Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Introduction to Beatitudes:
v3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
v4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Discussion Questions:
-What does blessed describe here in Matthew 5?
-What does it mean to be poor in spirit? What should recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy cause us to do?
-How can believers cultivate an ongoing attitude of being poor in spirit?
-What should cause us as Christians to mourn? How does God bring comfort?
-Other passages to consider:
Ps 1; 32:1-2; 51; Isa 6:1-7; 61:1-3; Matt 5:1-12; Luke 18:9-14; Phil 3:3-9