The Beatitudes - Pt. 1 "Poor in Spirit" Matthew 5:1-3 Jesus begins his teaching by sharing eight “beatitudes.” - Why are these verses called “the beatitudes?" “Beatitude” comes from the Latin word beatus. Why are these verses called “the beatitudes?” - The Greek word is makarios. - “Beatitude” simply means “happy or blessed” To be blessed in the “Upside-Down Kingdom” is radically different than how we might believe “being blessed” is today. In the “upside-down kingdom” being happy or blessed has to do with two primary things: 1. Receiving God’s grace and favor in your life. (this isn’t about so you can get what you want or live how you want) 2. Living out God’s intention for your life and doing his will. (know and practice his purpose and plan) Jesus begins his beatitudes with this one foundational truth that the other seven beatitudes will be built upon. Matthew 5:3 What does “Poor in Spirit” mean? - We must understand the meaning of the word “poor” that Jesus used. - “Poor” can be the Greek word penichros (penny chrōs) (penichros means to toil for daily subsistence) Luke 21:1-4 Jesus used the Greek word ptōchos (pit toe hōs) - ptōchos means to be destitute with nothing—you are left begging To be “Poor in Spirit” means to be spiritually destitute—we have nothing to offer God on our own. Three areas in which we must realize our spiritually destitute state: 1. Salvation - At FiveStone we emphasize “Connect” with God. Ephesians 2:8-9 2. Sanctification - At FiveStone we emphasize “Grow” to be like Jesus. Philippians 2:13 3. Serve - At FiveStone we emphasize “Go” in service locally and globally. 1 Peter 4:10 Next Step: - As a disciple of Jesus, each day confess that you are “poor in spirit” and you are in desperate need of him for everything. - Here are the verses that connect with being “poor in spirit”: Matthew 7:7-8