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The idea of the “poor in spirit (or anything else)” having a heavenly kingdom, contradicts the world’s view that “Blessed are the rich, powerful, famous, aggressive, self-sufficient, glamorous people.” AND “Unhappy are the poor in material things .. for they are weak, timid, beaten … without confidence or pride. … and reap only despair and worry.”
But, in God’s economy, “POOR in spirit” is Rich, … while “Rich in Spirit is Poor!” God equates “poor in spirit” with TRUE HUMILITY (born out of man’s rightful, total dependence on God. True humility knows that “apart from Christ, man can do nothing” and is actually living in abject Spiritual poverty. Without Christ, Even Presidents and Kings are on the “Spiritual unemployment line.”
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis contends that it is even possible to be proud of our humility. “Pride is a telescope turned the wrong way. It magnifies self and makes the heavens small.” The poor in spirit place “God esteem” ahead of self-esteem!
Jesus illustrated the “poor in spirit” teaching by contrasting the spiritually proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector (Publican). The Pharisee prayed, “I thank God that I am not like other men,” while the “poor in spirit” Publican lowered his eyes and prayed, “O ’God forgive me for I am a sinner.” Then Jesus asked, “Which of these do you think were justified before God?”
The idea of the “poor in spirit (or anything else)” having a heavenly kingdom, contradicts the world’s view that “Blessed are the rich, powerful, famous, aggressive, self-sufficient, glamorous people.” AND “Unhappy are the poor in material things .. for they are weak, timid, beaten … without confidence or pride. … and reap only despair and worry.”
But, in God’s economy, “POOR in spirit” is Rich, … while “Rich in Spirit is Poor!” God equates “poor in spirit” with TRUE HUMILITY (born out of man’s rightful, total dependence on God. True humility knows that “apart from Christ, man can do nothing” and is actually living in abject Spiritual poverty. Without Christ, Even Presidents and Kings are on the “Spiritual unemployment line.”
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis contends that it is even possible to be proud of our humility. “Pride is a telescope turned the wrong way. It magnifies self and makes the heavens small.” The poor in spirit place “God esteem” ahead of self-esteem!
Jesus illustrated the “poor in spirit” teaching by contrasting the spiritually proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector (Publican). The Pharisee prayed, “I thank God that I am not like other men,” while the “poor in spirit” Publican lowered his eyes and prayed, “O ’God forgive me for I am a sinner.” Then Jesus asked, “Which of these do you think were justified before God?”
Good post.
James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ''God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.''
Poor in the spirit can also mean that the person is almost sinless as the spirit of the world brings sin on people , but the sin of this world can be resisted in the natural , without the help of God , and like a person who keeps themselves sin free and never sin or like the Book of Revelation people who have not soiled the garments , basically people who are not bad people before Jesus came on their lives and continue to live sinless lives
Thanks, I hadn't heard that interpretation before, "Blessed are they who don't have the Holy Spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
My pastor once said replace 'poor' with 'humble' and we're close. "Blessed are the humble in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
A person without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is NOT saved:
1 John 4:13: "By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."
2 Chronicles 1:22: "who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Romans 8:16: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"
***
To the O.P.: I agree with the below authors...great work to you both
Quote:
Originally Posted by jghorton
The idea of the “poor in spirit (or anything else)” having a heavenly kingdom, contradicts the world’s view that “Blessed are the rich, powerful, famous, aggressive, self-sufficient, glamorous people.” AND “Unhappy are the poor in material things .. for they are weak, timid, beaten … without confidence or pride. … and reap only despair and worry.”
But, in God’s economy, “POOR in spirit” is Rich, … while “Rich in Spirit is Poor!” God equates “poor in spirit” with TRUE HUMILITY (born out of man’s rightful, total dependence on God. True humility knows that “apart from Christ, man can do nothing” and is actually living in abject Spiritual poverty. Without Christ, Even Presidents and Kings are on the “Spiritual unemployment line.”
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis contends that it is even possible to be proud of our humility. “Pride is a telescope turned the wrong way. It magnifies self and makes the heavens small.” The poor in spirit place “God esteem” ahead of self-esteem!
Jesus illustrated the “poor in spirit” teaching by contrasting the spiritually proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector (Publican). The Pharisee prayed, “I thank God that I am not like other men,” while the “poor in spirit” Publican lowered his eyes and prayed, “O ’God forgive me for I am a sinner.” Then Jesus asked, “Which of these do you think were justified before God?”
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike555
James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ''God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.''
A person without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is NOT saved:
1 John 4:13: "By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."
2 Chronicles 1:22: "who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Romans 8:16: "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"
***
To the O.P.: I agree with the below authors...great work to you both
Also Romans 8:9 - However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
In Matt 5:3-4 it says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
Could someone please tell me what is meant by poor in spirit ?
It does not mean poor as in lacking, rather someone who recognizes their need for God's spirit and its leading.
They know, as a does a beggar who is hungry, that they need God's spirit. Those who do not feel any need of it are the true losers and the beggars are the winners, due to knowing their need and that God will fill it.
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