Matt. 5:3..

[davidsuggs]

Ok so in my Bible study we just went through the Beatitudes (basic, but I always find myself prodded by them). When Christ begins this wonderful sermon, what does He mean by the "poor in spirit"?

 

[larryjf]

Poor in spirit suggests that they have a proper understanding of where they are spiritually, and are therefore broken and repentant over their poor condition of sin and depravity. It is those who are acutely aware of their sin who will come to Christ for their salvation...those who are blind to their sin are of a high spirit though they deceive themselves.

..."Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mar 2:17)

 

[jambo]

Poor in spirit are those who recognise their own spiritual poverty. That within themselves they really are not spiritual people because of sin and the depravity of the human heart. They may be poor in spirit but they are not spiritually impoverished. The Pharisees on the other hand thought they were spiritually rich (yet they were spiritually impoverished) whilst the humble recognise their own spiritual inadequacies as they depend fully upon the Holy Spirit for every spiritual blessing and development; but they are rich for the kingdom belongs to those such as them.

This leads onto that mourning over sin and struggles to grow in spirit. Each of the beatitudes seem to build on the previous one.