“Pursuing Spiritual Poverty”Matthew 5:1-3

A Closer Look at Poor in SpiritTwo words for “poor” in New Testament 1) “starving, toil for daily needs”

2) “to crouch, cringe, a beggar, destitute, at the mercy of one who ‘has’”“Poor In Spirit” ** possible to be materially wealthy / yet “poor in spirit”** possible to be materially poor / yet “rich in spirit” ** Proverbs 22:2 – no particular blessing in poverty

What Spiritual Poverty Looks Like

* It exalts Jesus Christ for who He is (John 3:30)

* Genuinely broken and in desperation (e.g. Bartimaeus - Mark 10:46-52) “Have mercy!”

* Abandons “rights” via generous forgiveness (Matthew 18:32-33)

A Parable Illustrates Spiritual PovertyLuke 18:9-14 (Pharisee + Tax-Gatherer)

Spiritually “Rich” Looks Like This:

1. Self-focused vs. God-focused “prayed to himself” 2. Self becomes the measure of righteousness rather than God’s law “I am not like others”3. Takes credit for the work done by God (fasting, tithing honor the Pharisee!) "I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8).

Key: How We Perceive Ourselves In Relation to God, and Others

Spiritually Rich Spiritually Poor

Indicators of a “Rich,” Prideful SpiritOperating daily independent of God’s leading* no prayer, searching the Lord* no systematic Word study* weak commitment to systematic worship [85 new members in last 3 years 20 have graduated, moved, inactive worship attendance is static—low 180’s] * taking credit for God’s victories "I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8).

Spiritual Poverty Recognizes UtterDependence On God to Make It

Internet Homework – “Lord, have mercy!”

Moses (Exodus 4:1-12)Gideon (Judges 6:14-15)Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5)Mary (Luke 1:46-49) Woman with alabaster jar (Luke 7:36-38)Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8)The Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:8-10)

God’s Workshop to Learn, Practice Spiritual Poverty: The Church

“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many’” (Matthew 20:25-28).

Spiritual Poverty Modeled By Church Leaders

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul)

“These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach” (1 Timothy 3:10, deacons)

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master” (John 13:15-16)

How To Grow in Spiritual Poverty(John 3:30)

Serve – (1 Peter 4:10) “giving away = poverty!”Conduct spiritual inventories of your heart (Psalm 139:23-24,Matthew 7:3-5)Lifestyle of humble repentance (985/85 split)Think HIGHLY of others – (Philippians 2:3-4)

Name Jesus as Lord and Savior = (Romans 10:9)

Kingdom entrance!