Study Guide | The Upside-down Kingdom

As a church committed to making the presence of Jesus undeniable and unignorable in our lives, relationships, city, and world, it makes perfect sense to continually reflect on the teachings of Jesus. Doing so allows us to explore what it means to live out the Mission of our church daily. We are beyond excited to dig into the famous sermon Jesus preached.

Jesus’ speech, the Sermon on the Mount, is recorded in the New Testament Book of Matthew, chapters 5-7. As a church family, we’ll look at the whole sermon throughout 2024. The series will be broken into 3 sections. This message guide is a short, 9-week study covering the first section of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-16).

After Easter, we will pursue the second section (Matt. 5:17-48) before taking a break for the summer. We’ll return to the last section of Christ’s sermon in the fall (Matt. 6:1-7:29).

Here is the schedule for the first section:

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Join the Group We’ve created a space where you can share your insights from the study and be encouraged by others’ thoughts and insights. If you’re doing this study on your own, but would like a community aspect, this feature is for you! Check it out! (Once you scan this QR code and join the group, each Share + Connect QR throughout the study will bring you back to the messages page.)

Matthew 5:1-16 | Section 1 of 3 01/28

Sermon on the Mount Invitation *No message guide notes for this week.

02/04

Blessed: An Identity, Not an Experience or Emotion

Matthew 5:2–11

02/11

Embraced by God & Embracing Life with God

Matthew 5:3–4

02/18

Content & Craving (Lent Begins)

Matthew 5:5–6

02/25

Sharing is Caring

Matthew 5:7

03/03

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose

Matthew 5:8

03/10

People of Peace, Disarming Division

Matthew 5:9

03/17

Persecution in Pursuit of the Persecuted One

Matthew 5:10–12

03/24

Savory (Palm Sunday)

Matthew 5:13

03/31

Shine (Easter)

Matthew 5:14–16

Devotional Format For those using this message guide, we’ve created a simple format to follow. We’d encourage you to open and close with prayer. In between, read the passage(s) and devotional thoughts before answering the reflection questions. Unlike previous message guides, we’re giving you the opportunity to share what you learned with a few people on staff at First Free Church.

Just scan the QR code at the end of each study to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear what God is teaching you!

If possible, read (or listen to) Matthew 5-7 as often as you can throughout this series. Always keep the whole in mind even as we marinate on tiny sections at a time. If possible, reread Matt. 5:1-16 before every weekly devotional reading. (This would mean you’d read this section at least 9 times.)

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WEEK 1 | MATTHEW 5:2–11

Open with Prayer

Read: Matthew 4:17, 4:23, 5:2-11 (ESV) “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

“And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” *Now Read Matt. 5:2-11 multiple times in various translations. Sit with it in silence or with music playing in the background.

Reflection Imagine you’re one of the early followers of Jesus listening to him preach and teach about the kingdom of heaven. You’re living under Roman occupation. Life has not been easy.

You do your best to follow the Jewish Law under Roman Rule, but it’s getting harder and harder. You don’t have enough to eat. The tax collectors take more than you were expecting, and you don’t have enough to buy your family’s bread for the week. You’ve seen bodies hanging on crosses along the road, so you know not to disobey the Roman Rule, but life is very difficult. Your heart is bitter and so angry toward those who have unjustly oppressed you. You’re tired. You’re hungry. You’re angry. You want to follow God, but under these conditions, it is hard to feel “blessed” or like you’re living the good life.

In Matt. 5:2-11, Jesus sets the stage for living the good/blessed life, flourishing in the kingdom of God, for many a stark contrast to living in the world as we know it.

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Questions: 1

What surprises you about Jesus’ words in Matt. 5:2-11?

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What does the word “blessed” mean?

For insight visit the Bible Project:

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Draw a line down the center of a blank page. On one side, make a list of how the world would define blessing or a flourishing life. On the other side, write what Jesus would say.

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How might the words of Jesus have been heard and received by those who heard them?

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If these words don’t necessarily hit close to home for you right now, who does this call to mind to pray for? What does this bring to mind for us who are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, in the ways Jesus describes in Matt. 5:2-11?

Share your insights and connect. This is new! We want you to be able to study in

6 community, even if you’re doing this guide alone, so we’ve created a space where you can dialogue with others who are using this study. Check it out!

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Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, giver of all good things. Never let us confuse the cheap, comfortable, and easy life that the world promises us with the truly good life of your Kingdom. Remind our frail hearts that we live for the Kingdom which comes with your eternal presence and is worth any temporary hardship we may face today. Create in us repentant hearts that can truly say how good life is for us in your Kingdom, even when life is hard. Be with us as we follow you.

