Blessed are the poor in spirit

If we are careful in our study and rightly divide the word of truth, we will find:

1. The Beatitudes are about Character Building – about a child of God growing in grace and discipleship – “and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them”.

2. The Blessedness found in the Beatitudes seems to be Progressive – each one can be added to the one that goes before it – building “Discipleship” to maturity.

3. Just AS “newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2) -- A child of God grows in Christian Character being “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” - see Colossians 1:9-13 and II Peter 1:5-8.

4. WHAT is meant by “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit?”

A. Before one can determine “What is Meant” by any words, one must understand what is said by those words.

B. There are two Greek words (or forms thereof) that are generally translated as BLESSED (i.e. Bless and/or Blessing).

1. “Eulogeo” meaning “eulogy” or the bestowing of words of honor on another. Such eulogies (in word) are given at Honorariums or Funerals. This form or type of “Blessing” (eulogy) will be found throughout the Bible. See II Corinthians 1:3. Eulogeo is used in Matthew 5:44. Three forms of “eulogeo” are used in Ephesians 1:3 including “spiritual blessings” we receive from God.

2. “Makarios” which means to be Fully Satisfied, Content or Happy - But not an emotional Happiness As IF connected to luck or temporal favorable circumstances. Cp I Pet. 3:14, 4:14 w/ v. 4, 10)

3. Makarios is translated “Blessed” 44 times and Happy 6 times. Makarios is the “Blessed” used by Christ in the Beatitudes. Also see Romans 4:7-8.

5. This “Blessedness” or Beatitude is a thing or state of being fully satisfied or content – i.e. Happiness a state of well-being or pleasurable satisfaction (Webster’s).

6. “Poor” can mean destitute of wealth, influence, position, or honour in a material, physical or social status – BUT it is also used to express one being “helpless or powerless to accomplish an end; lowly and afflicted, destitute of spiritual virtues and any sense of righteousness; i.e. poor and needy. Being “poor” in this later sense causes one to cry out, “God be merciful unto me a sinner” or say “O wretched man that I am”.

I. Not Speaking of Being POOR Materially or Lacking Wealth

A. God’s Word Favors the Poor -- see Psalms 41:1 and Pro. 19:17

B. Wealth is NOT a Curse --- Cp Job, Abraham, David

1. The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil and the cause of many sorrows -- see I Timothy 6:10

2. Riches can prevent one from obedience to God and entering the Kingdom in this time world -- see Mark 10:17-27

3. Note that Jesus LOVED him (v. 21) before V. 22

C. We are not to favor the Rich over the Poor - see James 2:1-7

1. God is No Respecter of Persons when it comes to material things – see Acts 10:34-35

D. We Are ALL Rich in Christ Jesus -- see II Cor. 8:9

II. To be “Poor In Spirit” is to be Humble, Lowly, Abased, and Void of Self Virtue, Esteem, Pride. See Matt 23:1-12 and Pro. 16:18-19

** This first Beatitude is the Opposite of What the World Teaches – The world tells us to be PROUD and concerned about Me, Myself and I

** Pride is something EACH of Us must fight against Daily !!

A. God Hates Pride - see Pro. 6:16-19, 16:5

B. God Resist the Proud - see James 4:5-6 and I Pet. 5:5-6

C. Pride is a Scorn (Contempt) Toward God - see Pro. 3:33-34

D. Pride Precedes A Fall – Brings One Low - see Pro. 29:23

Compare: (1) The Pharisee in Luke 18 (2) Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30

III. Humility (Like Faith & Love) Not Evidenced by Words Alone

A. Faith Must Be Shown by Works - see James 2:14-18

B. Love Must Be Shown By Deeds - see I John 3:16-18

C. Humility is Shown by Attitude & Obedience - see Phil 2:5-8

D. Humility is required in the service of God – see Micah 6:8

E. Humility Must Precede any Blessings from God - see II Chron. 7:12-14

F. Humility must be a characteristic of a disciple of Christ – Matt 18:3-4

IV. Exaltation follows Abasement – “For theirs IS The Kingdom” The Way UP is DOWN - see Matt 23:12 and Pro. 22:4

A. Exalted to Heavenly Places - see Eph. 2:4-6 and Isa. 57:15

B. Exalted to Royalty - see Rev. 1:4-6 and I Pet. 2:9-10

C. Blessed With The Kingdom IN Holy Spirit - see Rom. 14:17

1. The Kingdom of God IS within you – see Luke 17:20-21

2. No one can be Filled with the Spirit IF filled with Self

Note: IF someone tells you they are humble – you know they are not !

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.