The Beatitudes: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:1-3)

I. What is a Disciple? (Luke 14:33; Matthew 16:24; John 14:14; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 28:19)

II. What are the Beatitudes? (Matthew 5:1-10)

III. The First Beatitude: What does it mean to be Poor in Spirit?

A. Biblical examples of the Poor in Spirit.

1. Abraham (Genesis 18:27)

2. Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5)

3. Peter (Luke 5:8)

4. Paul (Romans 7:18; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:15; Ephesians 3:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9-11)

5. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)

IV. The First Beatitude: Reward- The Kingdom of Heaven.

V. Overview: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.

Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to minister to you through the Beatitudes. Be prepared to make any attitude changes that He might prompt.

For Further Study: Read the following verses, noting God’s perspective on pride: Proverbs 6:16-17; 8:13; 11:2; 16:5, 18-19; James 4:6.