Riches for the Spiritually Poor

Sermon on the Mount #2

Matthew 5:3

March 30, 2008

Where can true happiness be found?

What is the good life and how do we attain it?

To whom did the Lord speak?

Are the beatitudes natural dispositions or  spiritual graces?

What does it mean to be blessed?

            OT Beatitudes (Psalm 1:1; 2:12; 32:1-2; 106;3- 119:1-2; Isa 30:18)

What poor in Spirit is not

            Financial poverty   (Luke 6:20)

            Depression

            Loud humblity

What poor in Spirit is

            It is recognizing one’s spiritual poverty before God, knowing that you have nothing to offer to him but a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

            (Isa 6:5; 1 Timothy 1:15; Exodus 3:11; Judges 6:15; Luke 5:8)

It is coming before the face of God and knowing your emptiness, helplessness and sin.

Martin Luther’s testimony

It is the necessary preparation for a life of Grace; unearned favor.

Spiritual pride is deadly poison to the believer, and it is rarely recognized.

What is the blessing attached to the poor in spirit.

            List of blessings (Psalm 40:17; 69:33; 72:13; 107:41; 132:15; Isa 66:2)

            The eternal spiritual kingdom of God is yours.

            You are accepted and approved by God.  You are blessed. 

            God freely gives his favor to those who cry out for him.