The Best Sermon Ever (Part 3: Poor in Spirit)

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Scripture for today's sermon:
Matthew 5:3

The beginning and ending of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 and 5:10) both indicate present tense. Everything in between is future tense. As Christians we are already members of the kingdom of heaven, which is not yet fully realized.

Matthew 5:3

Jesus begins his sermon with a teaching to empty ourselves.

"Poor in spirit" does not mean:

• Materially poor

• Deficiency in vitality or courage
  It is NOT:
  • Someone who avoids conflict and agrees with everything that is told them
  • Has no backbone
  • "Doormat"

• It cannot be artificially produced with self hatred

"Poor in Spirit" DOES mean:

• Spiritually bankrupt

• Confession of unworthiness

• Unable to bring anything to God in terms of our salvation

• Deepest form of repentance

• Personal recognition of moral unworthiness
  Luke 18:9-14

The rest of the sermon convinces us that we are poor in spirit (spiritually bankrupt and totally dependent on God's mercy).

Being poor in spirit is directly in conflict with the natural tendency of the flesh. We naturally try to justify ourselves with many things including abilities, talents, status, etc.
Philippians 3:4-11

Realizing your spiritual bankruptcy everyday is the ultimate goal of Christianity. It is not about attempting to improve ourselves and become "unpoor" in the spirit. Recognizing our depravity, instead of trying to undergo self-improvement, and relying on Jesus' work on the cross as the only means to our salvation is the only way to fulfill the rest of Jesus teachings in the following chapters.