Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014

Introduction
Broken Silence
God had finally broken his silence! For approximately 400 years, God had held His tongue
and not spoke to the people of Israel. Now a carpenter from Nazareth, declared, Repent: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand (KJV, Matt. 5:17). What was the world to think?
After His initial call to repentance and the calling of some local fisherman to follow Him,
Jesus saw an opportunity to minister to the masses. He went up to the mount. He allowed His
disciples to gather in close to hear the most profound theological discourse ever uttered. It came
straight from the mouth of God (Heb. 1:1-4). We know this discourse as the Sermon on the
Mount.
This epic sermon begins with some very radical statements, called the Beatitudes. At first
glance, these extreme claims seem to be paradoxical statements, but within each one can see a
glimpse of the kingdom!
The Beatitudes contain the very principles in which the kingdom operates. When we apply
these principles to our lives the result is blessing! Although, they seem very different from the
concepts of kingdom of man, we can rest assure of the validity. They are God-breathed!

Body
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus begins with saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven (KJV, Matt. 5:3). What was this supposed to mean? How could one be blessed and
poor in the same moment? What did He mean by saying for theirs is the kingdom of heaven?
Let us put this verse under the magnifying glass and investigate it thoroughly.
Keys to Living a Blessed Life
Let us look at the word blessed. According to James Strong, the Greek word is makarios
[G3107] (Strong, 60). It denotes the idea of being supremely blessed; happy (60). Each one of the
kingdom principles begins with the same expression. Could this be the keys to living a life blessed
by God? Absolutely!
What does it mean to be poor in spirit?
Spiritual Interpretation
First, turn your attention to the phrase poor in spirit. We will look at the dual
interpretation of this phrase; it can be taken spiritually or literally. The Greek word for poor is

Bounds 1

Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014

ptochos (Strong, 84). The meaning invokes images of being beggarly or poor. But what does it
mean to be poor in spirit?
The spiritual interpretation of the phrase is the acknowledgement of being spiritually
bankrupt. Many of the religious sects of Jesus day were very self-righteous. They were full of
themselves. A perfect illustration of this attitude is found in Luke 18. It states,
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other
men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the
week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift
up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful
to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the
other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted (KJV, Lk. 18:10-14).
Elsewhere, God shared that The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth
such as be of a contrite spirit (KJV, Ps. 34:18). Jesus is plainly stating to the people around him
that they shouldnt be self-righteous. The self-righteous hypocrite will not enter into the kingdom
of heaven.
To apply this today, we must realize it is only by the grace of God were saved (Eph. 2:8-9).
It is the realization of our depravity that makes us acceptable to God. The Apostle James penned,
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but gives grace unto the
humble (KJV, James 4:6). It doesnt matter how many pious acts we perform, we are wretched
before the eyes of God. We must have the blood of Christ applied!
Physical Interpretation
The physical interpretation is worth mentioning. This will go against every preacher of the
modern prosperity gospel, I believe there is Scriptural evidence to support my claim. One could
read this passage and say Blessed are the poorin spirit. It could refer to the spiritual receptivity
of those in poverty.
I am not implying God desires every believer to be poor in finances, but the Bible is quite
clear about the deceptiveness of worldly riches. Also, there is Scriptural credence to those in
poverty being more responsive to the Gospel message. James writes, Hearken, my beloved
brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom
which he hath promised to them that love him?(KJV, James 2:5). Also, Jesus himself made
mention of the poor having the gospel preached to them (Mt. 11:5;Lk. 4:19).
Could it be the seeking of worldly things blinds us from following God? An illustration of
this can be found in Matthew 19. It states,

Bounds 2

Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I
may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none
good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He
saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit
adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and
[thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto
him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If
thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me. But when the young man heard that saying,
he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (KJV, Mt. 19:16-22).
We have seen the affluent be overcome with the cares of this life. Always seeking more and more
is never enough. Yet, I have witnessed the joy of the Lord in the poverty of a third world nation. It
is not what you have, but who you know!
Contentment vs. Complacent
Furthermore, the Bible states in 1 Timothy,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that
gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great
gain. For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich
fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while
some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with
many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (KJV, 1 Tim. 6:5-11).
Notice Paul calls Timothy to contentment, but not complacency! God through Paul commanded
us to not seek wealth, but follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Do not get confused! There is a difference between contentment and complacent. Contentment is
being satisfied with what you have, but complacent is being satisfied with where you are at. The
difference is astronomical!
The application of this second interpretation of poor in spirit is we must not get too
absorbed in the acquisition of things. It is okay to have things, but not find our security in them.
Paul writes, Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in
uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (KJV, 1 Tim. 6:17).
We must be willing to part with all that this life affords in order to follow Christ. The Word of
God says, And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than
for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God (KJV, Mt. 19:24). God is enough!

Bounds 3

Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014

For theirs is the Kingdom

Finally, we must not forget the promise attached to the poor in spirit principle. The Bible
states, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (KJV, Mt.5:3). The poor in spirit may not appear to
have much in this life, such as, social status or wealth, but their reward is in heaven!
Heaven
According to the Strongs Concordance, the Greek word for heaven is ouranos (Strong, 71). It
brings the connotation of sky, happiness, power, eternity (Strong, 71). This quite a contrast to
the imagery poor in spirit brings to mind, but this is their destiny! Imagine the city John the
Revelator was shown, the Word declares:
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven
saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they
shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall
wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And
he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me,
Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha
and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain
of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,
and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and
murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their
part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV,
Rev. 21:2-8).
What a glorious day it will be! God will wipe away all our tears! Hallelujah! This applies to us too!
Jesus told his disciples after sharing the Last Supper with them,
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house
are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. (KJV, Jn. 14:1-3)
No one will make it to the Fathers house being self-righteous and clinging to this world!
Imagine the mansion that is being prepared by Jesus for those which have emptied themselves of
themselves. Paul penned, But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the heard of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (KJV,
1 Cor. 2:9).

Bounds 4

Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014

Conclusion
This opening phrase in the beatitudes reveals to us the spiritual condition of those who
will enter into the kingdom of heaven. No sum of religious acts will purchase a ticket to see inside
those pearly gates, but realizing you are a sinner in need of a savior! Our only hope is Christs
atonement. Also, we must be aware of the deceitfulness of riches. We must lay aside ever weight
and sin (Heb. 12:1).

Bounds 5

Blessed: A Series on the Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

Poor in spirit
November 15, 2014
Works Cited

King James Bible. S.l.: Thomas Nelson, 1991. Print.

"Search." Blue Letter Bible. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.

Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007. Print.

Bounds 6