In Matthew 5:3-12, God shows us many attitudes that we need to develop toward Himself, His kingdom, and other people. When Jesus presents His kingdom in this passage, it contradicts the world’s ways. Blessedness means the experience of hope and joy which we will find when we follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
Matthew 7:21-23—Is an example of “goats” (ones who think they know God, but do not!)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3) means God wants to revive the spirit of those who are humble and repentant, not arrogant and prideful (Isaiah 66:1-2; Cf. Isaiah 57:15). They recognize their need in spiritual poverty and cast aside self-dependence to seek God’s grace (power and forgiveness). This, also, means we must be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, and to help when others abuse. Be willing to forgive! (Matthew 6:12, 14; 18:23-35) Give up your own rights in order to serve others! We must get rid of our pride and personal independence.
God sees and knows all we think, say, and do. He will reward us accordingly in the kingdom of heaven (Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 40:10). While alive on this earth, the important truth for us to realize is that God is looking for good and faithful servants that are willing to serve and tell others about Jesus. (Matthew 25:14-23)
God’s reward will be to enter “the kingdom of heaven!” This happens when: 1) We turn away from of wrong doings (repent). 2) Believe in our heart that Jesus died in our place, nailing our sin to His cross and bearing the wrath of God for our sake. 3) Receive Him as Savior and Lord (Boss) of our life. Our reward is living with God in a sinless perfect world for endless eternity! (Revelation 21-22:12; cf. 2 Peter 1:10) This is the everlasting kingdom of heaven! (Luke 6:20-21); Job 6:10c;
How do we develop the attitude of being “Poor in Spirit?”
Recognizing God is the author and finisher of our faith—
(Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24; cf. Colossians 1:12-13)
Through trials of your faith—
(Hebrews 5:8-9; cf. 2: 9-11, 14-15; 3:6; 1 Peter 1:2-9;
Romans 8:28; James 1:2-6; 1 John 1:5-10)
Controlling our sin nature—
(Romans 6; cf.2 Thessalonians 7-12; 1 John 1:5-9);
Having Childlike Faith:
(Colossians 1:24-29; John 14:15; 25-27)
(John 14:5-29; Colossians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:8-13)