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Upside Down: Poor in Spirit

ByRicky Smith

August 9, 2020
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

I. Don’t worry be HAPPY
“Blessed”

II. Empty pockets
“the poor in spirit”

“There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets ‘things’ with a deep and fierce passion.”
– AW Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Isaiah 66:2
My hand made all these things, and so they all came into being. This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at My word.

We Stand on Solid Ground When We Hang at the End of Our Rope

“Poor in spirit” is the one who
– “wants nothing,”- contentment
– “knows nothing,” – humility
– “has nothing,”- submission

The Security of My Future Will Cost It All

III. Keys to the Kingdom
“theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

James 2:5
Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?

His Kingdom is marked by:
– Communion
– Joy
– Peace

Luke 12:32
Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.

The Wait Is Over
When You Are at the End of Your Rope, Try Hope!

Next Steps

  • I recognize my need for God and choose to put my trust in Jesus for the first time.
  • I have faith but feel like I’m at the end of my rope and repent of doubt.
  • I choose to walk with confidence in the hope I have in Christ.

Deep Dive

  1. How can we be joyful even when we don’t feel happy?
  2. How does my brokenness impact my relationship with God?
  3. Read Matthew 5:3 and discuss what it means to be “poor in spirit” and that attitudes impact on salvation?

Springboard

  1. Share some things that once were considered taboo but now are commonly accepted. Is this good or bad?
  2. Read Isaiah 61:1-3 and discuss some specific ways Jesus has demonstrated love to us.
  3. How can we remain confident in our walk with God even when we struggle with sin?

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