Pastor Nate Brosher
Jan 4, 2026
Matthew 5:3-12 CSB - 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 "You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 "Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
1. Poor in Spirit
• “Poor in spirit” - Ptochos - someone who is utterly dependent, like a beggar who knows he has nothing to offer.
What is our posture towards God?
Luke 18:9-14 NLT - 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
■ Humility opens the door, pride closes it!
James 4:6-8 NLT - 6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Why was this beatitude first?
2. What does the world say?
■ “Blessed are the self-made, confident and powerful”
Psalm 23:1 NLT - The Lord is my shepherd: I have all that I need.