Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 53)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that two important activities are included in "pure and undefiled religion before God." a. One activity is "visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction." b. The other activity is "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. In this series of lessons we are examining instructions from God's Word that will help us to remain unspotted from the world. 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on several principles that relate to the first Beatitude (Matthew 5:3). 4. Being poor in spirit is essential for remaining free from the world's spots. Discussion: I. FIRST, WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE "POOR IN SPIRIT"
A. One writer, James Tolle, has 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. This characteristic was illustrated by a number of Bible characters, including: 1. David (Psalm 32:3-5) 2. Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-5) 3. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 10:23-24) 4. the woman who anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-38, 48, 50). D. Pride is the opposite characteristic that will prevent a person from being aware of his spiritual condition, as illustrated by the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:5-7, 25-28). E. In His parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus illustrated both characteristics. II. LET US EXAMINE SCRIPTURES THAT SHOW HOW BEING "POOR IN SPIRIT" WILL HELP US IN "KEEPING OURSELVES UNSPOTTED FROM THE WORLD"
A. 2 Chronicles 7:14 B. Psalm 51:17 C. Proverbs 29:23 D. Isaiah 57:15 E. James 4:6, 10 F. 1 Peter 5:5-6 Conclusion:
1. Being "poor in spirit" is one of the keys to keeping ourselves unspotted from the world. 2. Possessing this characteristic can be challenging because of pride. 3. Let us always remember that those who possess this characteristic will receive a great blessing: "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
