Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Jeremy Bell
Matthew 5:1-3
June 4, 2023
Sermon Audio
Sermon Recap PDF
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (ESV).”
I. What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”
- To be poor in spirit is to recognize our own spiritual poverty.
- Its to realize our own inability to save ourselves.
- Its to come to terms with our inability to make ourselves acceptable before the Lord.
- To be poor in spirit is the opposite of pride, and esteeming oneself highly.
- To be poor in spirit is to shudder at the thought of your own self-greatness!
- To be poor in spirit is to rejoice not in yourself but in your gracious Lord who rescued you.
- To be poor in spirit is to actively rejoice, not in your own achievements or accomplishments, but in His eternal accomplishments on your behalf.
- To be poor in spirit is to be overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God, realizing that He has done for you what could never be otherwise done.
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” — Isaiah 66:2
All the labors of my hands could not fill Thy law’s demands
Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow
All for sin could not atone, Thou must save and Thou alone.
–Augustus Toplady, 1762
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. — Revelation 3:17-18
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 18:10-14
II. Application
1. Actively celebrate the grace you’ve received everyday
2. Ask yourselves x-ray questions
3. Regularly remind yourself of the reward
Questions for Discussion/Application
- Re-read Matthew 5:1-3. Re-read also the sermon Recap. How would you summarize what Jesus is saying when He says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (ESV).”
- A good synonym for “poor in spirit” is humility. Why is humility so essential in the Christian life? How can pride and a high self-assessment hinder us in our relationship with God? How can it hinder us in our relationships with others?
- Is it possible for a believer to be simultaneously poor and spirit and boldly and courageously confident in the Lord? If so, how?
- How can reflecting on the gospel help us to be both bold and humble?
- In what ways do you think self-righteousness is an enemy of being “poor in spirit”?
- What attitudes and behaviors might be indicative of a person who is biblically humble and poor in spirit?
- How would someone who is poor in spirit tend to relate to personal offenses? Do you think someone who is poor in spirit would be someone who is also quick to forgive? Why or why not? Explain.
- How would someone who is poor in spirit tend to relate to someone being promoted over them in the workplace?
- How can cultivating an attitude of “poor in spirit” keep us from envy?
- Jeremy said, “To be poor in spirit is to actively rejoice, not in your own achievements or accomplishments, but in His eternal accomplishments on your behalf. To be poor in spirit is to be overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God, realizing that He has done for you what could never be otherwise done.” How is poverty of spirit connected to true joy? How do you personally want to grow in rejoicing in who Christ is and what He has done for you?
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us all to grow in being biblically humble and poor in spirit.