Louder Than Words | Poor in Spirit
Friends!
Thanks again for being here with us as we dive into our series Louder Than Words. Pull up a seat in a back yard, on Zoom, or on your comfy couch. Catch up with some friends, watch the sermon video, and let’s have some good discussions this morning!
Dillon
REFLECTION
• Do you like to play Monopoly (or similar games like the Game of Life)? Why or why not?
• What were your thoughts about what “poor in spirit” means before hearing today’s message? What new perspective do you have now?
• How does it make you feel to know that Jesus chose to live in a way that relied on the Father and on humans instead of using God’s resources for his own power? What can you learn from the generosity of those humans who provided for Jesus’ needs?
• Consider the fears we discussed about financial and spiritual poverty—depending on others, being honest and vulnerable, looking different than the culture around us. If you feel comfortable sharing: Which aspect causes you the most hesitation? How can you take a step this week toward being poor in spirit?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ONLINE GATHERING TODAY
If you aren’t able to physically join us in a back yard this morning, consider meeting up with the Hamilton back yard at 11:00am via Zoom.
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ECHO KIDS
Parents,
The first beatitude encourages our hearts to remain humble in light of the greatness of God—to recognize and admit to our own spiritual poverty.
Explaining humility and pride to kids can be a tricky thing. On one hand, we want children to be confident in themselves and to believe in their own competency. We want to tell them often how special they are to us and others around them. We want them to feel worthy of love and happiness and all good things. It’s so important for healthy development that we encourage and inspire our children in such ways.
On the other hand, how do we balance letting our kids know they are awesome while emphasizing that their awesomeness stems not from themselves but from their identity as children of God? How do we encourage kids to not glory in their own accomplishments, but to use every action as an opportunity to bring glory to God?
Colossians 3:17 says: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Thankfulness. Offering our thanks to God in every word and deed. I think that’s key to expelling the pride buried within our hearts. The more we acknowledge that our talents, our competency, and our possessions are not ours to hold, but gifts from God to be shared for the sake of God’s Kingdom, the more our children will learn to do the same.
Let us walk as the poor in spirit this week by offering our thanks to God—through our words, actions and attitudes.
Idea for Application: Sit down with your child and make a list of things both you and they think they are really good at doing. Things they can offer others. (Ex.- Drawing; dancing; teaching; writing.) Spend a couple minutes in prayer, thanking God for the talents He has granted them.
-Kendra