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WEEK 2 | MATTHEW 5:3-4

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:3-4 and Luke 6 (ESV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” *Read the entirety of Psalm 22. Note the genuine posture of the writer and how his heart is expressed. Take note of language centered on poverty and powerlessness.

Reflection In looking at Luke’s shorter list of beatitudes in 6:20, the phrase “Blessed are the poor in Spirit” is stated differently, “Blessed are you who are poor.” Are these passages talking about being spiritually bankrupt or poor in terms of being broke? No matter what was intended by each author, the people being talked about are in a position of powerlessness and lowly status – impoverished. Mind-blowing concept: The good life associated with living in God’s kingdom is found in being poor. Now that’s upside down from what the world tells us.

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Questions: 1

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What do you think it means to be poor in spirit? Describe someone poor in spirit. Ask God to bring someone to mind who is poor in spirit. Acknowledge how they might be flourishing in the kingdom despite their impoverished status. How might God be uniquely revealing himself to them in their worldly circumstances? Rejoice that the Kingdom is theirs!

What hope does the Kingdom of God offer to the poor in spirit?

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How does Psalm 22 display the heart of someone crying out to God for help when they are poor in spirit or in need of comfort? Do you find yourself in need of these words? Is there someone in your life or that you know of that God can suggest that you can pray for?

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When have you needed similar words for your suffering? When have you needed comforting from God himself? Have you found it? These stories are encouraging when shared with one another. If you’re in a Life Group, spend time sharing, if possible. Or, select a trusted person to share your story with.

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, comforter of your children. You are mindful of every bird in the sky and blade of grass in the field, and you are ever mindful of every tear shed in grief from the eyes of your saints.

We long for the day when death no longer stings, when others’ sin no longer wounds and traumatizes. We pray for the day when mourning is truly turned to dancing. We pray that, as your people, we’d be marked with humility and that we’d bring your comfort to those who are grieving.

That we’d be a tangible foretaste of your Kingdom where every tear is wiped from every eye as we worship you. Strengthen us for the days ahead, our mind, body and soul firmly fixed on you.

WEEK 3 | MATTHEW 5:5-6

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:5-6 and Psalm 37:9-11 (ESV) “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

“For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

Reflection Remember the general audience of Jesus’ time, those who were hearing the message about the kingdom of God. They were occupied by the oppressive rule of Rome. This was not a pleasant time to at the lowest on the spectrum of political and economic power.

Now read Matthew 5:5-6 again.

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Questions: 1

What is surprising about what Jesus says and to whom he says it? What is inherited and satisfied?

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Compare vs. 5 to Psalm 37:9, 11. Where should our hope be directed?

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Spend some time thinking about this question: What are you tempted to place your hope in other than the Lord? In other words, what do you hunger and thirst for?

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Compare vs. 6 to Psalm 42:1, 63:1. What do you see?

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Check out Psalm 72. What does Psalm 72 say about how God views the poor and oppressed?

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Does your hunger and thirst for God also mean you hunger and thirst for his rescue of the poor and oppressed? See Psalm 72:12-14.

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If you’re spending time discussing the sermons and these questions with others, spend some time praying about how you can hunger and thirst for righteousness and justice together for the good of our city. What would that look like? What connections has God given you or someone you know that would be a good starting place?

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, King most high. Rescue the poor who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. Rescue the vulnerable from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious in your sight.

While the sun endures, and as long as the moon shines, may we your people hunger and thirst for a righteousness that restores more than just our own hearts to yours, but also redeems and restores justice to the oppressed, hurting, and vulnerable. We long to be filled with more of you Lord. And more of you means more of the people that you would love and serve and restore if you were among us here and now. Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear.

WEEK 4 | MATTHEW 5:7

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:7 and 7:12 (ESV) “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection Generally, we all want to be shown mercy. Why? We understand that we often find ourselves in situations where we have failed or let someone down; we have been in situations where we have wronged others or sinned against them in ways that were hurtful or harmful. We have been in positions where someone with power could punish us, perhaps for something we deserved. In all these situations we want someone to hold something back. In other words, we long for others to compassionately restrain themselves by acting mercifully toward us, like a loving parent who graciously responds to a teenager who has just informed their parent that they wrecked the family car.

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Questions: 1

How might the people who heard this have longed for mercy and how hard might it have been to show mercy toward those who had not shown mercy toward them?

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What does it mean to be merciful and how is it demonstrated in our own daily lives?

