The Beatitudes!
-
Hi pple,
would like to know in the 1st sentence of the above 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
Who are the "Poor in spirit" that Christ is referring to? Appreciate it in advance.
-
The poor in spirit are happy. These bring their minds to their condition, when it is a low condition. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of such; the kingdom of glory is for them. ~Matthew Henry concordence
IMHO, in short, the poor in spirit are those that recognise the true humble condition regarding themselves and turn to the redeemer.
God bless
babyys;
Hi, how are you doing? hope everything is well for you. -
Sorta moved this over from another thread by Ironside coz its all talking about The Beatitudes
Hungering and Thirsting for righteousness
Mt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Our text readily divides itself into three: a) The promise of blessedness, b) the characteristics of those who will be blessed and c) the reason why they are blessed.
I. The promise of blessedness:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
II. The kind of persons who will be blessed:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
II. The reason why they will be blessed:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
I. The promise of blessedness:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
A. The meaning of the word “Blessed”
The text that we have here is a text of promise. It promised Blessedness to anyone who possesses the characteristics stated in our text above. What does “Blessed” mean? Blessed means Happy. The text could be rendered: Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. The text promises true divine happiness. Who are those who will be truly happy?
II. The kind of persons who will be blessed:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are the persons who are promised true happiness. The words ‘hunger’ and ‘thirst’ for righteousness denotes strong desire for righteousness. It pictures a person in need of righteousness as if the person will suffer terribly if unsatisfied.
.
A. The Tense of the verbs
The tense of the words “hunger” and “thirst” are in the present tense. Present tenses in Greek are actions that are continuing and progressing.
Continuing- this personÂ’s hunger and thirst for righteousness is not a one time event only. It is an on-going and continuing desire for righteousness.
Progressing- his hunger and thirst for righteousness does not wane over time. On the contrary, it intensifies [progresses] the longer it remains unsatisfied.
B. The Mood of the verbs
The mood of the words ‘hunger’ and ‘thirst’ are in the participle in Greek. Participles are those verbs ending in ING like : running, walking, talking and etc. Actually, the verse is actually saying:
“Blessed are those who [are continually and progressively] hungerING and thirstING for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
The use of the participle combined with the present tense with regards to the verbs “hungering” and “thirsting”, accentuates and emphasizes the kind of hungering and thirsting the Lord Jesus is talking here. This signifies an intense kind of hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
An Illustration
Picture a man trudging alone in the desert with the hot beams of the sun scorching him to thirst and hunger. Tired, weary, hungry and thirsty, he wades through the sandy desert with a heavy step dragging his body forward. His mouth is dry with thirst, his clothes are drenched with his own sweat, his face is ruddy red with the heat of the sun. Imagine his thirst for water and hunger for food. It is constant, intense and intensifying, continuing and progressing. Imagine the unspeakable delight and happiness he would experience if he found water at last. ThatÂ’s the feeling of the person here we are considering in our study. Only it speaks of hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
C. The kind of righteousness referred
Righteousness here is not just any other righteousness for in the original, there is a definite article before the word righteousness. The original reads somewhat like this:
“Blessed are those who [are continually and progressively] hungerING and thirstING for THE righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
The righteousness referred here refers to divine and perfect righteousness.
III. The reason why they will be blessed:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”
The reason is stated why those who hunger and thirst for THE righteousness will blessed. The reason is that this kind of hungering and thirsting will not be in vain. This kind of hungering and thirsting will be filled and be satisfied.
We have desires in us that do not find certainty that it will be satisfied, in fact many of them. But thereÂ’s one kind of desire and craving that will surely find satisfaction, and that is the desire for THE righteousness spoken of here in our text.
A. The voice of the verb “filled”
The verb ‘filled’ is in the passive voice. This means that it is not us who will satisfy or fulfill this desire. It is somebody outside of ourselves. And who do you think this person will be?
Ro 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
God is the one who imputes righteousness to the soul desiring righteousness. It is based on the Lord JesusÂ’ work on Calvary.
Perfect Righteousness from God based on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross could either be IMPUTED OR IMPARTED. God however, gives us both.
Imputed righteousness is justification. He puts into the account of the sinner the righteousness of Christ.
Imparted righteousness is sanctification. This refers to practical righteousness. He makes us more and more like Christ who is righteous.
My friend are you hungering and thirsting for righteousness? ItÂ’s in Christ Jesus. When He died on the cross for the sins of sinners, He died for us so that we might have perfect righteousness. Find your satisfaction in Him. Many people do it the wrong way. They do righteousness so that they can be declared righteous by God. But that is not how God works. He declares you first as righteous before you can do true and genuine righteousness. You must first be imputed perfect and divine righteousness before you can be imparted perfect and divine righteousness.
