This week we begin a series exploring the rich meaning of the extraordinarily brief statements of Jesus we know as the Beatitudes. Memorable, yet often difficult to grasp, we’ll look at what exactly these qualities are which Jesus described as “blessed.” Together they comprise the attitudes of Kingdom-focused followers of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Reference
Matthew 5: 3
Sermon Audio
Sermon Notes
- The Beatitude Explained
- Blessed – the singular favor of God, a long-term state of being, not a trivial emotion
- Poor in Spirit – letting go your pride in status or achievement and acknowledging your dependence on God for salvation, just like everyone else (Romans 3: 23)
- Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven – present tense. The Kingdom is here now, inaugurated by Christ, to be consummated at His return. (already…and not yet).
- Are You Poor in Spirit?
- It’s easy to say the right words of humility, but do you really believe them (Pharisee and the Tax Collector)?
- Do you truly feel like the tax collector?
- When we stop being poor in spirit we stop being effective for the kingdom.
- Are We (LRBC) Poor in Spirit?
- Churches too can be poor in Spirit, or the opposite – Revelation 3: 17-19
- So, what’s our condition? If we were truly poor in spirit, we’d be on our knees praying