Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction

1.      The sermon on the mount contains the basic philosophy of Jesus for successful living in this world

2.      The beatitudes (Matt 5:1-12) form the introduction to Jesus’ philosophy – properly understood they stand in opposition to modern concepts of success and happiness – they stood in opposition to the philosophy to the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ time

3.      This is an important part of what Jesus had in mind in John 8:32  

Discussion

1.      Blessed are . . .

a.       Blessedness is the happiness of a life lived beyond worry, work, sickness and death  

b.      Blessedness is a joy in the inner person  

c.       Blessedness is a joy that has God (not this world) as its source  

2.      The poor in spirit

a.       Goes beyond the poverty of Luke 6:20 in Jesus’ sermon on the plain  

b.      Two Greek words used for “poor”  

c.       The “poor in spirit” – speaks of the attitude, disposition, outlook, perspective or viewpoint of person  

d.      Describes the person who recognizes their ultimate dependence upon God – describes one who understands that they have nothing to offer to God, but are wholly dependent upon Him for all that they are and all that they possess  

e.       From this flows an absolute contentment with whatever one has and whatever one is – Phil 4:10-13  

3.      In order to receive the blessing there is a recognition that it is –

a.       Unavailable when –

                                                            i.      One believes that security is based on wealth

                                                          ii.      One believes that the rich can insure your happiness – James 2

                                                        iii.      One does not properly identify needs and wants and confuses the one for the other – Matt 6:31

                                                        iv.      One does not properly rank priorities – Matt 6:33  

b.      Dependent upon taking Jesus seriously  

Conclusion

1.       Our nature leads us to pursue the flesh in hopes of finding contentment and fulfillment

2.      Jesus calls us to a different path, the path of the spirit

3.      Those who understand and acknowledge their helplessness and lean upon the Lord will be blessed

4.      A Christian is one who believes Jesus and chooses to follow the path that he commends