The Poor in Spirit

Now that we know the significance of the Tabernacle (see previous series), we can see the power in Jesus tearing the curtain that locked away His holiness. When He died, not just the High Priest or even just the Jews, but everyone was instantly given equal opprotunity to live in the presence of God. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12 Here we find the decription Jesus gave of the people who live behind the curtain. Join us in this series as we press on into this new kind of living. Speaker: John Pryor, Senior Minister Notes: Biblical wisdom is doing the smartest, most strategic thing possible. Jesus had a holy, untainted perspective. This shocked, confused, and offended people—especially the rich and powerful—but He invites everyone “behind thecurtain.” Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 19:16-30, Luke 5:27-32 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3, Luke 6:20 The truly poor crave what God offers: community and empowerment. Luke 3:11, Isaiah 61:1, Job 31:16, Proverbs 19:17 & 21:13, 1 Peter 2:9-12, John 17:20-24 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Luke 18:9-14, Mark 12:42-44, Matthew 5:5, James 4 We must become fully aware of our dependence on God. God works through the humble and gentle. Philippians 4:10-14, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Isaiah 40:27-31 Dr. Stephen Covey says effective people are proactive, not reactive; they act strategically within their circle of influence—not fearfully outside of it. Relationships... Habits... Ways I depend on God... "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard