The Way of the Kingdom Series Resources
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The Sermon on the Mount is not an impossible ideal.
It is a way of life.
A way of life shaped by Jesus…
and made possible because He is alive.
This is the way of the Kingdom—
where blessing looks like dependence,
where strength is formed in humility,
where love reaches even our enemies,
and where trust replaces anxiety.
The Way of the Kingdom is a journey—
not just of believing the words of Jesus,
but learning to live them.
From hearing…
to practicing.
From striving…
to abiding.
From surface change…
to deep transformation.
From scattered lives…
to lives built on the Rock.
Whether you are new to faith,
returning after a long season,
or longing to go deeper—
this way is for you.
What This Series is About
What This Series Is About
The Sermon on the Mount reminds us:
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We are not just forgiven (Matthew 5:1–12) — we are being formed.
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We are called beyond surface obedience (Matthew 5:17–20) — into transformed hearts.
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We are shaped by what we practice (Matthew 6:1–18).
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We are invited to trust God fully (Matthew 6:25–34).
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We are building a life that will last (Matthew 7:24–27).
This is not about perfection.
This is about formation.
Not performance.
But practice.
Not striving to become someone else.
But becoming who Jesus is forming you to be.
Lifegroup Guide – Week 1 — The Blessed Life
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1–12, ESV)
Daily Reading:
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Monday: Matthew 5:1–3
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Tuesday: Matthew 5:4–5
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Wednesday: Matthew 5:6
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Thursday: Matthew 5:7–9
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Friday: Matthew 5:10–12
Devotional Thought:
We often think of blessing as something we achieve or receive when life is going well. But Jesus turns that upside down. The blessed life isn’t about having everything—it’s about becoming someone who depends on God for everything. Each Beatitude invites us into a deeper posture of trust, humility, and surrender.
Lifegroup Questions:
When you hear the word “blessed,” what comes to mind? How does Jesus redefine it here?
Which Beatitude do you resonate with most right now? Why?
What might it look like to grow in dependence on God this week?
Where are you tempted to rely on yourself instead of God?
Lifegroup Guide — Week 2: A City on a Hill
Matthew 5:13–16
Bottom Line: The kingdom life is meant to be seen.
Opening (Warm-Up)
- Where is a place you go regularly (work, gym, neighborhood, school) where you tend to just “blend in”?
- When have you seen someone’s life noticeably impact the people around them (in a positive way)?
Read Scripture Together
Read Matthew 5:13–16 out loud.
- What word or phrase stands out to you right away?
- What do you think Jesus is emphasizing most in this passage?
Movement 1 — Identity before activity
(“You are salt… You are light…”)
- What stands out to you about Jesus saying “you are” instead of “you should be”?
- How does it change things to believe your identity in Christ comes before your actions?
- Where do you find yourself slipping into “trying to prove yourself” spiritually instead of living from identity?
Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read 1 Peter 2:9–10
- What words describe your identity in this passage?
- Which one do you have the hardest time believing about yourself?
Movement 2 — Living for the sake of others
(Salt and light exist for what is outside themselves)
- Where has God placed you right now (relationships, environments, routines)?
- What might it look like to be “salt” in that space? (bringing goodness, healing, preservation)
- What might it look like to be “light” in that space? (bringing clarity, truth, hope)
- Which feels more natural for you right now—being salt or being light? Why?
Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read Genesis 12:2–3
- What does it mean that God’s people are called to be a blessing to others?
Movement 3 — Pointing to God, not ourselves
(“…that they may see… and give glory to your Father…”)
- What is the difference between living visibly for God and performing for attention?
- Have you ever seen someone live in a way that made God more visible to you? What stood out?
- What are some subtle ways we can make our lives more about our image than God’s glory?
Dig Deeper (Optional):
Read 1 Peter 2:12
- What does it look like to live “honorably” among others in everyday life?
Personal Reflection (YOU)
- Where might your “light” be hidden right now?
- Fear?
- Comfort?
- Busyness?
- Avoiding awkwardness?
- What is one small, practical way you could let your light shine this week?
(Encourage specificity—one person, one moment, one action.)
Group Challenge (WE)
As a group, talk about:
- What would it look like if our church truly lived as a “city on a hill” in our community?
- Where do you already see this happening?
- Where do we have room to grow?
Prayer Time
Break into pairs or small groups and pray:
- Thank God for the identity He has already given us in Christ
- Ask for courage to live visibly and faithfully
- Pray for specific people or places where you want to be salt and light this week
Optional Leader Close
You could end with:
“Jesus, thank You that we don’t have to strive to become something—we already are who You say we are. Help us live that out this week in real, visible ways so that people don’t just see us… but see You.”
Lifegroup Guide — Week 3
A Deeper Righteousness (Matthew 5:17–20)
Opening Connection
- When you hear the word “righteousness,” what comes to mind?
- Growing up, did you tend to think of following God more as rules to keep or a relationship to live in? Why?
Scripture Engagement
Read Matthew 5:17–20 together.
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- Why do you think Jesus felt the need to clarify that He wasn’t abolishing the Law?
- What do you think it means that Jesus fulfills the Law?
Exploring the Tension
- Jesus says our righteousness must “exceed” that of the scribes and Pharisees. What do you think He means by that?
- In what ways can outward obedience still miss the heart of what God wants?
- Where do you see the difference between external compliance and internal transformation?
Going Deeper (Heart Level)
- Why is it often easier to focus on outward behavior than inner transformation?
- Where in your life do you sense God inviting you to go deeper—not just doing the right thing, but becoming the right kind of person?
- How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled the Law change how you approach your relationship with God?
Living It Out
- What is one area this week where you can shift from “checking the box” to truly inviting God to transform your heart?
- What would it look like to let your actions flow from love and relationship rather than obligation?
Prayer
Take time to pray together:
- Ask God to reveal areas where you’ve settled for outward behavior.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to bring real, lasting transformation from the inside out.
- Thank Jesus for fulfilling the Law and making a deeper life with God possible.