The Lord is close unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit (Psalms 34: 18): For you desires not sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:16-17.
The broken heart and a contrite spirit is a mental spiritual mood and of the state of a remorseful and grieved heart of a godly sorrow of a transgressor - sinner before God approaching him with a genuine repentance of his transgression or wrong action against the word of God. Note: except the chain of sin is broken through personal admisison and acceptance of the conviction of sin by the spirit of God, there can be no brokenness nor contrition for sin. Those deceived by the hardness of their heart into repeated continuation of enjoying the pleasure of sin in the church can never come into the state of showing or having any godly sorrow for their sin or being ashamed of it before God: folly – sin is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom. Proverbs 15:21.
This state of carnal mind worsening the spiritual situation of any believer before God, leading up to a sudden destruction without remedy. Those who tremble to his word, will humbled themselves before him to turn from their sinful and wicked ways to be forgiven, but those that rebel and despises the spirit that sanctify them, despises God who so much loved them that Christ should died for them while they were yet sinners, likewise despises him that died for them that they might be sanctified.
The broken heart is regretful declaration of sin to obtain divine forgiveness - for I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. Psalms 38:18.
It is to add sin unto sin while anyone sin, but seek to hide it like Adam did.
To avert or lessen the consequences of those wrong actions before the Lord, the believer must admit and be ashamed of his sin in confession before him. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 6:15.
The broken heart doesn’t play game on blaming anyone for sin committed rather than to take personal responsibility of his sinful choice without any excuse or justification of his irresponsible ways and actions which he has taken before God: he that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13.
This is a spiritual principle of restoration aim to bring a believer back to the light of fellowship and relationship with God if he commit sin as he continue to grow unto complete obedience through learning from what made him fall in the past, obtaining strenght and wisdom to subdue the flesh through discipline to bring every thought in him unto captivity till complete the obedience to Christ is achieved, able to live by every word coming out from the mouth of God: if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9.
If we are not genuily born again, none of the descriptive blessings of Christ from his sermon on the mount can any be a partaker therein. Who can live a life in the spirit if they are not born again with the mindfulness and determination to walk in the spirit? It is through the spirit of regenaration and renewing of the spirit of God can we be quickened to live such a descriptive life preached by Christ.
The sermon on the mount shows the morality of the life of a kingdom’s citizen who has being transformed by the renewing of his mind to walk constantly in the newness of life - to walk in self denial, that is, putting aside or forgotten whatever he thinks he was in the world, even as Christ, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:6-8.
There is a deeper spiritual link and connection between the broken spirit and a contrite heart in the entire subject of Christ teachings on the beatitudes in Matthew Chapter 5 verses 3 –12.
The poor in spirit have the kingdom of God as their reward. Matthew 5:3.
Those who mourn shall be comforted by the Lord. Matthew 5:4.
The meek also shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5.
The genuinely repentant heart will forsake his sin by practising righteousness, showing mercy to the poor which may be a lengthening of his tranquillity with God. Daniel 4:27.
The poor in spirit and lowly is the spiritual state of a total dependent on God without him we can do nothing. Such believers know nothing by themselves and speaks nothing for themselves. They don’t take anything in their lives from God for granted, neither do they take him for granted. Conscious of their human frailty, they always watch and pray, lest they should enter into temptation by going daily to the throne of grace, that they may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. If by any carelessness they fall into temptation, they will weep and mourn for the evil and guilt of their sin to be pardoned and washed by the blood of the Lmab: the LORD upholds all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. Psalms 145: 14.
The poor in spirit don’t act to display any special spiritual particularity above others. What did they have that they did not received? They live and walk in the simplicity of Christ in their daily duty to God and relationsips with others. They admits everything to God’s mercy and grace that God in all things should be glorified through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Though it is said they will inherit the earth, but theirs also is the kingdom of heaven.
Like Moses willing that the prophetic spirit and anointing of God upon him should rest upon all the men in the camp, that all the children of God should become an established prophet like him before him (Numbers 11:29): the meek in the spirit are not showy for public display, nor do they seek greater things for themself, to make a name on earth for fame outside the will of God, they won’t. They are never envious nor competitive of others.
Though they rule, they do it with dilligent and humility. They are full of patient towards all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14): willing and ready to sacrifice their right or anything for Christ sake for the good and edification of all. 2 Corinthians 12:19.
