Mat 5:6 For what does the carnal man who sees only in the temporal realm hunger and thirst? See Luk 15:11-13, Joh 6:26. Are those who live only for their flesh ever truly satisfied? See Luk 15:14-16; cf. Ecc 1:8, 2:10-11, 4:8, 5:10, 6:7. Who does Jesus say in this verse shall be satisfied? What do our hunger and thirst—those most basic desires of our physical life—teach us about our eternal spiritual life? See Psa 107:9, Isa 55:1-2, Joh 4:14, 7:37. What does this verse teach us about the only thing that can really satisfy our innermost longings for that life which is life indeed? See Psa 17:15, 1Jo 3:2-3. Do you think that those who hunger physically because they are of humble means are more inclined to hunger and thirst for righteousness than those who are rich and well-fed with the world’s goods? See Luk 6:21, 16:20-22.
Mat 5:7 What does it mean to be merciful? See Psa 41:1. After whose example are we to be merciful? See Mat 9:27, 15:22, 17:15, Mar 5:19, Luk 17:12-13. Are we under obligation to be merciful only to those who plead for mercy or in some way demonstrate that they are “worthy” to receive mercy? See Luk 6:35-36, Eph 4:32. Why does Jesus say in this verse that those are blessed who are merciful? What is the great danger of not being merciful? See Mat 18:33-35, Jam 2:13.
Mat 5:8 What does it mean to be pure in heart? See Psa 15:1-5, 24:3-4, Isa 33:15-16, 1Ti 1:5. What sorts of things do those pursue who call upon the Lord from a pure heart? See 2Ti 2:22. What is the blessing Jesus promises here in Matthew 5:8 to those who are pure in heart? What does He mean that they will see God? See Job 19:25-27, 1Co 13:12, 1Jo 3:2. Is it possible to be very religious and appear righteous on the outside, but not be pure in heart? See Mat 23:25-28. What is the danger of not pursuing the righteousness and sanctification that are the mark of true salvation with a sincere faith, a pure heart and a good conscience? See Heb 12:14. In what sense do those who are pure in heart “see God” even here in this life in their day to day experiences? See Rom 1:20.
Mat 5:9 Why does Jesus say that those who are peacemakers are to be counted blessed? What does this teach us about the character of God’s family and the importance of being a peacemaker? Cf. Jam 3:18. What does it mean to be a peacemaker? See Acts 7:26, Rom 12:18, 14:17-19. What are the things that make for peace which we should pursue? See 2Co 13:11, Phil 2:1-4, Col 3:12-15. Who is the ultimate peacemaker? See Isa 9:6, Eph 2:14-15. With Whom is it most important for one to make peace? See 2Co 5:20. What is the danger of not being a peacemaker and pursuing the things that make for peace? See Mar 9:50, Luk 19:42.
Mat 5:10-12 Is there a difference between those who are persecuted “for the sake of righteousness” and those who are persecuted because of their own religious hypocrisy? Cf. 2Pe 2:13a. Are the blessings mentioned in these verses to be shared by those who suffer as a result of their own waywardness? See 1Pe 2:19-20, 3:17, 4:12-16. What blessing does Jesus pronounce in Mat 5:10 upon those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness? Is it significant that Jesus said “theirs is (present tense) the kingdom of heaven”? Cf. Mat 5:3, 19:14. What insight does this give us into the nature of the kingdom of heaven? What additional blessing is mentioned in Mat 5:12? Cf. 6:1-2, Psa 58:11, Luk 6:22-23, Heb 11:6,26. Is there a temporal difference between entering the kingdom of heaven and receiving a reward in heaven? Is it significant that the word for “reward” in Mat 5:12 is the same word translated as “wages” elsewhere? See Rom 4:4-8, 1Co 3:8,12-15. Is it really possible to rejoice and be glad in the midst of such suffering? See Act 5:41, Rom 5:3, 2Co 4:16-17, Phil 2:17, Col 1:24, Jam 1:2, 1Pe 4:13. What does Mat 5:12 teach us about the great reward of God’s prophets? Cf. Mat 10:41. Why do you think that is? See Gal 4:16, Prov 27:6, 2Ch 24:20-21.