1. In Matthew 7:25, 31 and 34 Jesus tells us to “have no anxiety.”

What is the difference between the anxiety that Jesus spoke of and legitimate care and concern for your finances (7:25, 31) and your future (7:34)?

How can you tell when you have crossed the line from legitimate care and concern to anxiety?

What are some of your warning signs?

What have you learned to do when you sense that you are leaving trust and embracing anxiety?

2. How can we cooperate with God to grow in trusting him?

Share what you have learned that has helped you grow in your level of trust.

3. Re-read the meditation from Wednesday, February 10.

Share your thoughts on shifting our emotional and spiritual energies from concern for our own well-being to that of others.

Do you agree that that would be one way of seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33)?

4. How would you explain Matthew 6:33 to someone?

What would it look like in everyday living?

Have you known someone whose life exemplified Matthew 6:33?

5. Read Matthew 7:7-11

Is it easy or difficult for you to see God as a father who is eager to give life and love to his children? Why?

What helps you visualize the fatherhood of God?

6. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

What does this prayer mean to you?

What about this prayer do you like and what do you dislike?

What does it mean to you that human beings were made in the image of God?

In what ways do you see the “image of God” as a foundational truth?

What beliefs grow from it?

What beliefs would be absent without it?

How does this concept impact daily living?

How does the absence of this concept impact daily living?

2. We’re focusing on “The Foundation of Dignity” this week.

When you think of the word “dignity,” what comes to your mind?

How do I intentionally live a life of dignity?

How do I intentionally bestow dignity on others?

Is it possible to bestow dignity on others without living a life of dignity yourself?

Why or why not?

3. Jesus comes down very hard on insulting one’s brother (see Matthew 5:21-26). He even brings it into focus by comparing it with murder.

Why?

Does it surprise you that Jesus used such strong language to condemn a contemptuous spirit and contemptuous words? Why or why not?

This passage refers to a “brother” (5:22). Why is it sometimes more difficult to show dignity to those close to us than it is to casual acquaintances?

How do we fight against belittling and using contemptuous language toward those closest to us?

4. Consider this quote…

“Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.”

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

How would you define “violence of spirit”?

5. Re-read the devotional for Thursday, February 4. Are there other ways—besides sexual—that we objectify people? Name some ways we do that.

6. In view of the manner in which Jesus stood up for the rights of women, why do you think the church in America has not been a leader in women’s rights?

What should we do in this regard?

7. We all know that Jesus commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48) and the New Testament writers concur (Romans 12:14-21). However, most people don’t relate this to the concept of dignity.

Are the two related?

Are we supposed to stand up for the dignity of our enemies?

What does it mean to love our enemies?

In what ways are we liberated by admitting our poverty of spirit?

 What are the stresses of trying to prove yourself to others?

 What are the stresses of trying to prove yourself to yourself?

Monday’s devotional thought talks about “the position necessary for blessing.” In relation to Matthew 5:3, what does that mean to you—what is that position?

2. This is tricky. If you share the times you’ve given in secret, you’re no longer giving in secret. So…

Can you share the experience of someone else—someone who experienced joy in giving even though the act was not recognized by most people? (Change the names to protect identities.)

 What is the most creative act of giving that you’ve ever heard about?

Share some ideas for anonymous giving.

Is there a way that your group could join together to bless someone?

Anonymous giving is important for the giver as well as for the person to whom something is given.

Why is it important for the giver?

Why is it important for the receiver?

Read Acts 4:32-37. How does this passage—particularly verses 35 and 37—apply to Matthew 6:1-4?

3. Read Matthew 5:5-18.

How is spiritual pride different from other kinds of pride (like being proud of your kids or proud of a project you accomplished)?

How would you reconcile this passage with Matthew 5:16?

4. What advice would you give someone for living an authentic life?

What do you do to keep yourself from duplicity?

Where do the greatest temptations lie for living an inauthentic life?