They are like John the Baptist, not proclaming Jesus to advertise themsleves, but they voluntarily decrease daily, that Jesus Christ might increase always, seeing only for the glory of him that saved and called them – Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither did I exercise myself in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Psalms.131: 1-2.
Moses was the typical leader after Christ who is willing to cover his face to prevent the shinning glory of his countenance to blind the sight of his brethren than to ask anyone who wanted to hear the word from God to cover their face before they can hear, or speak with him, for the glory of his countenance: this was the exceeding meekness of Moses who had the glory upon him, but prefers not to flaunt it that others might be edified, refused to demonstrate any superiority trait of a special names or titles calling of a Super prophet, super arch 1, super apostle 1, super Bishop, God’s General super 1, God’s air Marshal 1, Major 1 prophet or Master of the prophets to lord it over God’s heritage. Exodus 34: 32-35.
The meek doesn’t initiate things by themselves, except God commence and approve of it, neither do they continue in it, when God stop working like Moses want to start his ministry forty years earlier than scheduled when he was forty years of age. Exodus 7:7.
The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but meek. 2 Timothy 2:24-25.
I think Moses learnt the lesson on meekness at first long ago from Egypt, when he ran to Midian, after he killed an Egyptian to defend the Israelite, trying to personnaly advertise the divine call upon him in his zeal without the knowledge and respect of of divine timing, but his brethren are not buying into what God is not advertising – for it was not yet time to start his ministry. Acts 7:25.
The meek shall be supernaturally elevated (2 Kings 3:11), their calling and anointing shall speak for itself at the fullness of God’s advertisement of them (2 Kings 2:15): their rod shall buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds, their gifts shall make room for them. Numbers 17:8. They don’t boast of things without their measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to them, a measure to operate in a certain measure of annointing, not above the level of their intimacy with God and allowance from him. God watches and observes us daily as we walk carefully in the path of humility till we get to heaven. Micah 6:8. This path of humility is a steady path with no haste, because he that hastes with his feet sins. The humble will patiently wait for the Lord, they have no personal agenda, but the Lord. The pathway of humility is not a passage to run through with head raised up, not a passage to rush into, but patiently walk in and through. Thus we see that humble believers are patience, calm, flexible and are very thoughtful as they gird the loins of their minds to live soberly in hope to be revealed to them at the appearance and revelation of Jesus Christ. Humility is the power and the driven force behind our Lord’s perfect completion and fulfilment of God’s will on earth. It is the comportment and the disciplined behind his exaltation in heaven to receive of the Father the name that is above every other name – Jesus. Humility is the ignition of Christ power and the strenght of his character for his forbearance and longsuffering for all that he suffered on earth. It is the force and grace of his endurance against the contradictions of sinners. True humility from spiritual brokeness is a spiritual beauty for anyone in the kingdom of God; but those who have eyes, but not seeing, heart that has waxed gross, not able to perceive anything, will continue to behold the riches of divine grace, the splendours and unsearchable riches of the glory of God in Christ Jesus, his Omnipotent, the fearfulness of his praises, depth of his wisdom, universal divine goodness to the just and to the unjust, his faithfulness in the immutability of his counsel and eternal purposes, but not able to humble themselves and be mindful to emulate Christ example of humility to empty, abase and renounce or denial themselves in response to divine call of the necessity and obligation to walk in all humility of mind before God: ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13: 13-17.
Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6. There is no protocol or routine to follow with God concerning feeding and watering the sheep that seek to feed always from the green pastures where he will always leads them, to eat freely, and drink without money or cost, as they desired; to bless them, and manifest his power and himself through them – behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Isaiah 55:1-5
In the book of the Acts of the Apostle chapter 10, we see a non Jewish military man by the name Cornelius whom the the bible calls a devout man, one that fear the Lord with his whole house, fast and prays always, and give much alms, being rewarded ennormousely for his hunger and thristiness after the righteousness of God. The Lord’s order of waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit after water baptism was changed (Acts 1:4-5) by himself as he poured out his Holy Spirit upon everyone hearing the preaching of Peter at Cornelious house, being filled with the Spirit, and spoke with tongues just like the days of Pentecote. Acts 10:47-48.
