Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
“The Resistance” Biblical Leadership Series Lesson 1: A Humble Spirit
The Beatitudes are the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount begins in Matthew chapter 5 and goes through the end of chapter 7. Jesus addresses many topics including anger, lust, divorce, loving your enemies and giving. And when He finished the sermon, many people began to follow Him based on the authority with which He spoke.
We look at the Beatitudes because they define virtues that are laid out as condition and result statements. The word Blessed appears at the beginning of each Beatitude, and to understand what blessed means we must go to the Greek word Makários.
Makários: describes a believer in a fortunate position when God extends His benefits and grace.
In this section, we begin our study of the Beatitudes with Matthew 5:3, which is the very first of the Beatitudes and Jesus addresses the reward for a humble spirit.
Poor in spirit literally translates into being humble. We don’t think highly of ourselves, nor do we adopt an arrogant posture towards those around us. We must realize that what has been given to us is supposed to directly benefit others, not ourselves. This includes, but is not limited to: talents, time, status and possessions. Pride creeps in when we focus on our efforts and works. While we may not verbalize it, our posture oozes the statement “Look at me.”
Application (Homework for Biblical Leadership Series)
As leaders, we must always be aware of the temptation to fall into the trap of pride resulting from our power, position, or possessions. These gifts and opportunities that God provides are not meant to terminate on themselves. We are to be faithful stewards of them and seek to build up the kingdom of heaven.
Warning signs of pride
Internal Soundtrack:
“I don’t have time to deal with this.”
“They need to get over it.”
“Not my problem.”
Outward Expression:
Annoyance and anger
Shortness and resentment
Unforgiveness and bitterness
If you find yourself doing these, you may be unconsciously feeding pride. Pride is so deeply rooted in our hearts and our view of ourselves it often goes unnoticed and unchecked, infecting everything we touch. As accounts and offenses are brought forward, make confession and repentance your top priority to becoming a better servant leader, when addressing pride.
Set aside a consistent daily time that you can pray specifically for God to reveal if a prideful spirit is undermining progress in your noted area.
Character in Action
Read John 13:1-17 and pay close attention to what Jesus says in verses 14-17.
• Are you able to model this same character in your current role?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, only You are worthy of praise and glory, not us. Please forgive us for allowing the gifts You have given to become sources of pride and affect how we treat others. We thank You for all of your provision and grace and please show us best how to be aware of our need for a humble heart and how to use these gifts for others and Your glory. In Your Son’s holy name, amen.
For more information or to purchase “The Resistance” by Josh Staton to use as a devotional, Biblical leadership series, or curriculum for an addiction recovery class, please visit:
The Resistance: Becoming A Servant Leader Through the Beatitudes Book
If you are in the Hendersonville, NC area, join us for an addiction recovery class. Click for more information on attending a First Contact Ministries support group for individuals or families struggling with addiction issues.
Did you miss the other lessons? Click see the entire Resistance: Becoming a Servant Leader through the Beatitudes Biblical Leadership Series.
