Sermon IV - Promises to the Poor in Spirit - Matthew 5:3
SERMON IV
OR Promises to the Poor in Spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, etc. - Matthew 5:3
I will now briefly provide you with a few promises from Scripture for those who are God's poor, and then proceed to the blessedness that Christ proclaims for them—that theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Now, let's consider the promises for the poor.
First, God thinks about them. Your friends may not think of you. You may be a poor man or woman, and yet godly. You may have wealthy friends who have an abundance and lack nothing, but they do not think of you. However, if you are one of God's poor, as described earlier, God thinks of you (Psalm 40:17).
Secondly, the Lord looks towards the poor with contentment. He not only thinks of you but also keeps His eye on you. When poor men pass by others, they hardly receive a glance. But God's eye is constantly upon the poor for their good. This is evident in Isaiah 66 where it says, "He looketh to the contrite and poor."
Thirdly, He looks upon them without overwhelming their hearts with His dreadfulness. In Isaiah 66, it begins with the declaration, "The heaven is my Throne, and the earth is my footstool," highlighting His glorious nature. A poor soul may think, "How glorious is God! His glory will overwhelm my heart. How can I stand before Him?" Yet, even though Heaven is His Throne and Earth is His footstool, He
looks upon those of a poor spirit who tremble at His Word. It's as if He says, "Let no poor soul be intimidated by My glory, for it is for their good and not harmful to them."
The fourth promise is that the Lord prepares His goodness for the poor (Psalm 68:10). Perhaps you do not currently receive the mercy you desire, but God is preparing mercy for you and preparing you to receive it.
Fifthly, the Lord hears the poor. Poor people may petition others without being heard, while the rich can often get their requests granted. However, the Lord hears the poor. There are many
Scriptures attesting to this (Psalm 69:33; 109:22; 86). The Psalmist even emphasizes his poverty and neediness as a reason for God to hear his prayers.
Sixthly, the Lord will not allow the expectations of the poor to be frustrated. Poor individuals may wait and wait, only to fail in the end. But if you have a poor spirit, the Lord will not let your expectations be in vain (Psalm 9:18).
Seventhly, the Lord will not forget the poor (Psalm 9:12). Others may forget them, even after granting their petitions, but the Lord will never forget the poor. There are many similar promises made by the Lord to those of a poor spirit. However, let us now focus on one promise in the text that encompasses them all: "Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." This promise incorporates all other promises into one.
Now, let us explore the depths of these words. From what is apparent at first glance, we can derive three or four observations: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Observation 1: God loves to honour those who are willing to humble themselves. God does not say here, "Blessed are the poor, for their sins are pardoned," or "Blessed are the poor, for the promises of the Gospel belong to them." Instead, He declares, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." It is a kingdom that belongs to them. God bestows honour upon the poor. This may seem contradictory, but Christ affirms it. If a poor person were promised,
"You shall be provided for. You shall never lack as long as you live," that would be good. However, it goes beyond that—they shall have a kingdom. Christ Himself proclaims to broken hearts who consider themselves unworthy of even the smallest crumb of bread, "Theirs is the kingdom." It is no less than a kingdom prepared for them.
Therefore, do not have such a poor spirit as to have low aspirations.
Even though you are poor in comparison to yourself, lift up your heart and aim for nothing less than a kingdom. Many poor people would consider themselves happy if they were given a hundred pounds of land per year. But for those who are poor in spirit (as spoken of here), it is not a hundred pounds of land per year or worldly possessions; it is nothing less than the kingdom of Heaven that satisfies their souls. That is the first observation—God loves to honour those who are willing to humble themselves. Other
Scriptures align with this, such as Luke 22:28, which says, "Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations, and I appoint unto you a kingdom." This appointment of a kingdom is a result of their willingness to endure and suffer loss for Christ's sake. However,
I won't dwell on these observations, as they are merely points of connection.
Observation 2: True blessedness does not lie in worldly possessions.
