In this episode of Porn and the Gospel, host Spencer Sutton invites brothers in Christ to take the first step on the ladder of blessing—becoming “poor in spirit.” Drawing from Matthew 5:3 and insights from Jerry Bridges, Charles Spurgeon, and Dane Ortlund, Spencer explores what true humility before God looks like for men striving for purity and holiness.

Through Scripture, reflection, and prayer, he reminds us that we cannot lead our families, workplaces, or ourselves without first surrendering our pride and acknowledging our spiritual poverty. This is where grace begins—and where real transformation takes root.

Key Takeaways

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  Poverty of spirit is an attitude of the heart. True humility isn’t about behavior—it’s about posture before God.

  
  


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  God blesses the humble. He dwells with the contrite and revives the heart of the lowly (Isaiah 57:15 ).

  
  


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  Confession is freedom. Like the tax collector in Luke 18, we come to God not with good works, but with open repentance.

  
  


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  Seeing God clearly reveals our need. When Isaiah saw the Lord, he said, “Woe is me!” before receiving cleansing and calling.

  
  


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  Humility magnifies grace. As Dane Ortlund writes, Christ is a billionaire in mercy—our dependence only deepens His display of grace.

  
  


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  Spiritual ambition and humility can coexist. Christ modeled both: total commitment to God’s mission and total lowliness of heart.

  
  

Scripture References

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  Matthew 5:2–3 — “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”

  
  


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  Deuteronomy 8:2 — God humbles to reveal what’s in our hearts.

  
  


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  Isaiah 57:15 — God dwells with the contrite and lowly.

  
  


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  Luke 18:11 –14 — The Pharisee and the tax collector.

  
  


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  Isaiah 6:5 — “Woe is me, for I am lost.”

  
  


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  Philippians 4:13 — Contentment through Christ, not self-sufficiency.