The Poor in Spirit

Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens (Matthew 5:3).

The word “poor” means to “lack something” or “to be in need.” It may refer to those who lack financial means pertaining to the things of this life (Matthew 26:11), or the absence of good doctrine within an assembly (Revelation 3:17). It also describes the means for holiness in worldly religions, as they are poor or beggarly elements (Galatians 4:9). “Poor” is not restricted to a person who is financially impoverished.

“Spirit” refers to our rational part—the part of the human nature that has the ability to understand things (1 Corinthians 2:11).

In Matthew 5:3, these Jews are lacking understanding (poor in spirit) concerning the time period in which they are living in. Understanding context in Scripture is critical for comprehension. The Sermon on the Mount is not written for the Church. Jesus is addressing Israel. He is speaking about the Tribulation period revealed through the prophet Daniel.

And as we examine what is revealed about the second half of the Tribulation and the status of the Jews during this time, we can discern that this lack of knowledge has to do with the desecration of the Temple by the man of lawlessness (Daniel 11:31). Those who will be happy during Israel’s time in the wilderness are in this condition because they are poor in spirit, lacking in understanding concerning what the man of lawlessness is doing in the Temple.

In contrast, the Church is not to be poor in spirit. It is within the spirit that we worship God (John 4:24), and by means of our saved spirit that we are able to understand Spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:11). It is essential for Christians to have a full experiential knowledge of God’s desires for the saints in all wisdom and spiritual understanding to walk in a worthy manner (Colossians 1:9).

Therefore, Christian should not strive to be poor in spirit, which is used allegorically to support an incorrect application of this passage, as this will not bring happiness. Instead, through gaining a full experiential knowledge of the Son of God, let us grow to maturity, to the stature of who we are in Christ, so that we are no longer inarticulate babblers tossed around by the teaching of men seeking to deceive us. Our happiness is rooted in our happy hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ—not in the Kingdom of the Heavens (Titus 2:13). The Church is not appointed unto any quality of wrath. Rather, we are allotted to possess salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The Sermon on the Mount is addressed to the nation of Israel and relates to a time in which Christ was offering the Kingdom of the Heavens to them. As Jesus begins teaching, He addresses the time period of the Tribulation in which Israel will be in the wilderness hiding from the man of lawlessness. This information had already been revealed to Israel through the prophets, for the Messiah would be cut off, but not for Himself, and the man of lawlessness will desecrate the Temple. Then the Ancient of days returns, destroys the beast and his armies, and sets up His throne.

It is important to take Scripture within its context and follow the distinctions it makes in words. Many sermons have been done on the blessing that will come upon those who do the Beatitudes. However, the Beatitudes actually do not promise financial blessing. Instead, during the Tribulation period while the Jews are in the wilderness, some will be happy as a result of their response to the issues they face during that time. Their lack of knowledge concerning what the man of lawlessness is doing will not prevent them from inheriting the Kingdom of the Heavens, when Christ returns to setup His Kingdom. However, it will allow them to be happy as they wait for the Messiah.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is not speaking to the Church. The Church has not been revealed at this time, and He is proclaiming the Kingdom of the Heavens. This is the thousand-year reign when Israel will possess the land promised to Abraham and the resurrected King David will rule from Jerusalem. Even though Israel will flee into the wilderness to escape the man of lawlessness, those who trust in the promises from God can be happy as they wait for His salvation.

Interpreting Scripture within its proper context is vital for a correct understanding of God’s plans and purposes. While many sermons focus on the blessings of the Beatitudes for Christians, these teachings were intended for Israel during a specific prophetic time. For Christians, happiness comes from maturity based on a deep knowledge of Christ and the hope of His return.