"Blessed are the poor" does not mean they will receive worldly riches, honour, or promotion. No, blessed are the poor because theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. There is nothing in this world that can make
them blessed. True happiness must be sought beyond this world. You do not know what true happiness for an immortal soul entails if you expect to find it here in this world.
Observation 3: The present tense indicates that the saints of God find present comfort, not just future rewards. They do not rely solely on the assurance of future blessings. They find present comfort to sustain their hearts in their poor and humble condition in the eyes of the world. It is often said that good people who are insignificant in the world will be rewarded by God in the future. But what do poor souls have to comfort themselves with in the present? Christ affirms that theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Taken together, this is enough to uphold your soul in your current state and provide comfort, causing the angels in Heaven to regard you as a blessed creature. The pure in heart are said to see God, but the poor in spirit possess the kingdom of Heaven. Christ uses the present tense because He recognizes that those who are poor in spirit need immediate comfort.
Obs: 4. Heaven is now accessible to the saints, providing true comfort. But they must still look to Heaven in the future. No, they can experience it now. Luke 17:21 provides a notable Scripture in this regard: "The kingdom of Heaven is within you." It currently resides within the saints. This statement may appear paradoxical, but it is undeniably true. No soul will ever go to Heaven without Heaven first coming down to them. None on Earth will be glorified among saints and angels in Heaven unless it can be said of them that the kingdom of Heaven is within them.
You may ask, "What does that mean?" I will further explain as we delve into the main promise: theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Our main objective is twofold:
First, we must clarify the meaning of this phrase—what Christ intends by the kingdom of Heaven.
Secondly, we need to apply the concept of the kingdom of Heaven to those who are poor in spirit. I won't discuss the overall glory of God extensively, but only as it relates to the poor in spirit. Christ has a specific intention in mind—one that is particularly applicable to the poor in spirit. I will demonstrate this by exploring three types of poor individuals who will find comfort in the treasury of the kingdom of Heaven. This will become clearer as we explain what the kingdom of Heaven is and how it applies to these three groups of poor people.
Let's begin with the first point: the kingdom of Heaven.
The kingdom of Heaven primarily refers to the glory that the saints will experience for all eternity. It represents the state of the Messiah, the king of Heaven. I'm referring to the state of the Messiah after His advent into the world and all the blessings He brings with Him. That is the kingdom of Heaven mentioned here. There are two aspects to consider: the kingdom of God's power, where He rules over the world, and the kingdom given to His Son, the Mediator. It is the latter that is referred to here. Initially, God reigned over the world
He created, but sin corrupted His creation, preventing Him from receiving the glory He intended. Consequently, the Lord established a new world—a spiritual and heavenly realm—to glorify Himself in a more spiritual and heavenly manner. He appointed His Son as the King of this new world, a world that the Scripture refers to when it says, "All old things are done away, and all things are become new."
This new world begins with the work of grace in the hearts of the saints and culminates in eternal glory. Jesus Christ is the King of this world, while the old world, tainted by sin, is destined for ruin. Before Christ's incarnation, there were glimpses of His glory revealed to the
forefathers. However, compared to what was to come after the Messiah's arrival, this kingdom had not yet been established. The administration of things during the time of the Law is not referred to as the kingdom of Heaven. The Jews eagerly awaited the Messiah's kingdom—the very kingdom of Heaven mentioned in this text. As the Messiah's advent drew near, He sent John the Baptist as a forerunner to announce His coming and the imminent arrival of a new kingdom in the world. Therefore, John declared, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." He did not mean, "Repent, for you will go to Heaven and be glorified with God." Instead, it was as if he said, "Oh, now the kingdom of the Messiah is near. Within a few months, Jesus Christ will appear as King, and the Gospel will be made clearer to you. Repent, therefore, and turn away from your wickedness so that you may partake in the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom when it is established." It is also mentioned that since the time of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence.
This confirms that the kingdom of Heaven existed during John's time. The meaning behind this statement is that John, as the herald of this kingdom, ignited a fervent desire for it within people's hearts.
