A Disciple’s Be-Atitudes - # 1 The Poor in Spirit

The Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (NIV)

Your blessedness or happiness as a disciple is related to your steadfastness and surrender to God.

Jesus begins his list of beatitudes with the “poor in spirit.” This spiritual poverty is expressed when a person acknowledges a spiritual helplessness and need. This comes only when a person evaluates one’s life and realizes that there is no worthiness and merit within him because of one’s sinful nature. The “poor in spirit” looks toward heaven for grace and mercy.

Jesus assures his disciples that the “poor in spirit” will experience a divine joy in the present and in the future. This comes from the assurance of the forgiveness of sin and a complete pardon from guilt and shame. (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 32; Romans 8:33-34)

Those who are “poor in spirit” will be rewarded the richness of the kingdom of heaven now and forever. (Psalm 16; John 5:28-29; Romans 8:18)

Questions:

1.     Why must we confess our spiritual poverty before God?

2.     What is the difference of being self-righteous versus being given the righteousness of Christ?

3.     How would you characterize the “poor in spirit” in the world?

4.     What is the destination of the “poor in spirit”?

Applications:

1.     Do your values and behaviors reflect a spiritual poverty in Christ? (Romans 3:21-22: Ephesians 1:3)

2.     The “poor in spirit” can live as residents of the kingdom of heaven today. (Luke 12:31-32; John 5:24)