In the Sermon in the Mount, Jesus lays out the characteristics of those that were to be called his apostles or disciples. It exemplifies the characteristics that we all should have if we are looking to live our lives as disciples. I know some of us just want to go to church and feel good about ourselves but the gospel is not a feel good message. God requires that we discipline ourselves so that the glory of God can have full course in our lives so that our lives can reveal Christ to others.
Matthew 5:3 reads “blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (KJV). The Amplified Bible defines the term blessed in Matthew 5:3 as meaning, happy, to be envied and spiritually prosperous – with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation regardless of our outward condition. Do you desire the consecrated life that God requires as a life to be envied or do you envy sinners and what appears to be their liberty to sin. It is humbling when we realize that we must choose humility when we live in a world that rewards proud, haughty, disobedient people. However, if we are to receive that kingdom of God we must humble ourselves and submit ourselves to the maturation process that God requires of us… then we will understand true spiritual prosperity.
Matthew 5:3 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Amplified)!