Do You Rely on Your Own Strength or His?

The Sermon on the Mount—how incredible would it have been to sit among the crowd and hear it firsthand, delivered by Jesus Himself? This was one of the first teachings He gave after calling His disciples. It sets the tone for life in God's Kingdom.

The sermon begins with the Beatitudes and continues with profound ethical teachings. Jesus draws a stark contrast between the Pharisees' rigid legalistic traditions and the spirit-filled standard He calls us to.

When we read this sermon in full, it feels almost unreachable—how can we truly live this way as broken, flawed humans? But the very first verse provides the key: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). The word "blessed" in the Greek is *makarios*, which means far more than mere happiness. It conveys a state of spiritual joy, a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from a right relationship with God. It's a condition of the heart marked by reverence, humility, and full trust in the Lord. Jesus was showing us that true joy and well-being are spiritual gifts, not results of our circumstances or personal accomplishments.

To be "poor in spirit"—*ptōchos* in the Greek—literally means to be utterly dependent, recognizing one's complete spiritual bankruptcy apart from God. It is the opposite of pride and self-reliance. Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with this posture because it is foundational. Until we see our need, we won't reach for His grace. Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Isaiah 66:2 echoes, "These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word." The Beatitudes are not moral goals to achieve in our own strength—they're invitations to lean fully on His. They begin not with striving, but with surrender.

- Read the Beatitudes together (Matthew 5:1–12). Discuss which ones are the hardest to live out and why.

- Share ways you have tried to live out your faith on your own strength—and what happened.

- Pray together for hearts that are humble and dependent on God.