I.                   What “poor in spirit” is NOT

A.     Not lack of wealth 

B.     Not low self-esteem or lack of initiative

II.                What “poor in spirit” IS

“Poor in spirit” is an acknowledgment of spiritual bankruptcy. 

A.     A broken and contrite spirit

"I dwell  in the high and holy place, and  also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

-- Isaiah 57:15

B.     Understanding the Holiness of God

C.     Understanding the Grace of God

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

-- John 15:5

D.     A Willingness to be governed by God

III.             What the “poor in spirit” receive

The poor in spirit receive the reign of God in all their dealings.