Jumbun Community is a community of approximately 25 homes located about 30 miles north of Cardwell, Queensland. Each Sunday evening a congregation gathers in worship, Bible study, prayer, and evangelism.
The following notes are from a message I presented there.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Think of the riches of heaven.
- Revelation 4:2-6
- Revelation 21:3-7
The riches of heaven are for those who are poor in Spirit.
Poverty of Spirit is to be totally dependent upon God. Psalm 62:1-2, 5
Yet some are dependent upon
- The arm of flesh
- Chariots and horses
- Systems, governments
- Pensions
But the poor in Spirit are totally dependent upon God.
In this, Jesus is our model.
The beatitudes are the prophetic autobiography of Jesus.
Jesus is poor in Spirit.
- Omni-present to 2 cells in Mary’s womb.
- Gethsemane – place of the olive press. Olive destroyed completely.
- Cross – No form nor comeliness that we should desire him.
Jesus’ poverty of Spirit is the major theme of Paul’s thoughts in Philippians 2:5-8.
In contrast to Jesus, many of us live as if we are rich in spirit. Consider the Apostle Paul’s ideas in Romans 1, which might be considered “Signs you aren’t poor in spirit.”
You aren’t poor in Spirit if: Romans 1
18 – Suppress the truth
21- Do not honor God or give thanks.
22- Claiming to be wise
23- Exchange the glory of God for images
24- Dishonor body among themselves
25- Worship and serve creature not the creator
28- Do not acknowledge God
31- Do sinful things and approve those who do
The riches of heaven are for those who are poor in spirit, being totally dependent upon God for everything, all the time, everywhere.
May we learn to welcome every opportunity to grow in poverty of spirit.