THE BEATITUDES (Lesson Two)
Poor In Spirit
Matthew 5:1-3 (705)
Introduction
A. Read Matthew 5:1-2
B. Jesus had gone up on a mountain to prepare to teach His disciples.
C. By this time Jesus was well known. Matthew 4:23-25
D. Let’s look at the first beatitude. V3
I. “Blessed are the poor in spirit”
A. What does it mean?
1. Humble. Replace “poor” with “humble.” A deep sense of dependency
on God. Realizing ones sinfulness and spiritual destitute. Being nothing
without God. Luke 18:10-14 (770)
a. Why was the Pharisee’s prayer not acceptable to God? Because of his pride.
b. Why was the tax collector’s prayer acceptable to God. Because of his humble
attitude.
B. How do we develop an humble attitude?
1. By overcoming the obstacle of self. Luke 9:23 (760)
2. Begins with a self examination. When we humble ourselves, God will exalt us.
Matthew 18:1-4 (718)
3. We need to have the attitude possessed by the prodigal son in Luke 15:19 after he
came to himself. Luke 15:11-24 (768)
4. v12: _____ me; v17 ___________; v19: _________ me.
II. “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
A. What is the kingdom of heaven?
1. The rule of God/Jesus in a person’s heart. Matthew 6:9-10
2. Now we live in God’s kingdom which is the church. Matthew 16:13-19 (717)
V18 church; v19 kingdom of heaven.
Closing: A. Matthew 5:3 paraphrased ________________________________________