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)?
8. 
   Why do you need to be "pure in heart" to "see God" (Mt 5:8; Ps 24:3-4; Hab 1:13; Heb 12:14)?
9. What is the cost of being "peacemakers" (Mt 5:9; Eph 2:14, 16; Col 1:20)? Why is this so costly (Heb 9:22)?
10. Why are Jesus' disciples "persecuted because of righteousness" (Mt 5:10, 11; Amos 5:10; Jn 15:18-20; 3:19-20; Eph 5:11-12; 2 Tim 3:12)? 
• Why "rejoice" (Mt 5:12; Ac 5:41)? 
• Is progress possible without persecution (Rom 5:3-5; 8:17; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:6-7)?

• How are the Beautitudes counterintuitive and challenging? How do you embody them (Jn 12:24; Gal 2:20; 6:14)?