Even though the kingdom had not yet been fully established, their hearts burned with zeal. They resolved to strive for it with determination, overcoming all difficulties and opposition. They were determined to have their share in the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom, no matter the cost. During that time, the kingdom of Heaven suffered violence. John Baptist merely spoke of that kingdom, yet people's hearts blazed with passion for it. Now, where are our hearts when a Gospel minister not only declares that the kingdom of Heaven is near but that it has come? This King has come, ascended, triumphed in Heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and governs and rules His Church. When we call upon people to repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand, it should also suffer violence. It is a blessed thing when it can be said that Heaven has
suffered violence since the time of a particular minister. Previously, people's hearts were detached, concerned only with worldly matters
—accumulating wealth, eating, drinking, and entertainment.
However, upon hearing the preaching of the kingdom of Heaven, this kingdom of Heaven suffers violence. The zealous take hold of it by force. This kingdom of Heaven represents the state of the Gospel. It is in this sense that Christ said, "Allow little children to come to me, for to them belongs the kingdom of Heaven." He did not mean that only some of them will go to Heaven. Rather, He meant that just as in the time of the Law, He included not only believers but also their children in the privileges of that administration and the blessings it contained. Therefore, do not think that now, as I establish a new kingdom, I will accept believers but reject their children. No, allow them to come to me, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to them.
They are members of this kingdom I am establishing, just as they were members of the Jewish Church and beneficiaries of its administration. They will likewise be members and participants in the state I am currently establishing, along with its privileges.
Therefore, let them not be excluded from this Gospel state any more than they were excluded from the state of the Law and its benefits.
This interpretation of the text is significant, especially for encouraging believing parents regarding their children and their participation in the sacrament of baptism.
Sometimes, the term "kingdom of Heaven" is used to refer to specific aspects of the Gospel, such as the preaching of it. For example, the parable of the sower describes the kingdom of Heaven as a man sowing his seed, representing the administration of the Gospel through preaching. This preaching of the Gospel is one element within the broader concept of the kingdom of Heaven. At other times, the kingdom of Heaven refers to the transformative work of the Gospel in a person's heart. For instance, the kingdom of Heaven
is compared to a mustard seed, symbolizing the powerful effect of the Gospel in growing from something small to something great. This is the essence of the kingdom of Heaven—the state of the Messiah.
Therefore, when Christ says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," He is proclaiming the blessedness that belongs to those who embody the qualities of the Messiah's state and experience the blessings associated with it.
Furthermore, the kingdom of Heaven is sometimes used to refer to the Church and its privileges. For instance, Jesus said, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven," emphasizing the significant role of the Church and its privileges within the kingdom of Heaven.
The Church's privileges, administrations, and ordinances are blessings within the kingdom of Heaven, and those who are poor in spirit will partake in all these blessings.
Now, let's explore why it is called the kingdom of Heaven.
Firstly, it is called the kingdom of Heaven because Christ, the King, originates from Heaven.
Secondly, it is distinct from and opposed to the kingdoms of the world. It is not of this world, as Christ Himself declared.
Thirdly, it is called the kingdom of Heaven because Christ currently reigns from Heaven.
Fourthly, the mode of His governance is spiritual and heavenly, rather than external.
Fifthly, it will ultimately lead both the soul and body to Heaven.
Therefore, the entire administration of the Messiah's rule and governance is referred to as the kingdom of Heaven.
Christ, as the King, bestows immense blessings within this kingdom.
Firstly, it is Christ the Mediator who gives you laws. If you are under the Gospel, having become a subject of Christ through faith, He gives you laws directly. The Jews received their laws (the Ten
Commandments) through the mediation of Moses. However, you receive your laws for guidance and righteous living directly from Jesus Christ. Although what Moses required of people in the past is the same as what Jesus Christ now commands, receiving the laws from a Mediator has its advantages. It is true that Moses was a type of Christ even in this aspect, but you receive the laws more fully from the Mediator, Jesus Christ. Thus, your laws for righteous living come directly from Him. This is a point of contention concerning the law, but it is of little edification. The debate revolves around whether we receive our laws from Moses or Christ. Those who speak against the law, in a dispute, can only argue that we are freed from the law as given by Moses. However, this argument is irrelevant because whether we have the law from Moses or not, we are bound by the same obligations that were imposed on the people in the time of the law. It is insignificant whether it comes from Moses or Christ; the fact remains that we have the law and are bound by it with the same strength, provided it comes from the hands of Christ. We can be satisfied in knowing that we have the moral laws of justice and equity in this kingdom of Heaven. Indeed, they are given in a different manner by the Mediator, with greater strictness, spirituality, and expansion. As our King later states in this chapter, He did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, to open it up. He says, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Christ expounds upon the law and elevates its requirements. There is great comfort in having your law come from Jesus Christ. Additionally, you can take comfort in knowing that He will not be so exacting as to demand all
the penalties prescribed by the law for its violation, as was required under Moses' administration. During Moses' time, specific penalties were imposed for breaking the law. However, God now reveals more grace, not strictly enforcing the curses upon every transgression.
Moses delivered the law with the understanding that the people would consider themselves cursed if they transgressed any part of it.
Although Christ's redemptive work was partly revealed to aid believers during that time, it remained largely unknown. As a result, the majority of people regarded themselves as accursed if they violated any aspect of the law. In the kingdom of Heaven, there is the blessedness of having laws given to you by someone who loves you more than His own life. He willingly laid down His life for you, the very person who receives the law. It is a tremendous comfort to have laws given by someone who loves you so dearly. Moreover, He is the Judge of the law and will bear all the penalties for its violation. He loves you more than His own life. Such knowledge brings great comfort.
The second aspect of the blessedness of the kingdom of Heaven is that Jesus Christ now reigns in the hearts of His saints through His
Word and Spirit more fully than in the times of the Law or in any other conceivable way. It is true that there was a general work of God on the hearts of the heathens in terms of their moral virtues, but there was no ruling of their hearts by the Scepter and Spirit of Jesus
Christ the Mediator. Even though some believers in the time of the Law experienced the sanctifying work of the Spirit to a certain degree, it was generally meager and insufficient compared to the pouring out of the Spirit in abundance within this kingdom. This fuller, clearer, more powerful, and excellent outpouring of the Spirit was reserved for the coming of the Messiah, who established His spiritual government in the hearts of His people. This is a concept that we struggle to grasp. We understand that certain duties are
required of us and we attempt to fulfill them, but we fail to recognize Jesus Christ exercising His authority in our hearts, enabling us to fulfill His requirements as stated in His Word.
Thirdly, all dealings between God and believers take place within this kingdom and do not extend beyond it. What I mean by this is that when you have offended God and He has something to say to you regarding your transgression, the matter should not be taken to the Court of strict Justice. No, it must remain within this kingdom—the kingdom of the Messiah. It is a privilege of someone living in a particular kingdom that they cannot be summoned to another kingdom to answer for their fault. If they were in another kingdom, they might face severe consequences, but within this kingdom, the laws are more favorable, providing comfort. Thus, if you, as a believer, were under the kingdom of God's power, merely acknowledging Him as the Creator of Heaven and Earth and ruling over the world, any offense on your part would result in eternal death. This fate awaits all individuals who are solely under the kingdom of God's power. In this context, they are considered as God's creatures, subject to His power and dealt with accordingly.
Every offense is met with exact justice, resulting in punishment, even death. However, once a believer enters into the kingdom of the Messiah, they enjoy other privileges. When a believer offends, they do not stand trial in that Court—specifically, the kingdom of God's power. Instead, they are to answer before the Court of Jesus Christ, with Christ serving as the Judge. Christ deals with believers through His administration, which He received from the Father. Thus, believers can confidently stand before God, despite their offenses and weaknesses, knowing that all transactions occur within this kingdom and not outside it. This brings great comfort to those who are poor in spirit. Indeed, blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of Heaven is theirs. The kingdom of Heaven—the kingdom
of the Gospel—belongs to them. This is the blessedness they receive through the kingdom of the Gospel—that all dealings between God and them occur within this kingdom. Likewise, all of God's dealings with them happen through the Messiah. Everything they offer to God is through the Messiah. Therefore, in their relationship with God, they have nothing to do apart from their King. Their King undertakes all matters concerning them in their relationship with God. If you have entered into this kingdom, your King—Jesus Christ, who is both
God and man—has taken responsibility for all things pertaining to you in your relationship with God. Thus, you are blessed because the kingdom of Heaven belongs to you.
Consequently, all the mercies that come from God are delivered through Christ to you. They reach you through the means of this
King, and it is through His right that you possess them. For instance, when there is a matter to be resolved between two kingdoms, the transactions occur between the two Kings. Ordinary individuals do not engage in such transactions between kingdoms. Similarly, there are, in a sense, two kingdoms—the kingdom of God as the Creator and the kingdom of the Messiah. All the things we receive from the kingdom of God's power as the Creator are mediated by Jesus Christ.
We receive them through the right of our King. Moreover, if afflictions befall us due to our offenses or sins against the work of creation, and we deserve punishment, God as the Creator does not directly afflict believers. Instead, He entrusts the task of correction to Christ. The afflictions that occur within this kingdom are of a different nature than the afflictions inflicted upon those who are under the kingdom of God's power. The latter are the result of vengeful wrath, while the former are administered by Christ the Mediator and delivered in a different manner. Therefore, being within this kingdom is abundant with blessedness.
Thirdly, being in this kingdom provides you with protection. Even if you are poor and insignificant in yourself, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, undertakes to protect you, deliver you from evil, and supply all your needs. This is the duty of a King, and those who are subjects in a kingdom greatly benefit from the protection offered by their ruler. To be in a kingdom and denied its protection would be a great misery.
However, in the kingdom of Christ, there is no denial of protection for any of His subjects. He protects them all and provides for every need within His kingdom. While earthly kings may neglect the protection of their subjects, if they were to deny protection, there might be other means for individuals to protect themselves. Yet, the saints in the kingdom of Christ have no other source of protection but their King.
Fourthly, Christ takes care of all the provisions necessary for every individual soul. As a King, He doesn't oversee every household, but He does provide for each soul.
Fifthly, in this kingdom, Christ undertakes to conquer all the enemies that oppose your spiritual and eternal well-being. Christ is your King, and He will not relinquish His power or faithfulness.
Therefore, He will subdue your enemies—sin, death, the devil, and all adversaries of the Church will eventually be defeated.
Sixthly, as a King, Christ establishes ordinances, imparts gifts, and administers various ministries. All the ordinances, gifts, and ministries of the Church are given by Jesus Christ as its King, and as one who is poor in spirit, you have the right to partake in them. It is not only those who possess an elevated level of grace who are entitled to participate in the ordinances. Even if you are merely aware of your spiritual poverty, you have the right to partake in all the ordinances.
However, while you have the right, you must also engage with the
ordinances in a manner appropriate to them. All the gifts of the saints belong to you, and you benefit from all the ministries within this kingdom.
Seventhly, the entire world is brought under the subjection of this kingdom. The kingdom of the Father—the kingdom of power through which the Lord rules over the created world and upholds it through providence—is all aligned with and supports the kingdom of the Messiah. Understanding this is of great significance, for it reveals that every act of God in ordering heaven and earth is directed towards advancing the kingdom of the Messiah and promoting the spiritual well-being of those within this kingdom. Therefore, blessed are you, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to you.
Eighthly and lastly, this kingdom will ultimately allow you to reign with Christ. To some extent, you already share in Christ's reign. All the subjects of Christ's kingdom are made kings and priests to God.
Furthermore, in a glorious manner, they will be granted the opportunity to reign with Christ. In Revelation 3:21, it is stated: "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." This verse is difficult to understand, but it clearly depicts two thrones mentioned by Christ—His Father's throne and His own. Christ affirms that He sits with the Father, ruling together with Him. However, Christ also promises that believers will be granted the privilege of sitting on His throne, just as He sits on His Father's throne. There is a specific throne that belongs to Jesus Christ, and all the saints will sit with Him upon it. This concept is also mentioned in other Scriptures, such as Matthew 19:28 and Luke 22:30, where Christ tells His disciples, who have shared in His temptations, that they will sit with Him, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. They will also partake in His kingdom, sharing meals and fellowship with Him. These Scriptures
seem to imply a special and glorious condition that the saints will eventually experience before fully inheriting the highest heavenly glory. They will sit on the Lord Christ's throne and participate in judging. While the highest heavens do not require a judging throne, there will be a time for judging the wicked and ungodly. The saints will reign with Christ in a glorious manner, and ultimately, they will enter Heaven itself and possess all the glory that Christ has obtained through His sacrifice. Therefore, even though you currently deny yourself the abundance of worldly wealth and are willing to endure the hardships, contempt, and troubles associated with a lowly state, remember that it is for My sake that you embrace poverty. Perhaps you could attain worldly riches like others, but be content with a humble condition for the sake of the things of this world. Trust in Me, for there is a kingdom reserved for you—the kingdom of Heaven.
Although this kingdom may currently appear poor, just like you are poor in spirit, it is a humble and seemingly insignificant kingdom. Its glory is spiritual and can only be perceived with a spiritual eye, not a carnal one. However, as My chosen ones, those who have received
My Spirit, you can comprehend the excellence of this kingdom and the numerous privileges it entails. Therefore, strive to endure your lowly condition quietly. Even though you may be lacking in abilities and plagued by weaknesses, take comfort in the fact that you are among those who sit with the Messiah. The good of the Gospel belongs to you, and the Father, Son, and Spirit have grand intentions to elevate this glorious kingdom to its pinnacle. It has already begun within your souls, and you will undoubtedly experience its fulfillment in the fullness of its glory. In Daniel 7:24, this kingdom is referred to as the kingdom of the saints that will prevail in the world.
Indeed, there is a kingdom of Christ that will prevail in the world, regardless of any opposition it faces. Earthly kings may rage, and the nations may devise futile plans, but the Lord will establish His King on His holy hill, and the saints within this kingdom of Christ will
ultimately prevail in the world. This kingdom will undoubtedly progress. My brethren, the Scriptures speak of the good tidings of the kingdom. The few points I have discussed here are some of the good tidings associated with the kingdom of Heaven. In Acts 1:3, after Christ's resurrection, we learn that He spent forty days with His disciples. You may wonder, "What did Christ do during those forty days?" We have read about many things Christ did before His death, but what do we know about those forty days? Scripture tells us that He spoke to them about the kingdom of Heaven. During that time,
Christ discussed the very subject I am speaking to you about now. He informed them of the blessed and glorious kingdom of the Messiah they were destined for. Although they would be impoverished, despised, and considered nobodies in the world, they were members of that kingdom and enjoyed its privileges. Christ would also make them instrumental in advancing that glorious kingdom. Thus, He taught them about the ordinances, laws, and privileges associated with the kingdom. Consequently, we find that after Christ's resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts, the disciples no longer fantasized about an earthly kingdom. They abandoned such thoughts and began to understand the true meaning of the Messiah's kingdom, which Christ preached to them during those forty days before His Ascension. These are the key points I have endeavored to present to you regarding the kingdom of Heaven, which is described as the portion of those who are poor in spirit. You may exclaim, "These are indeed blessed things!" However, the task now is to apply them. For the time being, remember what has been said. Understand the significance of the Scripture that urges you to "seek first the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." I have provided a brief overview of the glory of the kingdom of Heaven. Although I have not addressed the felicity of the saints after the day of Judgment, I have provided enough for you to set your hearts on pursuing the kingdom of