Lesson 2: Spiritual Poverty

The Fist Step to Transformation

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". What is Spiritual Poverty and how does it help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus?

Spiritual poverty is the foundation of the Christian life because it allows us to receive God's grace and therefore entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes, are about the Kingdom of God--God's sovereign rule and reign.

The Kingdom of God is not a physical location, but a spiritual reality that is both present and future. It is present in the world wherever God's will is done, but it will not be fully realized until Jesus returns. Entrance into the Kingdom of God requires repentance and faith, because it is a gift that we receive, not something we earn. And this is where Spiritual Poverty come in to play.

Recognizing our spiritual poverty--our inability to earn our own salvation--allows us to approach God with humility and receive his grace. In the video Pastor Tim says "humility opens up the floodgates of God's abundant grace".

This grace is essential for following Jesus, because it empowers us to live according to the values of the Kingdom of God, which often stand in stark contrast to the values of the world. Where the world tells us to get revenge the values of the Kingdom urge us to give a blessing to those who curse us. When we respond to our enemies with love, we are freed from the bitterness of anger and resentment.

The Christian life is a process of transformation in which we are becoming more like Christ, but we are not there yet. Therefore, we need God's grace to navigate the challenges of life and stay true to the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Just as a GPS helps us find our way on a journey, God's Holy Spirit can guide us along the path of discipleship if we trust in him and follow his lead.

Let’s start by embracing our Spiritual Poverty.

Questions for Discussion

  1. The Kingdom of God is both present and future. What does this mean, and what are some examples of how the Kingdom is present in the world today?

  2. How might recognizing the present reality of the Kingdom of God impact the way we live our lives?

  3. Why is being poor in spirit the foundation of the Christian life?

  4. How does understanding the importance of poverty of spirit differ from the world's understanding of success and happiness?

  5. What are some practical ways we can cultivate this sense of dependence on God in our daily lives? What are some obstacles that might prevent us from embracing our need for God?

  6. What is grace, and why is it so important for Christians to receive it? What does it look like to live a life characterized by grace?

  7. How does understanding the Kingdom of God impact our understanding of our identity as Christians? What does it mean to be a "kingdom dweller" or a "kingdom builder"?