0593. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE POOR IN SPIRIT.

THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE POOR IN SPIRIT.

Mat_5:3.

I. The poverty spoken of. "Poverty of spirit." This is not something put on, but that which concerns the inner character (spirit). It is not earthly poverty, neither does it mean the spiritually poor. It is the poverty of-

1. Brokenness of Heart (Psa_51:7). A deep sense of personal unworthiness.

2. Self-distrust. "No confidence in the flesh" (Php_3:3). "In me dwelleth no good thing" (Rom_7:18).

3. Entire dependence. Living by faith. "Without Me, nothing" (Joh_15:5).

II. The nature of this blessedness. This is the kingdom. They come under the reign of grace. A present possession.

1. Chosen by God (1Co_1:28-29). The poor in spirit are the chosen of Heaven.

2. Indwelt by God (Isa_57:15). The humble heart is the abode of God.

3. Rich in Faith (Jam_2:5). Faith will buy anything from God. It is the current coin of the kingdom.

4. Divinely cared for (Isa_66:2). "To this man will I look that is poor, and of a contrite spirit" (Isa_66:2). This is the look of continual favour which is the blessedness of the poor in spirit.

Autor: James Smith