Sunday, June 15, 2014

Life Begins With Poverty

Matthew 5:3-12      Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 


The Christians relationship to God is given in verses 3-6 and his relationship to men is given in verses 7-12.
In his relationship to God the Christian is acknowledging his spiritual poverty and his helpless struggle against his sinful nature. This leads him to repentance before God and sorrow for his sins. Acknowledging God as his source of hope for himself, he can feel compassion toward others for their blinding sinfulness knowing he is no better than they. This spiritual self-awareness leads him to thirst for God's righteousness in his moral and social life. A thirst that is ongoing until fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
He then can deal mercifully with other men for God has shown him mercy through Jesus, evidence of his repentant heart. His motives become selfless and are centered on God and His will for the lives of men. He can then deal sincerely and openly with men. The Christian then is able to work for God's will and peace in the lives of people and the world around him. His efforts will be met with ridicule and persecution for the righteousness of God will show through in his dealings. The Christian can take this as a sign of his genuine beliefs being worthy to God by the worldly rejection he receives.

Ministry Scenes

Have The Homeless Become Invisible?