In the kingdom rules and regulations, the spiritually hungry are increasingly filled. Those who are having and expressing an inclination to want something (thirsty), significantly receive increasing supply of amount of rivers of the living water flowing out of their belly unto eternal life according to their thirstiness and emptiness. Whatever spiritual food served from the table on the doctrine of godliness – separation from the world, holiness, sanctifcation, instruction in righteousness, correction and reproof (2 Timothy 3:16-17), to the spiritually thirsty and hungry man (Proverbs 27:7), such is sweet to his taste because the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalms 19: 9-11.
When the genuine spiritually hungry receives the word of God, they don’t play, but work, walk and labour dilligently to do it, desiring to hear more (Acts 13:42), this is why more shall be given unto him from the Lord, unlike the dull hearers, or slow learners, who are likely to lose what they have heard or had, to whom Apostle wrote, we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that uses milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5: 11-14.
Those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty will prioritized spiritual life (a) maintain a steady and growing prayer altar (b) study dilligently, without any excuse, to add to their knowledge in the Lord, thereby grow in grace. They strive to enter in through the narrow gate by obedient submission to the doctrines according to godliness which is profitable unto all things.
In their quest to walk in the paths of righteousness, they will deny themselves from fulfiling the desires of the flesh and of the mind (Psalms 18:23): to suffer the flesh, that they might ceased from sin, no longer living the remaining parts of their life in the lusts of men, but in the will of God, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. They cry daily after the knowledge of God, and lift up their voice for understanding (Proverbs 2:3-5) through diligent searching of the scriptures, not to become prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:21-24), but by studying, they show themselves approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15): to be built up and be made strong by appying it, that whenever the winds shall blow, and the rain shall fall, it will stand and not fall down. Matthew 7:25.
They practice righteousness, humility, godliness, faith, holiness, integrity in obedience to the word of God to grow in his fear. They are immeasurably increasing in each of those divine nature and attributes they’re exercising and committing themselves unto. Note: you’ll increasingly reflect whatever or whoever you give yourself to. O the blessedness of spiritual hunger and thirst after righteousness – here a little, there a little! Isaiah 28:10.
These spiritually hungry people in the Lord are open to sound teaching, learning and discovering of new and deep things from God by the spirit – his understanding is infinite, and his greatness, unsearchable. While we are still in this earthly body, there will always be a divine emptiness and longings for God which nothing can filled up or be satisfied in us until we are changed and shaped according to the glorious body of our Lord Jesus: to become like him and to see him as he is.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7. A believer is the good tree. What else could be providing than good things through the mercies obtained from God for others to enjoy and benefits or reap from such goodness and kindness? He will be merciful, even as his Heavenly Father in heaven is merciful. To love those that hate him, he will not take revenge for any act of violence or aggression against them, but will render good for evil to overcome evil with good. Wickedness against man or domenstic beasts, the Lord hates violent and cruel people, the tendermercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10.
The merciful will pray for the wicked man who has risen up against them should not to perish and for God to give a repentant hearts for their persecutors. Kind to the unkind. Release his offenders to bear the loss for the Lord’s sake. He is compassionate, kind-hearted, merciful and always forgiven. The merciful looks forward to a glorious end before God, looking forwaard to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life by been merciful. Jude 1:21.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Mattew 5:8. The discipline of dying daily to the flesh is to increase the operation of the spirit’s fulness and ripeness of its nine fruit in us. This is one of the steps to spiritual brokenness which is likely impossible to attain if the heart is always deceived to sin and hardened by it. To be undefiled in the way is the blessedness coming from the pure heart. We cannot arrives at clean heart without understanding the horrow of sin, cleansing ourself from the filthiness of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – they also do no iniquity, they walk in his ways. 2 Corinthians 7.1. Psalms 119:1-3.
Purity of heart begins from hatred against sin with godly sorrow for sin, if we sin. It start from the desire to serve God with a conscience void of offenses toward men and God by working dilligently to get rid of those things which comes from within the heart to defile us such as the evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7:20-23.
Sin is condemned in the flesh, if we can see the condemnation against sin and the flesh as presented in the scriptures, we will fight against it daily to bring the flesh unto subjection, lest any of its works should turn against us at the end (1 Corinthians 9:27), but we will say like David, I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies (Psalms 119:59): this is the beggining of the fear of God which is to depart from evil (Job 28:28), to stay pure, the fear of God which endures forever, ushering you into eternity. Psalms 19:9.
