We seek to be blessed, but
The problem is that we seek it in the things of this world: position, money, fame, power and sensual pleasure.
““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:19-20 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.6.19-20.niv
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
1 John 2:15-16 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/1jn.2.15-16.niv
We seek to he blessed, bit
We are deceived and blinded to our real need,... that of a renewed spirit.
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ””
John 3:3 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/jhn.3.3.niv
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”
1 John 2:15-16 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/1jn.2.15-16.niv
We seek to be blessed, but...
Men are hardened, unconcerned, neglectful, and unbelieving of the kingdom of God.
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Matthew 16:25-26 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/mat.16.25-26.niv
But blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom in heaven.
What is being poor in spirit?
A) Acknowledge utter helplessness before God, spiritual poverty, spiritual need. We are solely dependent upon God to meet our need.
B) Acknowledge utter lack in facing life and eternity apart from God.
C) Acknowledging that no matter what we have achieved in this world(fortune, fame, power) our attitude toward others is not proud and haughty, not superior or overbearing.
D) Acknowledging the need to be given the righteousness of Christ and the utter insufficiency of self righteousness.
“and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Philippians 3:9 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/php.3.9.niv
Two critical steps taken by the person who truly acknowledge his spiritual poverty:
- He turns his primary attention away from the things of this world. He knows things can never make him rich in the spirit.
- He turns his primacy attention to God and his kingdom. He knows God alone can make him rich in spirit.