“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Blessed = makarios - Joy and satisfaction that lasts no matter the circumstances.
Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. Luke 18:9-10
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ Luke 18:11-12
“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.’ Luke 18:13
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.” Luke 18:14
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For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:3-5
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17
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God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5
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THIS WEEK’S POWER VERSE:
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, … And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5, 8-11
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Prayer Request
- Girl Time Night
Ladies, Join us for a night to TREASURE - Thursday, September 19th at 6:30pm. Girl Time Treasure is a time of fun, laughter, snacks and worship with an inspiring message for all girls 8yrs and up. Childcare will NOT be provided for this event. Let us know you are coming HERE.
- Marriage Date Night
You’re invited to a Marriage Date Night on Friday, October 4th at 7pm hosted by Pastor Cole and Pam. Come have fun with your spouse, connect with others, and enjoy a memorable night out together! Marriage date night is free but but childcare $10 per child. RSVP HERE Today!
Connection Group Discussion Questions:
Open Up:
1. Share a time when you tried to succeed in life but felt like you were “playing by the wrong rules”. What was that experience like, and what did you learn from it?
2. What do you think it means to be truly “blessed”? How does this differ from the way the world defines being blessed?
Dig In:
3. In Matthew 5:3, Jesus calls us to be “poor in spirit.” How would you define spiritual poverty? How do you think that admitting our need for God opens the door to His blessings?
4. Jesus taught that those who are humble will be exalted. How does pride keep us from experiencing the blessings God has for us? Share a personal story where humility led to a breakthrough in your life.
5. In today’s culture, success is often measured by wealth, power, or status. How can we shift our focus from worldly success to living under God’s kingdom principles of humility and dependence on Him?
Work Out:
6. Pastor Cole said we need to “realize our condition.” What areas in your life do you find hardest to admit you need God’s help? How can we grow in humility by acknowledging these areas?
7. Humility is often misunderstood as weakness. How can we balance being humble while staying confident in God’s calling for our lives?
8. Who is someone in your life who shows humility. How has their attitude and way of living impacted you?
Live It:
9. What are some practical ways we can live out humility in our daily lives—at work, at home, or in our relationships?
10. What steps can you take this week to “humble yourself before the Lord,” as James 4:10 says? What area of your life do you need to lay down pride and invite in God’s grace?
Wrap Up:
11. Pastor Cole encouraged us to serve others as Jesus did. How can serving in your church be a practical expression of humility? What opportunities to serve can you commit to this week?
12. What is one action you will take this week to live “beyond blessed,” shifting your focus from personal achievement to God’s kingdom values?