guide. The beatitudes set forth the blessings God gives to those in whom he is working such a character—blessings given not as a reward for merit but as a gift of grace. By working toward the standards Christ has given us and coming as close to the mark as humanly possible, we give evidence of what by God’s free grace and gift we already are. 1. As you begin each study, pray that God will speak to you through his Word. 2. Read the introduction to the study and respond