Small Group Questions

September 7 - 13

Sermon Series: Beatitudes

Week 4: 
Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Ice Breaker, if Needed:

What do you think about your name? Share what you know about how you were named.
If you ever wanted to change your name, what would it be?

Discussion Questions for Small Groups or Individual Study

1. Read Matthew 5:6. What is righteousness? How does it feel to hunger or thirst?
Why did Jesus choose these particular words? Being hungry and thirsty are core,
continual needs. What does that say about the nature of our pursuit of
righteousness? How do we develop a core and continual hunger and thirst for
righteousness?

2. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-7. How did Nathan approach David about his sin? Why was
David so quick to see the sin in the story of the rich man, but not himself? Have
you had a “you are that man!” moment when the pain of your sin is revealed,
either through courageous prayer or another person? How does confronting the
pain of your sin help to develop hunger and thirst for righteousness?

3. Read 2 Samuel 12:8-10. What did Nathan pull out of David’s heart and show to
him? What were David’s motivations? What happened to David’s hunger and
thirst for righteousness? Why should you examine the motives of your heart? If
you asked God to search your heart and show you what is really going on inside,
how will His answer heighten your hunger and thirst for righteousness? What will
you do with what He reveals?

4. Read 2 Samuel 12:11-12. Hunger and thirst come from seeing how far we have
strayed from righteousness. David sinned in secret. What is the impact of having
his secret sin revealed so publicly? In verse 13, David says three powerful words.
What are they and how do they restore his righteousness? What was Nathan’s
reply?

5. David still faced consequences. Why? What mercies were given to David
because he went to God? What would have happened if he ran away? How does
true conviction drive us to God, rather than away from Him?

6. Read Psalm 51:1-12, written by David as a prayer in response to his sin and
God’s mercy and grace. What did he tell God? What did he ask God?

7. Read 2 Peter 1:3. What have you been given to help your pursuit of
righteousness? When will you stop needing His mercy and grace? What layers
do you need to let God peel away to get you your heart? Would you dare to pray
“whatever it takes, Lord!”? Re-read Matthew 5:6. What is the blessing to be
received?