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How does Jesus show mercy toward us?

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Who needs mercy? Who specifically needs mercy in your life as you consider the people that you interact with throughout the week? Not only pray for them, but create a concrete actionable way to show mercy toward them.

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, merciful to those of us who struggle to show mercy to others. You saw crowds hungering for food and miracles, and you had compassion on them and fed them. You may even look at us and see hearts hungering for mere food and entertainment. Have mercy on us. Remind us daily of our need for you. Open our eyes to the countless ways we’ve been given mercy, and gently reveal to our hearts the many ways we’ve refused to show it to others, whether in word or deed. Fill our hearts and lives with the same compassion and mercy that you have extended toward us, that we may extend it out toward others who need to taste and see what the good news of the Kingdom is like. ‘The Lord, you are exalted above the nations, your glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God—the one enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? You raise the poor from the dust and lift the needy from the trash heap in order to seat them with the nobles—with the nobles of your people. You give the childless woman a household, making her a joyful mother of children.

Hallelujah.’ (Ps. 113:4-9) No one is beyond your sight or compassion or care. May no one be beyond ours.

WEEK 5 | MATTHEW 5:8

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:8 and Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.”

Reflection Who among us has a pure heart? We tend to think of being pure in heart as being morally perfect, having perfect thoughts and motives. That’s not necessarily what this means, although attitudes of the heart are important to be mindful of. Being pure in heart, as it is used here in Matt. 5:8 is about being “uncompromisingly dedicated to Christ,” as Sinclair Ferguson says. The pure in heart make God their primary focus, living the good life that God intended them to live to their fullest – in the love and grace of God. These are the people who will see God with their own eyes, dwelling with Him for all eternity.

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Questions: 1

In your own words, what does it mean to be pure in heart?

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What keeps us from being pure in heart and is there any trace of these things in your own life? Take some time to pray about it, asking God for clarity and conviction, leading toward repentance and renewal.

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What hope do we have in the phrase “they shall see God?”

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What images, feelings, and emotions do you feel when thinking about seeing God, and being in His presence?

Blessed are you, Lord our God, perfect and gracious in every way. How many listened to Jesus preach on that hillside and didn’t realize that they’d actually already seen God? Lord give us hearts that yearn to see you. When you are naked, let us clothe you, when you are hungry, let us feed you, when you are sick, let us visit you (Matthew 25:36-40). We truly long to see you Lord, give us hearts that see those you care for with open eyes, humble hearts, and willing spirits.

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Close in Prayer

WEEK 6 | MATTHEW 5:9

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:9 and Zechariah 9:9-10 (ESV) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” “ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!

Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.”

Reflection Doesn’t it feel like we’ve given up on peacemaking? While not completely true, there is a general feel that popular culture has a growing appetite for stirring up anger or avoiding conflict altogether. Peacemaking, as a reflection of living the good life of the kingdom, is countercultural, but blessed is she or he who is a peacemaker! This is the way of Jesus.

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Questions: 1

What is a peacemaker? What are they working toward in relationships? How is Jesus a peacemaker?

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How is peacemaking a contrast to war and an aggressive, combative, divisive, or violent posture?

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Have you tried to put yourself in the middle of a feud to create peace, working out a pathway for reconciliation? What worked and what didn’t?

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What are the essential ingredients for effective peacemaking?

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How might you be growing as a peacemaker, pursuing peace between people?

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, bringer of true peace. We bring you our troubled hearts and minds, our worries, our anger and our hurts.

We bring you our fears and all the things that divide us from one another.

We ask you to be Lord over them all, and give us the wisdom and the courage to find your way through. Just as Jesus was one who came and brought true peace, may we be people who bring true peace. May those in need of refuge find comfort in the shelter of your people Lord. We are your children Lord, and we long to see your Kingdom come, on earth, as it is in heaven.

WEEK 7 | MATTHEW 5:10-12

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:10-12 and Romans 12:14 (ESV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”

Reflection

There was a time in college when my (Brian’s) phone started to ring in my dorm room (Yes, it was a landline). When I picked up the phone to answer it, someone on the other end mockingly said, “Yeah, I’m looking for the Jesus freak. Haha.” At that moment, I suddenly realized that it was someone calling for my roommate, thinking he was talking to him, making a joke about me—the Jesus freak who was starting to get serious about my faith.

Needless to say, the brief conversation was awkward after the caller realized that it was me who answered the phone and not my roommate. I felt hurt and insulted by that interaction because it was obvious that some people thought that my life change was humorous to the point of mocking me behind my back.

