To be "Poor in Spirit" is to acknowledge our spiritual bankrupsy before God. For we are sinners, under the holy wrath of God, and deserving nothing but his judgment. We have nothing to offer, nothing to plead, nothing with which to buy the favour of heaven.
The "poor man" in the Old Testament is one who is both afflicted and unable to save himself, and who therefore looks to God for salvation, while recognising that he has no claim upon God. This kind of spiritual poverty is specially commended in the book of Isaiah.
Perhaps the best example of the way riches can keep us from crying out to God is the nominal church of Laodicea to whom John was directed to send a letter from the glorified Christ. Read Revelation 3:17-22 for John's assessment of Laodicea.
Hello, I wish to use this Blog to discuss Christian bible studies. I hope people will respect my views, but accept and look forward to healthy (respectful) debate. As you read this you will find links to bible study pages. The first study I'm doing is "The Beatitudes", which is the "Sermon on the Mount" - Jesus' most famous sermon. Enjoy. Additionally, remember that the questions are in reverse order, as the Blog posts in reverse date order.
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