They pure in heart serve God in the singleness of their hearts, as unto him and not as unto man. The purification of heart is a daily labourious spiritual work: to keep the door of the heart shut out from the things that can defiles it requires sober diligent state of mind: to keep your feet straight, not turning to the right or left: to walk in the straight gate and narrow way which is the highway of holiness. This is the ultimate goal, the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, to walk daily in the higway of holiness for which we are called, without which no man shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9. One of the best way to seek for peace is to interceed for peace to reign where there is none and to give counsel of peace if sought after. Except by being led by the spirit of God, none should seek for peace where he is not invited by the parties in strife to be a peacemaker. Luke 12:14. A believer should not be a busybody or inquisitive to intrude in other’s mens matter in the name of a peace maker, lest he become as one that takes the dog by the ears (Proverbs 29:17) to get a rough bite from the dog and be wounded for his foolishness, which has nothing to do with suffering for Christ’s sake or for gospel. 1 Peter 4:15-17.
Christ as the Prince of peace and the chief peace maker between man and God was not received by all, but he will not force himself on anyone to receive the peace he brough to offer us from God. Note: the peace of God in Christ Jesus is a principle of adjustments and discipline of adaptation to a new life in Christ Jesus, totaly diffrent froim the system and understanding of peace according to the world system and mentality. Make peace with your situataions and circumstances according to the rules of non anxiety and no stressful thinking for things which are not, by casting all your cares upon him for his suoernatural peace beyond the understanding of men. Philippians 4:6-8.
Peace is one of the fruit of the spirit, the believer in Christ Jesus should exhibit, live, walk and grow in it daily – if t is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with all men. Romans 12:18.
Peace keeping and pursuing peace is a law in the kingdom of God which should be done within the bond of the scripture. It is the fruit of righteousness sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:18. It is the totality of the kingdom of God which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17. We are living in restless world full of troublesome people: sometimes, separation from toxic people and company is required or necessary to ensure peace like Abraham separated from Lot to avoid strife for peace to reign. Genesis 13:8. God has called us to peace: we should have peace within us, to keep it as a precious gift from God (1 Corinthians 7:15) by not allowing anyone or anything to take it away from us by their restless life; to steal or destroy the peace given us from God by any toxic relationship or communion. Colossians 3:15.
As children and ambassadors of peace, we should follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God. Hebrews 12:14. You can offer the kingdom peace to anyone who is ready and willing to make reconciliatory peace with Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour, chose to leave it with them or to take it back, if the receipients are not worthy of it. Matthew 10:13. Not everyone want or deserve peace with God or with us (2 Kings 9:22): it should not be forced nor proclaimed on the wicked with who there shall be no peace, says God. Isaiah 48:22.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. The broken hearted Christians have signed life or death contract with Christ – according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21.
The spiritually broken believers are not seasonal of good weather Christians who only pray, praise, rejoice, fast, give thanks, willingly walk after the Lord or obey him when things are good and favourable. They are willing, not only to suffer for Christ sake, but also to die for his name’s sake. Philippians 1:29.
Their love for God is unquestionable, without offense, happy to bear and endure their cross daily with joy, freed from fretfulness, murmuring, annoyance or irritation by difficult circumstance or situation, they love not thier lives as to shrink from death. Acts 21:13.
As Christ came into the world as a Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, even so they are in the kingdom of God as it is written about their loyalty andevotion to him, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For we are persuaded, that neither tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword: neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39.
If we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12): they are not ashamed to bear shame and reproach for Christ sake, but will count it all joy when they fall into divers temptations and blessed God to be counted worthy to suffer shame for the sake of Christ’s righteousness – this is their joy, present and and glory in Christ Jesus. James 1:2. 1 Peter 4:14.
Spritually broken Christians have an option to flee from one city to another, away from their persecutors and troublers; but they won’t fight violently to resist the enemy by any physical fight or the use of guns and amunitions to defend themselves; willing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. Note: whosoever is spiritually broken by the Spirit of God is mentally and physically toughened for him (Psalms 68:13): no external threats of the unbelievers or internal pressure from false brethren can cause them to change or break them to renouce or compromise their loyalty to contend for the faith, once delivered unto the saints. Psalms 80:17-18.
