Welcome to Sunday Fuel! This series of questions is designed to assist your personal reflection and fellowship with others about the sermon from this past Sunday.

Go to This Sunday’s Sermon (start at 18:57)

1. Where in your life are you most tempted to retaliate or take matters in your own hands? Why?

2. Pastor Wayne points out that we often conclude that the godly Christian response is to let things go or brush it off instead of taking the “third option” of meekness: “strength under control…that is completely anchored in God’s sovereignty and surrendered to God’s purposes.” Prayerfully ask God to help you define what this paradox might look like in your particular situation. 

• If you have trouble with this, take some time to review what this looks like in the life of Jesus. Meditate on Matthew 11:28-30 or reflect on his humility in the triumphal entry (Matt. 21:1-5) or at the time of his arrest (Matt. 27:47-56).
• Alternatively, take time to review Psalm 37. What does meekness look like as described in this psalm and how might it translate into your own situation? 

3. Each of these beatitudes builds on each other, starting with our awareness of our desperate need. The way up is down, as Pastor Wayne illustrated with the J-curve. How could “descending downward” in honest humility actually help us hunger and thirst for righteousness? What would be your first step downward in humility? 

4. Would you describe the way you relate to others a “courthouse” or a “greenhouse”? Why? Please check out the heartwork Pastor Wayne created to explore this more deeply. 

5. Take time to turn to the Lord in your area of temptation or struggle (question 1). Will you express to him your step of faith to trust him for the outcome instead of trying to secure your own? Ask Him for help in this area to hunger and thirst for righteousness more than the short-term gains of getting your way. Pray for help to keep the long-term gains in view even though it may feel like death to you.