The Beatitudes explained.

1. They are the profile of a person whose faith is seen as the real deal.
2. They are best read and seen as progressive.
3. They are the standard of faith God accepts. 

The Beatitudes.  Matthew 5:1-12 

What does it mean to be blessed? 

• - blessed, fortunate, happy
  • It is not a feeling of happiness, as this is not a list of describing a feeling of the person who is seeking God.
  • This word refers to “an objective state, not a subjective feeling.” Kreeft
  • In this passage Jesus is giving a statement of fact ascribed to a person.
  • It is better translated “approved”.

“Jesus is not declaring how people feel; rather, he is making an objective statement about what God thinks of them…” PTWC

“Blessed’ is an awareness of approval by God, a pronouncement of what we actually are—[approved].” PTWC

• Being blessed is “bestowed” upon a person. It is not an “arbitrary” statement. PNTC
  • God is declaring approval over a person who displays these qualities. 

Poor in spirit explained.  Matthew 5:3

            Darrell W. Johnson in his book The Beatitudes asks three questions
                        What does poor in spirit mean? 

                        Why is “poverty of spirit” a sign that the gospel is grabbing hold?

                        Is there ever a time we are “rich in spirit?”

Meaning- “poor” (ptwcoi) describes people who are so in need they are forced to beg for help.

To be “poor in spirit” is best understood when one realizes they are so impoverished in spirit, character, and soul that they beg for help.

Gospel impact- To begin a profile of one who is approved of God in faith is to start with our realization that we are helpless and in need God’s rescue.  We see the beauty of Jesus in contrast to the depravity of self.

Rich in spirit- No, we will never be rich in spirit on our own as we will always be dependent upon Jesus.  “But yes, there is a time when we are ‘rich in spirit’—every time we are ‘poor in spirit” DWJ 

Poor in spirit modeled and “approved”.  Luke 18:9-14

*Illustration: God thank you that I am not like Joel Lingenfelter. [Image: Joel with the tiny Santa hat] 

• The Pharisee(s)- their confidence is in their own righteous acts. (9)
  • They create that standard by comparing themselves to others. (11)
  • They point to their achievements and disciplines. (12)

• The tax collector.
  • He knows that he cannot claim any righteous accolades by comparing.
  • He was humiliated by his condition so he could not look up. (13a)
  • He sought mercy and acknowledged his sinful state (ptwcoi- destitute to the point of begging). (13b)
• God justified (approved) of the tax collector righteousness. (14) 

“…For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Poor in spirit’s reward.  Matthew 5:3b

• The contrite one, the humble one, the desperate one seeking help from God will receive the Kingdom of God.
• The one who believes they can achieve favor with God by their own effort will fail to receive God’s approval and will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Take aways.

1. Acknowledge your corrupt state and embrace the posture of begging God for mercy.
2. Seek God’s approval not man’s approval.
3. Walk with gratefulness of His mercy and dependency upon His help.

Benediction:

Isaiah 66:2b “…But I will look to this one, At one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my Word.” NASB2020

Discussion Guide:

1. In looking at the word “Blessed” how would you explain this to someone who is not knowledgeable of the Bible? How do you explain the difference between “happy” vs. “approved”?
2. After having heard this sermon, how do you now understand what it means to be “poor in spirit”?
3. Read Luke 18:9-14. In what ways do you find it easy to compare yourself to someone else in regard to faith?  What is the message Jesus’ is wanting the reader to understand?
4. Take time to pray together to exalt God for his righteousness and acknowledge your need for him due to your sin.