Blessed are the poor in spirit Matt 5
Blessed are the poor in spirit Matt 5: 3
Introduction • • Looking at the Be-attitudes. Meaning of the word Blessed. Being blessed brings happiness in our lives. The be-attitudes begin with an emptying out of ourselves and progresses to filling up.
I. What is meant by being poor in spirit? • Some versions translate this verse as being poor. – It means complete absence of pride and self reliance. (Jer 10: 23; 1 Cor 3: 18) • We must humble ourselves before God. (Isa 66: 2; Ps 34: 18)
I. What is meant by being poor in spirit? • We must empty of our lives of Pride arrogance and the like before we can submit to God’s grace – we must become poor in spirit before we can become rich in God’s blessings. – Submitting totally to God’s will (Micah 6: 8; Ps 2: 1; Ps 112: 1 -2) • In the absence of our pride and self-reliance we must humbly submit to God’s will. • Only when we reach this point can we accept His salvation.
II. What should our attitude be towards ourselves? • The problem of worldliness. – The world places great emphasis on Self. • It leads people to believe they are the single most important person around. (1 John 2: 15 -17) • They have no place for God in their lives. – Many bible characters were poor in spirit • Moses (Ex. 4: 10) • Peter (Luke 5: 8) • Paul (Phil. 3: 3 -8; 1 Tim. 1: 15)
III. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven • When we are poor in spirit we understand we are sinners and need God’s grace to save us. • We will seek the way to salvation. • We will submit to God’s authority in all things. • Thus we will obtain the kingdom of God.
Conclusion • Those who desire the kingdom of heaven need to become poor in spirit.
- Slides: 7