Review

• What is a paradox? -Why the series?
• The Jewish culture – proud – stiff necked
• They had created a culture kind of like the prosperity gospel
• If good things happen, then I have been good – bad –bad
• The Jews were waiting for the Messiah – to take them to the place of prominence in the world – they were Gods chosen people

Matthew 5:1–12 (NIV) ¹ Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them. He said: ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The word blessed –

• The word beatitude comes from the Latin word “beatus” (bee-ā-toos) which
• means blessed, happy or prosperous.
• And each statement Jesus makes in these beatitudes starts with a

blessing.

• God is saying if you are like this you are blessed
• In what sense are you blessed if you are like this? This seems backwards on planet earth -it’s a paradox
• Blessed: What does is it mean to be blessed?
• Greek word is makarios (mak-ar-ee-os) which means happy or fortunate

1. What kind of a Kingdom is it now? —today and not yet

Luke 17:20–21 (ESV) ²⁰ Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, ²¹ nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

2. Who gets in the Kingdom? The Poor in Spirit

• What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
• Humility –I am in need of saving –if you wont let him save you, you cant be in the Kingdom
• I am surrendered to the Lords leading –If you wont let Him be King in the Kingdom then you cant be in the Kingdom
• It does not mean I am not valuable
• – Jesus says to the proud –you are not good enough in it of yourself
• To those who are broken and admit it you are invited
• In fact you are perfect for the Kingdom when you realize you are broken

Mark 2:17 (NLT) ¹⁷ When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

James 4:6 (NLT) ⁶ And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds,  they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.

Luke 18:9-14 (NLT) 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:  10  “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax

collector.  11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  12  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’13  “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  14  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Psalm 138:6 Proverbs  3:34 (NIV)  Proverbs 16:19 (NIV)  Proverbs 29:23 (NIV). Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

3. Poor in spirit does not mean you believe you are worthless Psalm 139:13–16 (NLT)

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV) ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

4. What is the impact of being poor in spirit on our Kingdom relationships? Now we are salt and light – a city on a hill

• If we are built for relationship with God and others –pride kills relationships – humility makes relationship possible

Philippians 2:1–8 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? ² Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. ³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. ⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. ⁶ Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, ⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Romans 12:3–8 (NIV)

How does recognition of my sin lead me to humility –salvation—and relationship?

• The Holy Spirit moves me towards Jesus – helps me see I am lost
• Helps me see I am wanted via God sending Jesus
• Helps me be recreated in Christ
• Points out my sin
• Reminds me of what Jesus has done for me
• This leads me to worship and humble service

Ephesians 2:1–10 (NIV) ¹

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: Have you ever found yourself in a situation or position that you did not earn? What was it?

Main Point: The world elevates self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-expression, but Jesus flips that on its head. Being “poor in spirit” means we have an accurate assessment of who we are in Christ, and we recognize our utter dependence on Him. By this the world will know that we trust in God and not ourselves.

Main Scripture: Matthew 5:3, Philippians 2:5-8

Head Questions

• What did “poor in spirit” look like for the disciples of Jesus?
• How does it impact you now when you reflect on all the things God has saved you from?

Heart Questions

• According to Romans 12:3 how accurately would you say you think about yourself?
• In what ways have you tried to live in your own strength? (John 15:5)

Hands Questions

• What needs to change in your thinking to live “poor in spirit”?
• What disciplines can help your heart attitude? Prayer, thankfulness, worship, etc…

Additional Scripture: Isaiah 57:15, Ephesians 1:3-10