The Blessing of the Beggar
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The Blessing of the Beggar
The Blessing of the Beggar
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:3
Bible Passage: Matthew 5:3
Summary: Jesus begins the Beatitudes by pronouncing a blessing on the poor in spirit, highlighting the value of humility and dependence on God.
Application: This passage speaks to those struggling with pride and self-reliance, reminding them that true blessing comes from recognizing our need for God. It encourages believers to embrace humility and seek His strength in their weaknesses.
Teaching: The sermon teaches that spiritual poverty is not a lack of worth but an acknowledgment of our need for God. It emphasizes that recognizing our limitations opens the door for God's grace and empowerment in our lives.
How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger context of Scripture, Jesus, through his life and teachings, embodies the very essence of the poor in spirit. He modeled total reliance on the Father, even to the point of death, and His resurrection offers us eternal hope.
Big Idea: Embrace spiritual humility, for in our weakness, we find true strength through Christ's grace.
Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Beatitudes' cultural context using your Logos library, particularly how Jewish thought viewed humility and pride. Look into various translations of Matthew 5:3 to understand the nuanced meaning of 'poor in spirit,' and examine commentaries on the Sermon on the Mount that delve into the implications of spiritual poverty in the life of a believer.
Introduction:
Introduction:
When I was a kid I was a Cub Scout I had to learn all the things in the Scout handbook, tying knots, starting a fire, learning that if I was ever stranded that eating ants are a great source of food (yeah that one stuck with me), and I had to learn the Scout Law.
A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
I remember thinking, what if i broke one of these laws? Is there forgiveness? Am I going to be kicked out? These qualities are expected of me to be in Cub Scouts. Thankfully, my dad was Scoutmaster, so my unclean room was not held against me.
But looking back now I realize these were things for us to grow into, to become. Some I had, some I did not.
On a much grander scale, the Beatitudes are such a beautiful set of qualities. Some may look at the Beatitudes and wonder what do they mean to us today. What if, like my unclean room, I don’t have them all down, what then?
Over the next eight lessons I want to look at each Beatitude and unpack just what we are to do, or maybe better stated, who we are to “Be.” Jesus has not given us this sermon to just learn about, He has given us the Beatitudes to say, “This is who you are now.” There are no verbs in the Beatitudes, they are exclamations of how we are to “Be.” For all of us we are to grow into this.
The purpose of this lesson is to look at the first Beatitude of “Blessed are the poor in spirit” so that we will commit to live a life that trusts wholly in God and in God alone.
The purpose of this lesson is to look at the first Beatitude of “Blessed are the poor in spirit” so that we will commit to live a life that trusts wholly in God and in God alone.
Now, the world will look at these attitudes as going against their way of thinking. They’re correct, they are upside down in relation to how the world teaches us to go through this life. But we want them because they are the attitudes of those who have discovered the abundant life, the true life, the eternal life in God and His Son Jesus.
But first, before we get into this first Beatitude, there is an opening to each of these Beatitudes that we need to look at and make sure we understand just what is meant with the opening word of “Blessed” with each of the eight Beatitudes. “Blessed” if I asked you what that means when, for example, Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” would we all have the same idea that this word is expressing?
Blessed
Blessed
The Greek word for “blessed” is Makarios. Sometimes this word is translated as happiness. It became a term the Greeks would use to describe the blissful, protected state of the “gods” as opposed to the difficulties found in the human world. This word was also used for an oasis in the desert. Think about oaisis; all around the oasis is sand, heat, thirst, and agony, but in the oasis those factors to do not affect me any longer. Instead, there is shade, water, shelter, and peace.
So what is Jesus saying in these Beatitudes when He begins by saying “blessed” or “Happy?” Human happiness comes in many forms (look at Ecclesiastes search for it) it is sought in gaining power, pleasure, wealth, and so many more things. The happiness, the blessing offered by the world is temporary and can be spoiled easily. Jesus is saying with each of these Beatitudes we have found lasting happiness, pure joy, pure bliss that isn’t reliant on our circumstances. No, the true happiness, the abundant life is found in the Kingdom of God, being reconciled back to Him out of the darkness and into His glorious light.
Blessed is a Big Picture word. We are blessed because we are in the oasis of God’s Kingdom. We could replace the word “Blessed” with “Kingdom People” as that is who has entered the blessed state. So we can say, “Kingdom people” “God’s people are …”
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed [God’s people] are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.” Let’s look at this first Beatitude.
1. Poverty is the Pathway
1. Poverty is the Pathway
Matthew 5:3
Entering the Family of God, the kingdom of heaven begins with humility. The 'poor in spirit' recognize their own spiritual void and turn to God to be filled. Recognizing we are totally dependent on God's mercy and grace. Before God, we are void of everything! Admitting our weakness is the first step to receiving God's strength.
2. Need is Necessity
2. Need is Necessity
Matthew 5:3
Perhaps explain how our modern world values self-sufficiency, contrasting it with the Biblical principle that honors spiritual neediness as a virtue. We acknowledge our spiritual poverty to access the riches of God's kingdom. Like Christ, our needs open the way to experiencing His abundance. Encourage the congregation to embrace their vulnerabilities, where true riches in the Spirit can be found. They can find encouragement in knowing that Jesus experienced trials to the fullest, and his victory is what we stand upon. Without our recognizing our need we cannot access the riches found in Christ. “Come you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
3. Riches in Reliance
3. Riches in Reliance
Matthew 5:3
Maybe conclude by illustrating how recognizing our spiritual poverty leads us to an abundant life. This acknowledgement is not just an end in itself but a beginning where God can work. With Christ as the perfect example, His resurrection is the ultimate display of victory over spiritual insufficiency. Draw parallels between His journey and ours, showing that through Him, all poverty turns to riches. Advocate for a life that seeks God's strength in our weakness as both a promise and a future reality.
Application:
Application:
In the context of church, you might feel pride when comparing your spiritual gifts to others. This can lead to feelings of superiority, especially if you are involved in leadership. To combat this, begin a weekly practice of gratitude. List at least three ways in which others have blessed your life. Share this list with your small group, emphasizing how their gifts enrich the church body, thereby reminding yourself that every member plays a vital role. This will foster humility and appreciation for the diverse ways God works through His people.
As adults, we may wrestle with pride, thinking you have it all figured out. This mindset can stifle growth and open connections. To challenge this, commit to attending a new class or workshop outside your expertise. Actively participate and admit when you don’t know something. This not only allows you to learn but fosters humility, as you position yourself as a learner among others. Share your experiences with your church community, promoting a culture that values growth and collective learning over individual prestige.