The poor in spirit are the opposite of the proud or haughty in spirit. We as Disciples should have a humble and contrite spirit, acknowledging that we are born in sin, and therefore are dependant on God's Grace for Salvation.
MATT. 5:5 Blessed are the meek; For they shall inherit the Earth.
Here again as Disciples of Christ, we shall live humble before God, and our inheritance will not only be that of heaven, but also the kingdom of God on the New Earth.
PSALM 37:11; But the meek shall inherit the Earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
ISAIAH 29:19; The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
MATT. 5:6; Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
We as Disciples should hunger and thirst after righteousness, and the righteousness of God. The injustice and filth of this world and worldly living should appalled us. And the Lord promises us that the more we hunger for righteousness the more we will be filled.
JOHN 6:35; And Jesus said unto them; I am the bread of life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.
ISAIAH 55:1; Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty, may eat and drink freely of Salvation, It is free to all who receive it. And as Disciples we are to preach it and teach it. The Great Commission is a Commandment for all Disciples.
MATT. 5:7; Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain MERCY.
He who shows MERCY shall obtain MERCY from our Lord, and our Father. As Disciples we should be Considerate of all people, and be willing to show MERCY to all people, even to our enemy.
PSALM 41:I; Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (Poor; helpless, and powerless.)
MATT. 5:8; Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
As Disciples of Christ, our life should be transformed by the Grace of God. Our life should reflect the New Birth, Saving Faith, and Holiness. The process of Sanctification should be ever Conforming, and Transforming us to the image of Christ, which consist of the Righteousness of God, and True Holiness.
EPH. 4:22-24; That ye put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the New Man,which after God is Created in Righteousness and Holiness.
MATT. 5:9; Blessed are the peace- makers: for they shall be called the Children of God.
As Disciples we should be at peace with ourselves and with God, and desire to live peacefully with all men. We should be Ambassadors of God message to a troubled world.
ROMANS 5:1; Therefore being Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
MATT. 5:10; Blessed are they which are persecuted for Righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
As Disciples of Christ, we will no doubt be persecuted by the unrighteous, there's an old saying that stands true, "He who preaches the Bible, will be respected. But he who preaches the Gospel, shall be reviled. As Jesus and the Apostles were persecuted, why would we find it strange that we will be too.
2TIM. 3:12; Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
MATT. 5:11; Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. As Disciples of Christ in a wicked world, expect to be slandered for your work in Christ, and possibly physically assaulted. It happened to both Christ and His Apostles.
But MATTHEW 5:12; tells us; Rejoice and be exceedingly glad; For great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the Prophet's which were before you.
DEUTERONOMY 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD YOUR GOD goes with you; He will never leave you, nor forsake you.
