12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. What is Paul’s message to Timothy relative to “all who desire to live a godly life” and the prospect for persecution? In what ways have you experienced persecution for living a life that glorifies...
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This week we conclude our study of the Beatitudes with Jesus speaking of those “who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of...
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. [a]Respect what is right in the sight of all men.18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. What is Paul’s direction relative to “conflict management” for the Christ followers in Rome? Paul is giving...
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Jesus then said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Jesus was telling His disciples that the inner peace we have through Him should be evident to those in the...
3 See [a]how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what...
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Jesus next spoke of the “pure in heart,” those who are set apart for God. Jesus says the pure in heart will “see God.” Have you accepted Christ and received His cleansing work in your life? Are...
5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved [a]you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God [b]as a fragrant aroma. What does Paul tell the Christ followers in Ephesus to do in these verses? When you consider God’s...
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. We continue our study of the Beatitudes, a list of counter-cultural attributes that should mark True Disciples. Jesus says “Blessed are the merciful…” and assures them of receiving mercy. The merciful extends mercy to others, demonstrating God’s mercy...
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. In contrast to the world’s pursuit of things to “fill us,” Jesus commends “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” and states “they shall be satisfied.” Do you have a healthy appetite for...
Matthew 5:5 5 “Blessed are the [a]gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Jesus then spoke of the gentle/meek and the inheritance God has planned for them. Are you humble and do you embrace your position as part of God’s team? In contrast to the world’s standard of “power,” are...