February 2, 2014 - 4th Sunday of Epipany

Breaking Open the Scriptures Scriptures for February 2nd: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12; theme: The power of the sermon on the Mount and blessings; Song: Trust and Obey UMH 467 1 Corinthians: Sometimes, when we should be thinking about what it is the brings us together under the love of Christ, we as a church seem to get caught up separates us. We work on defining our beliefs, and shutting out those who don’t think like us. Paul spends a lot of time helping us to put our difference aside. Paul says the wisdom of man does not impress God. Those who are not smart have just as much wisdom as those who do not. Those who are poor have just as much to offer the church as those who do not. There is never anything that we can brag about as an advantage. Because all that we know, have and do is a gift from God. Our biggest challenge is to use what we have in order to make this a better world for all people. What we value is what God gives to all of his children. Matthew: The sermon on the Mount is another reminder that God uses our weak points. That God’s value goes against the values of the world. It is times when we are suffering and times when we are down, that we can be confident that God loves us and is behind us. Christ is telling us that it is okay to suffer, it brings us closer to God. But he also tells us what values we should seek after. We have to be intentionally humble. Jesus goes onto the mountain, so that everyone can hear. This is not just a message for Jews, for those who are disciples, or even to those who are suffering. This is a message for all people. This is a life that we should all strive for. This is not just a message for our personal life, it is message for the community. Our mission is to serve the poor and to identify with a humble life. Questions: What are things that you consider to be an advantage over other people? How does God have a way of reminding you that we are all the same? How can we use wisdom and power that we have been given in service to Christ? How does the beatitudes hold you accountable? What is it that you need to work on? How can we as a congregation live out and teach the beatitudes?