When Paul describes what it means to walk worthy of our calling, he lists humility first. Why do you think God’s Word puts humility before gentleness, patience, and love?
Why is a life of humility not an option for a believer to choose or reject?
In what ways did Jesus Christ display humility? Why are these examples so astonishing?
Which of the precepts described in this chapter do you find most challenging? Which of the promises do you find most motivating?
CHAPTER TWO
How has this chapter changed your understanding of what it means to be poor in spirit? How has it changed your understanding of what it means to be poor in spirit?
How can a Christian who is growing spiritually and becoming more like Christ be poor in spirit at the same time?
In moments when you see yourself as truly poor in spirit, where should your attention turn next?
How do those who are poor in spirit view others? themselves? God’s Word? their circumstances?
CHAPTER THREE
How is “mourning over your sin” different from regret, sorrow, or even shedding tears over your sin?
When was the last time you truly mourned over your sin? What impact did the process have on your self-image? your relationships with others? your relationship with God?
James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” From God’s perspective, why is this a simple truth? How should you respond when you become aware of the “smallest” sin?
How can mourning over your sin serve as an antidote for pride?
CHAPTER FOUR
Have you desired the character quality of meekness? Why or why not?
Explain how the character traits of the first three Beatitudes build on one another. Why is meekness an inevitable outflow from poverty in spirit and mourning over our sin?
Look at Romans 8:28 in the context of Romans 8:29. What is the definition of good? Why is understanding this a key to developing biblical meekness?
What basis does God’s Word provide for forgiving those who appear to be unforgivable?
CHAPTER FIVE
What is the biblical definition of righteousness? What evidence is there in the Bible to show that Jesus Christ met the requirements of this definition?
Why is Christ’s sinless life equally important as His sacrificial death for our sin?
What does the author mean by the expression “positional righteousness”? If you are in Christ, how does this make you feel inside?
What does the author mean by the expression “experiential righteousness”? What evidence is there in the Bible to prove that you should actively pursue it?
What motivates the genuine Christian to pursue experiential righteousness?
CHAPTER SIX
Explain the differences between showing pity toward someone and showing them mercy.
What did it cost God to be merciful toward us by forgiving our sins?
“To forgive others means we regard ourselves as ten-thousand-talent debtors.” What does the author mean by this statement?
Think back to the last time you were merciful to someone who wronged you. What did it cost you to be able to say, “You don’t owe me anymore”?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart.” What did He mean by pure? What did He mean by heart?
How would you evaluate the purity of your heart, on a scale of 1 to 10, in light of this chapter?
Why is the first car illustration an insufficient way to explain the lordship of Christ?
What is the most powerful motivation for surrendering to the fact that you do not own yourself, but Christ does?
As you seek to be pure in heart, what is the vital role of the Holy Spirit? the Scriptures?
CHAPTER EIGHT
The author states, “To become peacemakers . . . we must begin with ourselves.” Why is this true?
How can applying each of the previous six Beatitudes be instrumental in setting you up to become a peacemaker?
How can Peter’s words to servants in 1 Peter 2:18-20 and the example of Jesus in 1 Peter 2:22-23 make all the difference when someone wrongs you?
What evidence in the Bible shows that sins in the area of interpersonal relationships are as important as sins in the area of sexuality and integrity? In light of this, what actions should you take?
CHAPTER NINE
In what ways have you experienced persecution for your faith in Christ?
Do you agree with the author’s view that America has become not just ungodly but actually anti-God? Why or why not?
What difference should the command of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 make when you, as a Christian, consider your response to political or legislated opposition to biblical morality?
What are we to learn and apply from 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Romans 13:1-7, and especially the biblical mandate to “honor the emperor”? Do you believe the Christian mainstream is doing this today? Why or why not?
How is seeing persecution as a blessing a tangible way of displaying humility in action?
CHAPTER TEN
Take some time to honestly evaluate yourself in the light of the eight character traits in the Beatitudes. Do you see yourself to be a worse sinner than you thought? Why or why not?
Name some specific ways in which the gospel alone can keep you from becoming discouraged as you develop humility in action by applying the Beatitudes.
What is the one simple reason why you need to appropriate the gospel for yourself every day?
What are four ways in which the good news of the gospel helps you live your daily life in humility?
What Bible verses or passages will you use to begin to develop a lifelong practice of meditating on and praying over key Scriptures on the gospel?
