Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven — Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven — Matthew 5:3

The beatitudes are part of the Sermon on the Mount, which was a sermon given by Jesus, primarily addressed to His twelve disciples. The disciples were followers of Christ and they were the future leaders of Christ’s church. In light of this, it is appropriate to see the beatitudes as describing the character or inner spiritual qualities not only of a Christian but also of a Christian leader.

In this first beatitude Jesus is talking about spiritual poverty. A person who is poor in spirit is someone who acknowledges in his heart that he is spiritually bankrupt before God (Isaiah 57:15, 66:2). He has a strong sense that he has nothing to offer God but rather is utterly dependent on God for everything.

Man comes into this world rich in spirit — he is self-centered and self-sufficient. He believes that he can manage his own life. He doesn’t need God. Or, he might believe that, “God helps those who can help themselves.” By God’s grace, we were humbled when we were made aware of our sin and that we deserved to suffer God’s wrath. God enabled us to understand that we had nothing to offer Him to make us commendable for salvation — nothing to buy the favor of heaven.

As Christians and Christian leaders we must maintain poverty of spirit. Not only are we wholly dependent on God for salvation from the penalty of sin but we are dependent on God for salvation from the power of sin (sanctification) Romans 7:24-25. We are dependent on God for everything in life. Luke says in Acts 17:28 that, “In Him we live and move, and exist.” It is not easy for us to maintain poverty of spirit. We still have the sinful tendencies of self-sufficiency, pride, and self-righteousness.

In what ways do you struggle with maintaining poverty of spirit in your role as father, husband or at work?

For example, suppose you have an idea for a family outing for this coming Saturday, where you would all drive up to the mountains for the day. Your wife says she would rather drive down to Charleston for the day. Are you hurt or defensive or angry that your wife didn’t like your idea? Is your plan the only way the family could enjoy a day together? Is your first consideration to serve your wife or yourself? Does your attitude demonstrate being poor in spirit? Think of some personal examples to discuss.

What can we do as men to grow in our poverty of spirit?

One way to grow in this area would be to examine how many of your personal discouragements have to do with being disappointed in others and the way they treat you. If this is a pattern, discuss how you could replace it by focusing on how you can bring encouragement and joy to these same folks.

Christ says that the poor in spirit are blessed (that is, privileged and favored by God) because theirs is the kingdom of heaven! We live under God’s glorious rule; the power of the kingdom is at work within us producing in us righteousness, peace, and joy by the power of the Holy Spirit. And what’s more, when the kingdom God comes in all its fullness, you will experience infinite pleasures forevermore in the presence of God.