How can you be imputed perfect righteousness? By receiving Christ through trusting in what He did for you in Calvary.
How can you be imparted perfect righteousness? By Letting Christ live His life in you.
Repent, change your attitude about sin [abhor sin and desire perfect righteousness], change your attitude about God [He should be revered], change your attitude about self [you canÂ’t save yourself youÂ’re a sinner], come to Christ, trust in Him alone for perfect righteousness!!!! What have you got to lose? -
Originally posted by Mystix:Good post.
But I would think it would be more important to understand Matthew 5:3 of what it really means to be "poor in spirit " first.
Everything hinges on that. -
Originally posted by M©+square:You lose worldly and carnal pleasures.
-
?Originally posted by Mystix:Good post.
But I would think it would be more important to understand Matthew 5:3 of what it really means to be "poor in spirit " first.
Everything hinges on that.Originally posted by M©+square:?
His subject served the purpose.
Expounding on 5:3 could be another subject altogether. -
Originally posted by M©+square:?
His subject served the purpose.
Expounding on 5:3 could be another subject altogether.Originally posted by Mystix:I meant the part where he was appealing to the non believers.
Understanding spiritual poverty takes precedence to thirsting for righteousness imo. -
Originally posted by Mystix:I meant the part where he was appealing to the non believers.
Understanding spiritual poverty takes precedence to thirsting for righteousness imo.Originally posted by M©+square:I would think otherwise.
The lack of righteousness of unbelievers are to be addressed.
Only with the knowledge of 'righteousness' to be able to draw near to God, which is essential to unbelievers.
Being poor in the Spirit is according to life of Christianhood.
anyway, Ironside presentation reminds me of Charles Finney.
-
Basically it means, acknowledging that God is the strength and very purpose why you exist.
It is not spiritual poverty.
When you're weak, HE is strong in you.
It is when a Christian tells God that he is nothing if he is on his own(if he is without God).
The attitude that completely rely on God onto all his needs and daily walk.
When a Christian says, 'Lord, you know? Nothing in this life matters...if it's without you' and he carried on 'And knowing you is the best thing in my entire life, walk with me for without you, i can do nothing.'
The prayer of a humble Christian avails much.
Cheers -
Vince,Originally posted by vince69:The poor in spirit are happy. These bring their minds to their condition, when it is a low condition. They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of such; the kingdom of glory is for them. ~Matthew Henry concordence
IMHO, in short, the poor in spirit are those that recognise the true humble condition regarding themselves and turn to the redeemer.
God bless
babyys;
Hi, how are you doing? hope everything is well for you.
Thanks for ur concern, been doing great and pretty busy. My relationship wz our Lord Jesus has been brought up yet another level that its just simply overwhelming. There's so much to talk about that i tink i can write a novel for it hehehe.....j/k
Did u go for FOP? I really enjoyed myself & really felt the message so edifying and true that we have to be relevant to society in order to reach out to the lost souls out in the Marketplace. -
so can i conclude that being "poor in spirit" is to have humility in your whole being?Originally posted by M©+square:Basically it means, acknowledging that God is the strength and very purpose why you exist.
It is not spiritual poverty.
When you're weak, HE is strong in you.
It is when a Christian tells God that he is nothing if he is on his own(if he is without God).
The attitude that completely rely on God onto all his needs and daily walk.
When a Christian says, 'Lord, you know? Nothing in this life matters...if it's without you' and he carried on 'And knowing you is the best thing in my entire life, walk with me for without you, i can do nothing.'
The prayer of a humble Christian avails much.
Cheers
Even more so when it comes to loving our God that we can never get enough of him? -
have not been going FOP for yearsOriginally posted by babyys:Vince,
Thanks for ur concern, been doing great and pretty busy. My relationship wz our Lord Jesus has been brought up yet another level that its just simply overwhelming. There's so much to talk about that i tink i can write a novel for it hehehe.....j/k
Did u go for FOP? I really enjoyed myself & really felt the message so edifying and true that we have to be relevant to society in order to reach out to the lost souls out in the Marketplace.
really missed it.
* had been lazy
well, glad to hear everything is fine for you, hope you will continue to grow stronger in Him.
be blessed -
This year the worship team were Christian City Church from Sydney led by Joe Pringle (The Senior pastor Phil Pringle diciples Ps Kong) and also the really talented Don Moen!Originally posted by vince69:have not been going FOP for years really missed it.
