Creating a Counter Culture - a Study on the BeatitudesSample

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

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

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are for every Christ-follower and not just for some pious people. We are to display all eight characteristics in our life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I am not surprised this is the first because the other seven hinge on this one.

Blessed or happy.

The first thing that strikes me is that Jesus wants us to be happy, but what does He mean by happy? Can happiness be the end goal? Is that what Jesus is saying when He says you are “blessed”? Or could it be more? Happiness is a by-product of the kingdom lifestyle. It also implies favor with God.

Blessedness is also a characteristic of God. We can only share that through our union with Christ. The true pursuit of happiness will not only drive us into the presence of Jesus, but we will also enjoy His favor.

Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Who can enter into the Kingdom of God?

“Poor in Spirit” What is it?

Jesus is not talking about material poverty but spiritual poverty. We need Jesus in our lives to become citizens of the Kingdom of God. Jesus says you cannot rely on your goodness to enter God’s kingdom. In and of myself, I am morally bankrupt. This is not a denial of our worth as human beings but recognizing our sin and desperate need for salvation. The Beatitudes act as a mirror to my heart and how much I need Christ in me.

Why do I need to be “poor in spirit?”

Unless I recognize my poverty, I will not acknowledge the need for a Savior.

How do I become “poor in spirit”?

I become poor in spirit when I empty myself of pride, independence, self-achievements and admit my need for Jesus. Humility will keep me dependent and trust God to meet my every need. We need to come to Jesus poor in spirit and not in a poverty spirit.

There is a big difference. The former comes in a posture of humility, saying that I need one greater than me and acknowledges the “all-sufficiency of the Savior.” The latter says I am living in lack and what I have is not enough. It, therefore, denies the “all-sufficiency of the Savior.”

This Kingdom culture can only be lived out when Jesus is the King of our hearts.

REFLECT AND ASK YOURSELF

• Do I live dependent on God or independent of Him?
• Do I recognize the need for a Savior in my life?
• How does poverty of spirit enrich your relationship with Jesus?