Blessed are the Poor in Spirit – Paul M. Williams

Matthew 5:3 This sermon is the first in a series of eight sermons preaching through the beatitudes.  You will notice that the word 'beatitude' has a single 't' rather than a double as in 'beattitude'.  This is because, in Latin, 'beatitudo' means "a state of blessedness".  In fact, the word beatitude means "supreme blessedness" which is why each of the eight beatitudes begins with the word 'Blessed'.  Here before us then, stand a number of statements spoken by our Lord, that offer to men supreme happiness, well-being, and prosperity if they are found in such condition!   In the first of this eight-part series, we will examine the nature of what it means to be poor in spirit and the great blessings that attend the soul that truly senses moment by moment, their absolute need for the Saviour!  "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".