In Matt. 5:10-12, Jesus says that being persecuted is part of the kingdom life. It is representative of flourishing in God’s kingdom. That is a hard pill to swallow for many, but from God’s perspective, it is a sign of walking in the truth like the prophets experienced long before us.

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Questions: 1 2 3 4 5 6

How were Jesus’ initial followers persecuted for their faith?

Have you ever been mocked or ridiculed because of your faith? What did it feel like and how did you respond? Or…have you ever been on the giving end? What motivated you to insult someone for their faith, and is there anything preventing you from apologizing and seeking forgiveness?

In many parts of the world today, persecution goes far beyond just being mocked or ridiculed. How can we pray for our brothers and sisters who are experiencing the full weight of these verses even now?

Have you counted the cost of being a follower of Jesus, understanding that persecution is part of the kingdom life? (Matt. 10:22-23) Why are we often surprised or shocked when it happens?

Ultimately, what perspective does Jesus want us to have when we are persecuted?

What are some ways we can internally and externally respond to persecution when it happens? Reflect on Rom. 12:14 again. Think about how to apply this verse to situations of persecution.

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, the one who was not just persecuted, but willingly gave up your life. Tortured and killed, though completely undeserving. Lord Jesus, we pray that as your people, we’d be people who bear your name well. Whether or not we’re insulted, persecuted, or spoken ill of, help us to bear your image as our Creator well. Help us be people who, being filled with the Spirit, are full of love, patience, and kindness. Regardless of how we’re treated, may we be people who are not full of envy, not boastful, not arrogant, not rude, not self-seeking, not irritable, and don’t keep a record of wrongs. Help us find no joy in unrighteousness but rejoice in the truth. Help us bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things with love in your name (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

WEEK 8 | MATTHEW 5:13

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Matthew 5:13 (ESV) “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

Reflection Lots of ink has been applied to paper regarding the meaning of salt in Matt. 5:13. From its use in the New Testament there are a variety of options. It could suggest making food flavorful, preserving food for long periods, bringing peace between friends, etc. In agreement with commentator Scot McKnight, it is probably wise not to get hung up on what exactly is meant here, but to think about the general ways we are like salt influencing the world around us. Likewise, it is helpful to consider what Jesus is saying about salt that has lost its saltiness which we understand to mean the ways we are ineffectively influencing the world around us.

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Questions: 1

What do you think “You are the salt of the earth” means and how does it communicate something about our purpose and mission in life? Keep in mind who Jesus is talking to.

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Consider your current salt level in terms of your effectiveness in influencing people around you. How are you doing? Any adjustments that need to be made to be more influential as a person living the good life of the kingdom?

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On the heels of Matt.3-12, it might be beneficial to look at the list of beatitudes and your influence based on what you learned.

Close in Prayer

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Blessed are you, Lord our God, creator and sustainer of all things. ‘Your mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear you. You have done a mighty deed with your arm; you have scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; you have toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. You have satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty’ (Luke 1:50-53). The ones the world does not expect are the ones that will inherit the Kingdom of God. They are the salt of the earth. Lord may we be counted among them.

WEEK 9 | MATTHEW 5:14-16

Open with Prayer

Read: Read Mattew 5:14-16 and John 8:12 (ESV) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

Reflection Have you ever driven through the countryside in the darkness of night? It can be kind of creepy huh? Anyone who has had this experience knows the eerie feeling of looking out the window and not being able to see much. Then, as you drive, you see the faint glow of a distant city on the horizon. As you drive closer, the light shines brighter and brighter, not only giving you increasing visibility but delighting the soul because what you couldn’t see in the darkness is now seen in the light!

When we come to the topic of “light” in Matt. 5, we are reminded that it’s an important theme that has been talked about previously in Matt. 4:15-16 (a quote from Isaiah). These passages together tell us that being part of the people living the good life of the kingdom means being a glowing city to weary travelers making their way through the darkness.

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Questions: 1

Do you think this passage deals with an exhortation to live a morally good life or more to do with the mission of making Jesus known? Explain your answer.

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What does Matthew’s gospel tell us about showing our light to others? In other words, how do we accomplish this? And what is the result?

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Generate a quick list of various ways you can let your good works shine so others might give glory to God.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, one true Light of the World. May our lives be reflections of your heart for the lost, the vulnerable, the marginalized, the undervalued and the underprivileged. When people know us, may they know you. We want our light to be a beacon, shining on a hill, welcoming weary travelers home to your Kingdom where there’s room at the table and all are invited to the feast.

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