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The Beatitudes Lesson 03
Introduction:
1. Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount by giving "the Beatitudes" (Matthew 5:3-12). 2. In the Beatitudes,: a. Jesus explained how people who possess certain characteristics are "blessed" [spiritually happy, well off, fortunate] b. Jesus revealed the special blessings that God gives to those who possess these characteristics. 3. In this lesson we are beginning a 2-part study of the first Beatitude in Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". 4. As we study this Beatitude, we are: a. showing what it means to be "poor in spirit" b. examining a number of Scriptures that relate to being "poor in spirit." Discussion: I. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE "POOR IN SPIRIT" A. James Tolle defined poverty in spirit as "that spirit of deep humility that causes a person to recognize his frailties and weaknesses as a fallible human being, that makes him aware of his spiritual needs and thus of his utter dependence on God." B. People who are "poor in spirit:" 1. are aware of their spiritual needs (Romans 3:23) 2. recognize their spiritual condition (Romans 6:23a) 3. depend upon God for salvation (Psalm 51:1-2). C. Bible characters who possessed this Beatitude: 1. David (Psalm 51:17) 2. Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8) 3. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:23-24) 4. the woman who anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-50). D. The opposite of being "poor in spirit" is pride. 1. Pride is addressed in Proverbs 28:26a; 8:13. 2. Bible characters who had problems with pride: a. the disciples (Matthew 18:1-4) b. the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:5-7, 25-28) c. the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-18). E. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14), which one was "poor in spirit?" II. SCRIPTURES THAT RELATE TO BEING "POOR IN SPIRIT" A. 2 Chronicles 7:14 B. Proverbs 29:23 C. Isaiah 57:15 D. James 4:6, 10 E. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Conclusion: 1. The Scriptures help us to understand what it means to be "poor in spirit." 2. Those who possess this characteristic will receive a great blessing: "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 3. In our next lesson we will continue our study of this Beatitude by looking at some additional Bible characters. | ||