April 20,2020

Good Morning Kingdom Dwellers,

This week we will be looking at what it means to function in the Kingdom of God.

At the height of Jesus’ popularity in His earthly ministry, He came across many people who falsely believed they were part of the God’s kingdom. For one, the Jewish leadership. His miracles attracted followers who wanted to share in the blessings of His work. Many of these followers also believed that because they were Jewish, or because they walked with Jesus, they were part of His kingdom. Many people believe, just because they have some knowledge of Jesus that they are in a relationship with Him.

In response to these false beliefs, Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). In it, He defined what it really means to be part of God’s Kingdom. Those who are in the kingdom of heaven recognize their sin, they see God’s perfection, have a pure heart, and conduct themselves with a proper fear of God.

The Beatitudes describe how Christ’s followers should live. Each beatitude tells how to be blessed. To be blessed means more than happiness; it means to be favored and approved by God. God’s way of living usually contradicts the worlds. Jesus explains that God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. Only those who humbly depend on God are admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

What exactly does poor in spirit mean? Well it is the opposite of self-sufficiency. This really speaks to the understanding of one’s own sinfulness, our lostness, and hopelessness apart of God. We as Christian realize that we are totally spiritually bankrupt and deserve nothing from God. Being children of God requires the humility to see our own sin and to turn to Christ for mercy and grace, running after Him with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Kingdom citizenship brings a two-faceted desire to be in a right relationship with God, and to live a life that honors Him in every way.

God is also concerned that we recognize His standard: Perfection.

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:20 (NIV)

Unless you live more righteously than the most righteous of all people on earth, you will not enter the kingdom. Nobody gets into the kingdom unless they are poor in spirit, because God sets a high standard, perfection, and no sinner can ever measure up to that standard. We must come, poor, recognizing our sin, and brokenhearted upon seeing ourselves rightly, and giving glory to God for His grace.

According to Revelation 21–22, believers will enjoy a new heaven and a new earth. God will one day freely give his true disciples what they could not grasp for themselves on earth.

No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. Rev 22:3-5 (NIV)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Rev 21:4 (NIV)

Wow, what a glorious future of those of us who are poor in Spirit.

God loves you and I love you,
Pastor Dennis