The Be - Attitudes - Part 1 Series

This morning we will begin a series entitled the "Be-Attitudes." For the next few weeks we will be looking at a group of teachings given by Jesus that are known as the Beatitudes. To give you a brief synopsis. These are attitudes of the heart and mind. You will see certain characteristics that God blesses. Each of these are valuable guidelines for life with defined end results.

“Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”

Matthew 5:3 (GW)

“God blesses those people who depend only on Him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!”

Matthew 5:3 (CEV)

Let’s start off with the whole idea of the word "Blessed."

This literally is a bestowing of divine favor. It is completely God given and bestowed. All of us seek God’s blessings in life, but too often times we ignore His blueprints of the life He blesses. We go out seeking God’s favor of our own accord instead of following His detailed road map.

My hands have made both heaven and earth, and they are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken!"I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.

Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)

In this particular beatitude, Jesus deals specifically with those who are "poor in spirit." I felt like Isaiah 6:5 was a great example of being poor in spirit. Take a look.

Then I said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty!“

Isaiah 6:5 (NLT)

Being poor is simply defined as - Lacking in a specified resource or quality. The poor in spirit recognize their spiritual poverty. The realize the condemning nature of their sin and the supreme grace offered in Jesus. Spiritual poverty requires complete reliance upon God. If we are totally reliant upon God for our provisions in life, then we open ourselves up to experience His full provisions. We must have a recognition of insufficiency. Knowing that are not in control. Awareness of sin is vital. For without recognition of sin we will not have a full appreciation of God’s grace, nor will we experience the abundance of it.

The promise of your inheritance.

You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.

Ephesians 2:8(CEV)

The Kingdom of Heaven is the inheritance that awaits the poor in spirit. The Kingdom of Heaven is a twofold inheritance. In the here and now, we inherit

Perfect peace, Complete joy and The Holy Spirit’s presence.

In days to come we will spend Eternity with Jesus. An eternity that has No more pain, no more sorrow.

To receive this glorious inheritance, you must understand there is a price. You Must Give To Receive.

Give up control

Give away your sinful past

Give Jesus your heart

Receive forgiveness

Receive mercy

Receive the Holy Spirit

Control is tough to give away, but forgiveness is impossible to obtain without Jesus. The benefit far outweighs the cost. Today I encourage you to spend some time getting poor...the rewards are unimaginable.