Embracing Spiritual Poverty: Our Dependence on God's Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that we are utterly powerless to earn our salvation or standing before God. We acknowledged our complete dependence on God's grace, recognizing that our efforts, no matter how diligent, fall short of His holy standards. We prayed for our local school boards, asking God to grant them wisdom and a reverent fear of Him. We also interceded for Trinity Baptist Church, seeking revitalization and godly leadership for them. Our own church's needs were lifted up, asking for renewed passion in prayer, scripture reading, evangelism, and the fight against sin.
We then turned our attention to the Sermon on the Mount, specifically the Beatitudes, which Jesus delivered as a kingdom manifesto. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. We explored the first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," understanding that it calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. This spiritual poverty is not about self-deprivation, self-deprecation, or false humility, but about recognizing our utter need for God's saving and sustaining grace.
We examined various biblical examples, such as the tax collector in Luke 18, Job, Isaiah, and the prodigal son, to illustrate what it means to be poor in spirit. This state of spiritual poverty is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven, as it positions us to receive God's grace with open, beggar hands. We concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining this posture of dependence daily, not just for salvation but for our ongoing spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Complete Dependence on God: To be poor in spirit means to recognize our utter inability to earn God's favor and our total dependence on His grace. This spiritual poverty is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven, as it positions us to receive God's blessings with open, beggar hands. [27:37]
2. Rejecting Self-Sufficiency: Spiritual poverty is not about self-deprivation or self-deprecation but about rejecting the notion that we can achieve righteousness through our efforts. It is a posture of humility that acknowledges our need for God's saving and sustaining grace. [21:52]
3. Biblical Examples of Spiritual Poverty: The tax collector in Luke 18, Job, Isaiah, and the prodigal son all exemplify what it means to be poor in spirit. Their stories teach us that true spiritual poverty involves a deep awareness of our sinfulness and a desperate need for God's mercy. [26:10]
4. Daily Dependence on God's Grace: Being poor in spirit is not a one-time event but a daily posture. We must continually rely on God's grace for our spiritual journey, recognizing that we need Him every hour to sustain us and guide us. [34:15]
5. Living Out Spiritual Poverty: This posture of spiritual poverty should influence how we engage with others and approach God. It calls for a self-emptying, Christ-like humility that seeks the good of others and the glory of God, serving one another in meaningful and tangible ways. [36:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Opening Prayer
[03:01] - Confession and Grace
[04:01] - Prayers for School Boards
[05:04] - Prayers for Trinity Baptist Church
[05:54] - Prayers for Our Church
[07:11] - Opening the Word
[07:37] - Announcement
[08:07] - Steve Jobs and the iPhone
[09:18] - Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
[10:50] - The Place and Position of the Sermon
[12:14] - The Audience of the Sermon
[13:37] - The Beatitudes
[14:17] - Understanding "Blessed"
[15:00] - Misconceptions of Blessedness
[16:00] - The Be Happy Attitudes
[17:39] - Flourishing in God's Kingdom
[18:43] - Reading the Beatitudes
[19:45] - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
[20:38] - What Poor in Spirit is Not
[21:52] - Rejecting Self-Deprivation and Self-Deprecation
[23:35] - The Opposite of Spiritual Poverty
[24:22] - The World's Beatitudes vs. Jesus' Beatitudes
[25:12] - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
[26:10] - Biblical Examples of Spiritual Poverty
[27:37] - Definition of Poor in Spirit
[28:29] - The Cry of Spiritual Poverty
[29:06] - Spiritual Bankruptcy
[30:15] - The Field Museum Analogy
[31:04] - Rock of Ages Hymn
[32:07] - Daily Dependence on God's Grace
[34:15] - Isaiah 57 and 66
[35:55] - Helpless Dependence
[36:44] - Living Out Spiritual Poverty
[37:37] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
2. Luke 18:9-14 (The Pharisee and the Tax Collector)
3. Isaiah 57:15 (God's Presence with the Contrite and Lowly)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean by "Blessed are the poor in spirit" in Matthew 5:3? How does this differ from physical poverty? [20:38]
2. In Luke 18:9-14, how do the Pharisee and the tax collector each approach God differently? What does this reveal about their spiritual states?
3. According to Isaiah 57:15, where does God dwell, and with whom does He choose to be present? How does this relate to being "poor in spirit"?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is recognizing our spiritual poverty essential for entering the kingdom of heaven, as described in Matthew 5:3? How does this posture affect our relationship with God? [27:37]
2. How does the story of the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 illustrate the concept of spiritual poverty? What can we learn from his attitude and prayer?
3. Isaiah 57:15 speaks of God dwelling with the contrite and lowly in spirit. How does this verse deepen our understanding of what it means to be "poor in spirit"?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt utterly dependent on God. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of spiritual poverty? [29:06]
2. In what ways might you be relying on your own efforts or self-sufficiency rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to a posture of dependence on Him? [20:38]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of daily dependence on God's grace. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this daily reliance in your life? [34:15]
4. How can you demonstrate a self-emptying, Christ-like humility in your interactions with others this week? Think of specific actions or attitudes you can adopt. [36:44]
5. Consider the biblical examples of spiritual poverty mentioned in the sermon (e.g., the tax collector, Job, Isaiah, the prodigal son). Which example resonates most with you, and why? How can their stories inspire your own spiritual journey? [26:10]
6. The sermon called for renewed passion in prayer, scripture reading, evangelism, and the fight against sin. Which of these areas do you feel most challenged in, and what steps can you take to grow in that area? [05:54]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your small group or church community to embrace a posture of spiritual poverty and dependence on God? What specific actions can you take to foster this environment? [36:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Utter Dependence on God
To be poor in spirit means to recognize our utter inability to earn God's favor and our total dependence on His grace. This spiritual poverty is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven, as it positions us to receive God's blessings with open, beggar hands. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. This spiritual poverty is not about self-deprivation, self-deprecation, or false humility, but about recognizing our utter need for God's saving and sustaining grace. [27:37]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to fully depend on His grace today?
Day 2: Rejecting Self-Sufficiency
Spiritual poverty is not about self-deprivation or self-deprecation but about rejecting the notion that we can achieve righteousness through our efforts. It is a posture of humility that acknowledges our need for God's saving and sustaining grace. This humility is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven, as it allows us to receive God's blessings with open, beggar hands. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. [21:52]
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: What are some ways you can practice humility and reject self-sufficiency in your daily life? How can you remind yourself of your need for God's grace?
Day 3: Learning from Biblical Examples of Spiritual Poverty
The tax collector in Luke 18, Job, Isaiah, and the prodigal son all exemplify what it means to be poor in spirit. Their stories teach us that true spiritual poverty involves a deep awareness of our sinfulness and a desperate need for God's mercy. This state of spiritual poverty is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven, as it positions us to receive God's grace with open, beggar hands. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. [26:10]
Luke 18:13-14 (ESV): "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Reflection: Reflect on the story of the tax collector in Luke 18. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of humility and dependence on God's mercy in your own life?
Day 4: Daily Dependence on God's Grace
Being poor in spirit is not a one-time event but a daily posture. We must continually rely on God's grace for our spiritual journey, recognizing that we need Him every hour to sustain us and guide us. This daily dependence is essential for our ongoing spiritual growth and flourishing in God's kingdom. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. [34:15]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your need for God's grace each day? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a daily posture of dependence on Him?
Day 5: Living Out Spiritual Poverty
This posture of spiritual poverty should influence how we engage with others and approach God. It calls for a self-emptying, Christ-like humility that seeks the good of others and the glory of God, serving one another in meaningful and tangible ways. The Beatitudes describe the characteristics of those who are truly blessed or "flourishing" in God's kingdom. The first Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," calls for a posture of complete and total dependence on God. [36:44]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice self-emptying, Christ-like humility in your interactions with others today? What are some specific ways you can serve those around you in meaningful and tangible ways?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We can't keep Your law close enough. We can't obey Your commandments close enough. We can't read the Bible enough, or pray enough, or go to church enough, or do anything enough that will earn standing before You, Holy God. And so it is my prayer and confession for us this morning simply, God, for the times that we have believed, or worse, thought we were able to earn our way into Your presence, would You have mercy on us?" [01:38] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says the one who lives in God's blessing and favor is the one who rids themselves of all forms of pride and opens themselves to receive whatever God would give. Jesus later depicts this poverty of spirit like this in Luke chapter 18. It's the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Some of us may know the story. Both men approach the temple there to pray or to give alms or whatever the case may be." [24:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To be poor in spirit is to be found in the likeness of the prodigal son of Luke chapter 15. Many of us know the story of the prodigal son. A man, a father has two sons. And his youngest son comes to him and demands his share of the inheritance. Which is basically like saying, Dad, I wish you were dead and gone already. So I could get my money and do what I want to do." [26:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To be poor in spirit is to be aware of your spiritual poverty. To recognize our own inability to get what we need most. And absolute need and dependence and reliance on God alone. The Greek word here for poor has connotations meaning to cringe back. To cower and to cover. The word picture is someone who crouches about wretchedly begging. What a word picture that is." [27:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Until Jesus is the only thing you want in your beggar hands, you are not poor in spirit. Which means the kingdom is not yours. Poor in spirit is a lot like the Field Museum in Chicago. Ever been to the Field Museum? It's huge. It's really big. I think. I've never been. But you know. There's a picture. So you can kind of see how big it is. The roadways. There's many ways to kind of approach the Field Museum." [29:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And God, would we walk in that truth. And as we walk in that truth, Lord, would it spur us on to come into Your presence all the more, knowing that we have access, knowing that we can come boldly into Your presence, where we will receive mercy and grace for our time, for our time of need. And so, in this moment of need, God, we lay these requests at Your feet." [03:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we think about how we engage in the world, how we engage with our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends, and maybe even total strangers, would we be marked by a self-emptying, Christ-like humility that seeks not our own gain, but the good of others and the glory of God. When we think about how we engage, with our brothers and sisters in Christ, would we put every form and kind of pride aside?" [35:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we think about how we approach the throne of God, would we join the ranks of so many in Scripture who were absolutely faithful to God? Absolutely undone by the thought of being seen in all our mess and brokenness and sin by a holy, perfect, just God, and yet the one who welcomes us into His presence through faith in the life and death and resurrection of His Son, our Lord Jesus the Christ." [36:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Flourishing is fuller than fortunate and not fickle like happiness. Flourishing, I think, gets at least better to the heart of God for his people. When God created the universe and everything in it he did so with a particular design for his prized creation, Adam and Eve. He created them to live in and to experience daily his perfect peace what we call in the Hebrew word shalom and to do it according to his good design." [17:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so friends, may we too learn in this helpless dependence on God every day. When we think about how we engage in the world, how we engage with our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends, and maybe even total strangers, would we be marked by a self-emptying, Christ-like humility that seeks not our own gain, but the good of others and the glory of God." [35:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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