Poor in Spirit

A Few Notations About Matthew

Matthew, formerly a tax collector, was one of Jesus’ disciples. He is writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. He is concerned with setting forth Jesus as the Messiah, King of the Jews. He uses the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” 32 times in his gospel (used nowhere else in the Bible).

Matthew also quotes the OT, in supporting the fulfillment of Christ as the Messiah, more than 60 times. He also demonstrates the royalty of Jesus by continually referring to Him as “the Son of David.”

In fact, the opening genealogy in Matthew documents Christ’s credentials as Israel’s King, as the rest of the book completes this theme.

Sermon on the Mount/The Be Attitudes

Sermon on the Mount/The Be Attitudes

The book of Matthew records 5 major discourses: 1 - The Sermon on the Mount, 2 - the Commissioning of the Apostles, 3 - The Parables about the Kingdom, 4 - A Discourse about the Child-likeness of the Believer, and 5 - His Second Coming.

The Sermon on the Mount likely occured over a few days (which would also explain differences in it Lukan counterpart). The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount is to describe the Kingdom Culture. In other words, how does one who is a part of God’s kingdom think, believe, and behave. What is normal life like for the kingdom citizen.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke 1) The Beatitudes (5:3–10)

The implicit demands of the Beatitudes are therefore comprehensible only because of the new state of affairs the proclamation of the kingdom initiates (Mt 4:17, 23), the insistence that Jesus has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (5:17).

Blessed

Makarios (Gk), describes the kind of happiness that can only be found in God. It is to be filled up with all the fulness of God. It is to be fully satisfied in God.

This happiness cannot be taken away, because it is not anchored in any thing or person that can be taken away.

Kingdom of Heaven

Poor in Spirit

To be poor in spirit is not to lack courage but to acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy. It confesses one’s unworthiness before God and utter dependence on him.

Being poor in spirit is not a quality possessed by the pharisees. Neither are the remaining be attitudes. Theirs are attitudes of pridefulness, self-righteousness.

Kingdom of Heaven

To show respect and honor to, the Jews avoided saying the name of God out loud. Instead, they often used the word heaven as an alternate way to refer to God. Jesus proclaimed His kingdom as residing in the hearts of His people. This spiritual kingdom required internal repentance, not just external submission.

The Kingdom of heaven is spiritual - God is establishing His Rule and Reign in the hearts of His people. He is King! What He says goes. But He is a kind, compassionate King. He is good and right. He is their nurturer and protector. He is always available. They are heirs to His Kingdom.

The Kingdom of heaven is also physical

MacArthur, J. (2003). The MacArthur Bible handbook (p. 304). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Pathway to the Kingdom

Matthew 5:3 NKJV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3 NKJV

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in Spirit

To be poor in spirit is not to lack courage but to acknowledge spiritual bankruptcy. It confesses one’s unworthiness before God and utter dependence on him. Understanding that we have nothing to give God that will benefit Him. We have no RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR OWN. Christ fulfilled the law because we could not and made a way for humanity to commune with God.

Jesus and the Law

- Righteousness that surpasses that of the pharisees. Theirs was not righteousness at all - it was religious pride, arrogance, religious superiority.

Being poor in spirit is not a quality possessed by the pharisees. Neither are the remaining be attitudes. Theirs are attitudes of pridefulness, self-righteousness. They were only concerned with external displays of righteousness, but God judges the heart - Examples of internal sinfulness in 5-7 (murder, adultery, truthfulness, justice, loving your enemies, giving, prayer, fasting).

Theirs are attitudes of pridefulness, self-righteousness.Poor in Spirit - Understanding that we have nothing to give God that will benefit Him. We have no RIGHTEOUSNESS OF OUR OWN. Christ fulfilled the law because we could not and made a way for humanity to commune with God.

Example: - the Pharisee and the Tax Collector praying in the temple.

:3

Example: - the Pharisee and the Tax Collector praying in the temple.

Jesus Fulfilled the Law because We Could Not

Jesus Fulfilled the Law because We Could Not

- “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Only the POOR IN SPIRIT will truly call out to God.

Posture of the Kingdom

Poor in Spirit

This is a way of life for Kingdom Citizens. We are forever grateful for Jesus has done for us. We are always aware that we need Jesus constantly.

God drew us, we did not pursue Him! He loved us first. He calls us sons and daughters. It is all a work of His grace - we have nothing to boast about (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Daily Repentance

Repentance is a change of heart and mind that is followed by turning to GodWhen I sin, or have a wrong belief, I am to be quick to repent! I pray that God would change me where I need to be change. Because of what He has done for me, I am forever in His debt and forever grateful.

Repentance is a constaWhen I sin, or have a wrong belief, I am to be quick to repent! I pray that God would change me where I need to be change. Because of what He has done for me, I am forever in His debt and forever grateful.

As outlined in the Model Prayer, we are to daily turn from sin to Christ. Repentance involves remorse over sin, a change of mind sinfulness and turning from that sin to Christ.

The Model Prayer

In , the Kingdom citizen is to be in continual prayer for God’s forgiveness.

Bending to His Word

Bending to His Word

Bending to His Word

( - quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to wrath)