-24)

[6] What was the OT law of oaths? What does Jesus say about swearing? Why should one not swear by heaven, nor the earth? Nor Jerusalem? (Mt 5:33-35).

[7] For what reason ought one not to swear by his own head? How simple and direct should our language be? (Mt 5:36-37).

[8] For what good reason should our speech be thus simple and pure? What other instruction emphasizes the importance of simplicity in the Christian’s speech? (James 5: 12)

[9] How can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20)?

[10] If you bring your gift to the altar ….. “leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Mt 5:23-24). How would our worship be improved if we applied this principles?

[11] “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.” Will self-inflicted injury help us sin less? (Mt 5:29–30)

[12] Who are your enemies? How different would your life be, right now, were you to love your enemies? What four reasons are given by Jesus to love our enemies (Mt 5:44-48)

For Further Study – [13] Read Matthew 5:20. What does Jesus mean when He says that unless our righteousness “surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law” (NIV), we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven?

[14] We are saved by grace through faith! The children of Israel were saved by grace at the Red Sea before they were asked to obey at Sinai (Exod. 20:2) Does keeping God’s Law save us?

For Self-Examination – [15] Is it your earnest desire to go to heaven? If yes, have you truly adopted Jesus’ teachings and values as expressed in the Beatitudes? If not, what kinds of changes are needed in your life?

[16] It may seem all right to fight back, or retaliate a person who hurts us. The only problem with that kind of thinking is that we will be “acting like them” and not like “our Heavenly Father” – who “sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (v. 45b). Would you make a decision today not to hurt your enemies but rather Love, Bless, do Good to those who hate you, and Pray for them? (Mt 5:44). I know it is hard, but can you ask the Spirit of God help you do so?

[17] Spiritual poverty is an absolute prerequisite for receiving the kingdom of heaven! When we confess that we are indeed sinful, rebellious and utterly without moral virtues adequate to commend us to God, we are said to be “poor in spirit.” What danger, if any, to fail to see our spiritual poverty and our need for the Saviour?

For Life Today – [18] Blessed are the Merciful! “The mercy of which Christ here speaks is an active manward virtue. It is of little value until it takes the form of merciful deeds. In Matt. 25:31–46 deeds of mercy are presented as being the test of admission to the kingdom of glory.” (SDA BC 5:327). Take a moment to come up with a list of things you can do to those around you, to show them kindness and mercy.

[19] About Murder! Jesus located the root of murder in anger and hatred (Mt 5:21–26). Rather than harbor anger, which may lead to murder, a citizen of the kingdom of Heaven is to value “peacemaking.” What initiatives can you take today to be reconciled to your brother, or enemy? How can 1 John 3:15 help change your stance on this issue?

[20] About Promises! Most people today do not keep their words… they change like politicians. Jesus calls for honesty when dealing with a brother – “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (v. 37). What’s wrong with signing a legal contract in everything we do, (including members of the family, inner circles) in order to avoid future disputes?

[21] About Revenge and Repaying those who harm you! (Mt 5:38–48) Citizens of the kingdom of Heaven are called on to be like their Father in heaven! They are to love even their enemies. Does this deny justice? What about taking your enemy to the Court of Law? What’s wrong with that approach? How can you love your enemy and fight for your rights? Is there a conflict here? Discuss further.

[22] About Divorce! Moses permitted divorce, but Jesus called for a lifetime commitment (Mt 5:31–32). Here are common causes of infidelity in a Marriage – Insecurity, The Internet, Facebook, Running away from Problems, Pornography, Boredom, Not having the same Lifetime Goals, Addiction (alcohol and drugs), Lack of Respect at Home, Feeling unappreciated, Issues involving Body Image, Aging, Lack of Romance, Living apart for extended periods of time. Most of these issues can be avoided. What can you do to a couple whose marriage is struggling with these issues? What Scripture would you use to help them? What other measures are needed to prevent these things from escalating and culminating in a divorce?

For Going Deeper – [23] Compare and discuss the teaching in the Old Testament (“you have heard”) and what Jesus taught (“but I say unto you”) in Mt 5: 21, 22, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 38, 39, 43, 44. In each verse, find the corresponding Scripture from the OT.

[24] Consider again the major truth expressed in the subject of ‘mercy.” How does Mt 5:5 and Mt 25:31-46; James 1;27; and Micah 6:8 expand your understanding of this truth?

For Personal Implications – [25] Blessed are the pure in heart! — To be “pure in heart” is equivalent to being clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness (see on Matt 22:11, 12), the “fine linen” with which the saints are arrayed (Rev. 19:8; cf. ch. 3:18, 19)—perfection of character….. It was not ceremonial purity that Jesus had in mind (Matt. 15:18–20; 23:25), but inward cleanness of heart. If the motives are pure, the life will be pure.” (SDA BC 5:327). How can we perfect our character? What specific steps must we take to accomplish that goal?

[26] As Christians we are salt! The only question is whether we’re salty enough. Secondly, we are light! The only question is whether our light is hidden or not. Beloved, sin damages our testimony! When sin enters into our lives we will not walk in the Spirit: we will stop being effective as salt; we will be useless because our ‘lights’ will be dim. That’s why we are admonished to “trim our lamps” and “have some oil” –(the Holy Spirit), so that we might be able to stay awake, watch and pray, as we wait for Jesus Christ, (the Bridegroom), who cometh at an Hour we do not know (Mt 25:6-8, 11-13). Are you willing to do so today?

The End: Welcome for comments, further discussion as we attempt to answer these questions. Use the Bible, Commentaries, Dictionaries, etc. God Bless You!