“The Poor In Spirit”

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed”Highly favored, enjoying the

blessings of heaven.

“Beatitude”A state of utmost bliss:

happiness

“Poor in Spirit”• Matthew 5:3 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• Luke 6:20 - And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

“Poor in Spirit”• An attitude of reliance on God, not self.

– 2 Corinthians 1:8-10; 2 Corinthians 3:3-5

– Charles Wesley: “Jesus Lover of My Soul”

“Just & Holy is thy name, I am all unright-eousness; vile & full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth & grace.”

“Poor in Spirit”• Gideon

Judges 6:15 - He said to Him, "O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, & I am the youngest in my father's house."

“Poor in Spirit”• Moses

Exodus 3:11 - But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, & that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?"

“Poor in Spirit”• David

2 Samuel 7:18-29

“Poor in Spirit”• Isaiah

Isaiah 6:5 - Then I said, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts."

“Poor in Spirit”• Peter

Luke 5:8 - But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!"

“Poor in Spirit”• Publican

Luke 18:13 - But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'

“Poor in Spirit”• Paul

Philippians 3:8 - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, & count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

“Poor in Spirit”• Jesus

John 5:30 - I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; & My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

A choice on Jesus’ part, not a condition!

“Poor in Spirit”• Promise…

“For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!”

Our previous self before Christ: Romans 3:9-18