Spiritual Bankruptcy Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: Spiritual Bankruptcy-------------------------- Date: 10/2/2001 Keyword: "poor" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. This is the first in a series of studies on the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5. Jesus spoke these words to a mixed group of disciples and nondisciples. Passage: Matthew 5:3* "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Questions 1. What two things does Jesus say about the person who is "poor in spirit"?   2. What do you think "poor in spirit" means?   Practical help Whatever it means to be "poor in spirit," Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven is reserved for those who are in that state. To understand what He has in mind by the phrase "poor in spirit" let’s consider the person who is "poor in money." The person who is materially poor has to depend on others to make it through the day. Dependence is the overwhelming reality of the poor person. If someone else doesn’t come through for him, he’s sunk. Likewise, the "poor in spirit" are dependent on Someone else to come through for them. Specifically, they are dependent on God! The "poor in spirit" don’t suppose that they have a full bank account to draw on to meet their spiritual needs. If they are going to make it to Heaven, it will be because God takes them there by grace. If they are going to have victory over a besetting sin like porn, it will be because God strengthens them. Struggling with porn? The first step is to admit spiritual bankruptcy before God. Blessings come to those who admit they can’t make it on their own. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2001 by eXXit *"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission."