LESSON #1: BLESSED ARE THE POOR!
The Lord Jesus told His disciples that those who are poor in spirit were blessed, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. What does it mean being poor in spirit? Does it mean being literally poor, having no possession? The answer is 'yes'. On another occasion, the Lord Jesus plainly said, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Luke 6:20) The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are poor.
LESSON #2: GOD CHOOSING THE POOR
When the Lord Jesus began His ministry, He quoted what was written in the book of Isaiah about Himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;" (Luke 4:18) God anointed the Lord Jesus with His Spirit to preach the gospel to the poor. Why? James the apostle wrote, "Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:5)
LESSON #3: WOE TO THE RICH!
The Lord Jesus said, "Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation." (Luke 6:24) He also said, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:23-24) The rich are woeful because by having riches they make it hard for themselves to enter the kingdom of heaven.
LESSON #4: SELLING ALL THAT YOU HAVE
Does it mean that it is impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven? The Lord Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) With God it is possible for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. How? God will make the rich become poor. The Lord Jesus said to the rich young ruler who wanted to be perfect, "Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Luke 18:22)
LESSON #5: MAKING THE POOR IN SPIRIT RICH
If the kingdom of heaven only belongs to those who are poor, does it mean that God will not make His people rich in the kingdom of heaven? No, God is able to make His people rich in the kingdom of heaven, but He will only do so for those who are poor in spirit. The poor in spirit are those who will always make themselves poor even after God makes them rich. The riches of the kingdom of heaven is already theirs, therefore, they will always be more than willing to give away their earthly riches to help and bless those who are in need.
LESSON #6: POOR IN SPIRIT VS THE SPIRIT OF POVERTY
King Solomon wrote, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24) Who is the one who scatters yet increases more? He who is poor in spirit. Who is the one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty? He who has the spirit of poverty. He who is poor in spirit is not the same as he who has the spirit of poverty. The former makes himself poor willingly while the latter is made poor unwillingly. Being poor in spirit is a blessed state, while having the spirit of poverty is a cursed state.
LESSON #7: RICH YET POOR AND POOR YET RICH
King Solomon wrote, “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7) Who is the one that makes himself rich, yet has nothing? He who has the spirit of poverty. He always feels that he does not have enough even though he has much. In the end, he will have nothing. Who is the one that makes himself poor, yet has great riches? He who is poor in spirit. He is always content with such things that he has (Hebrews 13:5). He is not stingy when he has little, and he is not greedy when he has much. He lives a simple life but gives generously to others. In the end, he will have great riches.
LESSON #8: FORSAKING ALL THAT ONE HAS
The Lord Jesus gave a parable, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44) The poor in spirit are like the man in that parable. He is willing to forsake all his earthly riches so that the kingdom of heaven may be his. They are true disciples of Christ. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33)
