Poor in Spirit (10/16-20)

16-20 October 2015 - Poor in Spirit – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The Amplified Bible translated “Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” (Matt.5:3).  [Insignificant=not important]

**Being poor in spirit does not mean that a man must be poverty-stricken and financially poor. Hunger, nakedness, and slums are not pleasing to God, especially in a world of plenty. Christ is not talking about material poverty. He means what He says: poor in spirit. Being “poor in spirit” means several things.

We acknowledge or understand that we are completely helpless before God and we depend on God to meet our need. We understand that the real blessings of life and eternity come only from a right relationship with God. We understand that our attitude toward others is not proud and not looking down toward others. We understand that we could show our appreciation to others through our giving to those in great need.

**The opposite of being “poor in spirit” is having a spirit that is full of self. There is a world of difference between these two spirits. There is the difference thinking that we are righteous versus acknowledging that we need the righteousness of Christ. There is the difference of being self-righteous versus being given the righteousness of Christ. Self-righteousness goes no farther than self; that is goes no farther than death. Self dies and everything with self including our self-righteousness. But the righteousness that is of Christ lives forever.  [**Commentary from The Preacher’s Sermon & Outline Study]. (Versus=ASL opposite)

What impressed me that being “poor in spirit” receive forgiveness of sin and God’s continue remembrance: the assurance that God will never forget. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb.8:12). “And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more” (Heb.10:17). “He hath remembered His covenant forever …” (Ps.105:8).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of God belongs to you.” We have nothing in this world, but we have everything in Jesus. Only Jesus can satisfy so let’s sing.

Only Jesus

Only Jesus, only Jesus,

Only He can satisfy;

Every burden becomes a blessing,

When I know my Lord is nigh.

Return

Return to the One who loves you

Return to the Savior who cares.

He’ll give perfect peace

Your burden He’ll bear

Return to the Savior who cares.

 (Inspiring Choruses)