Sovereign Grace Church

Blessed [happy] are the poor in spirit...

(MATTHEW 5:3)

The world says just the opposite of this: “Happy are the rich.” Of course, this has nothing to do with being hard up in our circumstances. There is no virtue in physical poverty, and also no disgrace. Poverty of spirit is a given grace by the Spirit of God.

Look at the religion of our day. I see conferences advertised on “Promoting the higher life.” I would like to attend one on furthering the lowly life. Many books tell us how to be filled with the Spirit, but I am interested in what it means to be emptied of self‐importance and self‐righteousness.

What then is poverty of spirit? I do not know from practical experience, but perhaps it is this. It is to realize that I have nothing, am nothing, can do nothing, and have need of all things. It could be to become aware of the fact that our best performances are an abomination to the HOLY GOD.

I am convinced that all unhappiness is caused by selfishness. We didn’t get what we deserved. Happiness could be to realize that anything this side of hell is mercy. All worth is HIS provision, and conceit [pride] of my own attainments has nothing to do with GOD.

Are you convinced that Blessed [happy] are the poor in spirit? If so, you will rest your whole soul on CHRIST and HIS BLOOD shed in the stead of sinners. There is no hope of salvation that goes beyond CHRIST or besides [along side] CHRIST. If you deviate from the bloody CHRIST, it is fatal to you forever. Everything we are, everything we do, must be set in the crimson of HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD. And all that we say must be said in great gratitude to HIM who loved us and gave HIMSELF for us.

If I ever understand what I have written here, then I will truly be a happy man. LORD, give grace and understanding.