Be Happy Attitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:3).

1. How were "the crowds" and "(h)is disciples" different (Mt 5:1; 7:24-25; Jn 8:31).
• What is the repeated theme and emphasis of what Jesus taught (Mt 5:2, 3, 10, 12; 4:17)?
2. How is the word "blessed" different from being happy (Mt 5:3ff)?
3. Who are "the poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3; Isa 66:2b)?
• How does this contradict the world's values (Prov 3:34; Jas 4:6)?
4. Why are "those who mourn" blessed (Mt 5:4; Eccl 7:2; Isa 61:2)?
5. Who are "the meek" (Mt 5:5; 11:29; Num 12:3; Isa 57:15)?
6. How do you "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Mt 5:6; Ps 63:1, 8)? Why should you (Isa 32:17)?
7. Why should you be "merciful" (Mt 5:7; 6:14-15; Jas 2:13)?

Paul's Passionate Pursuit (Philippians 3:7-14)

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). [Paul's persistent, passionate pursuit for the priceless prize.]

• Explain: "The goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace, nor even blessing, but Himself, my God. To know Him, to serve Him, to be like Him—that is the prize of the upward call." A.W. Tozer.

Mission Imperatives and Indicatives

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'" (Mt 28:18-19).

1. What is the indicative and what is the imperative in Mt 28:18-19 (aka the great commission)?
2. What is 
• an indicative?
• an imperative?
3. Identify the indicatives and the imperatives in the following verses:
• Gen 12:1-3.
• Exo 19:4-6.
• Exo 20:2-3ff.

Authority (Mark 1:21-34)

"...he [Jesus] taught them as one who had authority" (Mk 1:22). "The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!" (Mk 1:27).

I: Authority in Word (Mk 1:21-22). Jesus teaches with authority.

II: Authority over Demons (Mk 1:23-28). Jesus exercises authority over demonic powers.

III: Authority over Sickness (Mk 1:29-31). Jesus exercises authority over sickness.

IV: Authority to the Multitudes (Mk 1:32-34). Jesus compassionately welcomes the multitudes.

• How is human authority different from divine (spiritual) authority?