Don looked really good on stage, he's really has this Richard Gere cum father figure look. He really brough the worship to a high, the annoiting in the indoor stadium was simply indescribable really Praise God for such talents.
Speaker was this gentleman called Ed Silvoso i tink he is Argentinian. This year's theme message is Ministry in the Marketplace. -
I think we are going off topic alreadyOriginally posted by babyys:This year the worship team were Christian City Church from Sydney led by Joe Pringle (The Senior pastor Phil Pringle diciples Ps Kong) and also the really talented Don Moen!
Don looked really good on stage, he's really has this Richard Gere cum father figure look. He really brough the worship to a high, the annoiting in the indoor stadium was simply indescribable really Praise God for such talents.
Speaker was this gentleman called Ed Silvoso i tink he is Argentinian. This year's theme message is Ministry in the Marketplace.
maybe can continue in this thread on FOP
http://christians.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=203835 -
such a norm for us forumers to digress hehehe.....Originally posted by vince69:I think we are going off topic already
maybe can continue in this thread on FOP
http://christians.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=203835
Anyways so how the "poor in spirit" is it as i mentioned earlier? -
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven..." Amen.
Deeply as the jar is emptied, deeply and abundantly does the Living Water Living filled unto it. The Potter delighted in re-making pure clay.
Great to come to EH and get edified by the above posts.
just like to add that "Blessed" is more of the well being and distinctive spiritual joy of being in the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.
this verse also reminded me that the kingdom of heaven is a gift and not a reward for our works.
Have a great day ! -
To your first question.Originally posted by babyys:so can i conclude that being "poor in spirit" is to have humility in your whole being?
Even more so when it comes to loving our God that we can never get enough of him?
To simply say, yes.
To your second question.
Do you know you've asked a potentially deep question which will led you to understand what you truly wish to know about being 'poor in the spirit'?
To grasp the wholeness of that truth. Press on and seek to understand.
Cheers -
And yes i want to learn more & more each day if i can literally drink of the Holy Spirit i will.......Originally posted by M©+square:To your first question.
To simply say, yes.
To your second question.
Do you know you've asked a potentially deep question which will led you to understand what you truly wish to know about being 'poor in the spirit'?
To grasp the wholeness of that truth. Press on and seek to understand.
Cheers
-
CheersOriginally posted by babyys:And yes i want to learn more & more each day if i can literally drink of the Holy Spirit i will....... -
In gospel of Luke, it says blessed be the poor, not poor in spirit. I believe poverty can really humble a person so much that he depends on God for all his needs.Originally posted by babyys:Hi pple,
would like to know in the 1st sentence of the above 'Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
Who are the "Poor in spirit" that Christ is referring to? Appreciate it in advance. -
think Mother Theresa!Originally posted by The Elder:In gospel of Luke, it says blessed be the poor, not poor in spirit. I believe poverty can really humble a person so much that he depends on God for all his needs. -
THE GATEWAY TO THE KINGDOM
"Blessed are the poor in spirit." Matthew 5:3
Beware of placing Our Lord as a Teacher first.
If Jesus Christ is a Teacher only, then all He can do is to tantalize me by erecting a standard I can not attain.
What is the use of presenting me with an ideal I cannot possibly come near?
I am happier without knowing it.
What is the good of telling me to be what I never can be - to be pure in heart, to do more than my duty, to be perfectly devoted to God?
I must know Jesus Christ as Saviour before His teaching has any meaning for me other than that of an ideal which leads to despair.
But when I am born again of the Spirit of God, I know that Jesus Christ did not come to teach only: He came to make me what He teaches I should be.
The Redemption means that Jesus Christ can put into any man the disposition that ruled His own life, and all the standards God gives are based on that disposition.
The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount produces despair in the natural man - the very thing Jesus means it to do.
As long as we have a self-righteous, conceited notion that we can carry out Our Lord's teaching, God will allow us to go on until we break our ignorance over some obstacle, then we are willing to come to Him as paupers and receive from Him. "Blessed are the paupers in spirit," that is the first principle in the Kingdom of God.
The bedrock in Jesus Christ's kingdom is poverty, not possession; not decisions for Jesus Christ, but a sense of absolute futility - I cannot begin to do it.
Then Jesus says - Blessed are you. That is the entrance, and it does take us a long while to believe we are poor!
The knowledge of our own poverty brings us to the moral frontier where Jesus Christ works.
____________
I think the dear late Mr Chambers had explained it very well in this short passage.
It is astounding how a dead man's message can reveal such depths of truths into a living man's spirit.
Cheers