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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.