What is to be poor in the spirit and who is the poor in the spirit? It is to be God’s sufficiency and God's dependent at all times and in all things, without reliance on man or trust own strenght or anything other than God – Israel thou hast destroy thyself, but in me is thine help. It is the knowledge to admit that your competency, capacity, sustainability, accomplishments, stability and suitability in life originated and shall always be fulfiled in God. Hosea 13: 9.
Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines, and God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, and the Mehunims. And king Uzziah made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that were valiant men: and they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, it appertained not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 26: 1-20.
The poor in spirit will not aspire to opertate outside the perimeters of his calling or office of administration in the Lord. It is a sign of the arrogant and self - ambitious man to go after vain glory, seeking great things for himself, without an open door from the Lord. The poor in the spirit will not act to make themsleves rich on earth by any ungodly means. They are not in haste against God’s time that they should compromise to make things to happen as David refused to kill King Saul when he got the chances to get rid of him and to ascend the throne: Lord, says David, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.’ Psalms.131:1.
The poor in the spirit is the true child of God who has been delivered from the snare of high self-esteemed, self- exaltation and self-praises or self-sufficiency, surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. Psalms 62:9. The poor in the spirit is always conscious of his incompetence, that he knows but in part as the base thing of the world, but chosen to confound the mighty things of this world, confesses to the competency of Christ in him: acknowledges his spiritual short-sightedness, and never cease to learn to grow daily until the end…..if any man thinks he knows something, he knows nothing, as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2.
The poor in spirit know that he is compassed around with infirmities, so he ponder on his paths, but inwardly, he rejoices in the consolation of the in- comparable greatness, might and strength of him that lives in him for grace and help to over any temptation. He is like the tree planted by the rivers of water to absorb water for its freshness and growth. He is ever searching the scriptures, while grateful for the light of the Lord’s enlightement day by day as the true light that shines every man that comes into the world….mine eyes prevent the night watches that I might meditate in thy word. Psalms 119: 148.
Almost everything in the church today is about money. Many foolish believers estimate others spirituality by material possession and riches.
The poor in the spirit is a different man from the spiritually arrogant man who is delusional and complacent like the Laodicea church… because thou say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knows not that thou art wretched, and poor, and blind, and naked. This is a self-conceited congragation entertaining a flattery opinion of themselves with an exaggerated sense of self-importance and absurd declaration of independent from God, saying, I have need of nothing, as if the life of man consist only in the abundance of the things which he possesses: labour not for the meat that perish, but for that food which endures till eternal life, which the son of man shall give unto you; for in him God the Father has placed his seal of approval: but her spiritual emptiness, awating destruction, but her spiritual poverty and blindness and nakedness are exposed by the Lord for her to repent and change. Revelation 3: 17-18.
Believer should stay clear away from falling into the same condemnation of Devil which is pride in whatever situation or season of life. Rich or poor, good or bad situation, weak or strong, stay humbled. The challenges, problems and difficulties of life should drag us to our knees before God and draw us closer to his throne like the poor widow with her importune requenst from the king until her case judged by the king, and she was satisfied. None should complain against God in the days of adversity, to harden in pride of a self righteouss man; to protest or threathens to continue to serve or walk after the Lord as they faint in the days of adversity.
Believer should be thankful for his salvation and fellowship with God. He should never walk after the example of the ungrateful, arrogant, ignorant, rebellious, foolish, forgetful and faithless Israelis in the wilderness on the way to the Canaan who prefers the past difficult slavery life at Egypt against the momentary and little challenges they needed to overcome: and they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came into the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt. And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: and the children of Israel said unto them, would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Exodus 16:1-3.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in the spirit (a) nothing nor anyone can embarrass them, nor do anything so bad to stop them from serving God every day and night. They only sees the hands and permission of God in all things; not ashamed to bear any reproach for Christ, their heart is fixed for anything, life or death, without any doubt nor questioning the Sovereignty of God who rules over all: (b) the word of God has taken over of his persoanlity, rules his thoughts, emotions and actions, that the trial of his faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. While he lives, it is for Christ, and if he dies, it is his gain. His eyes are ever toward the Lord, and his feet shall be plucked out of the net. Psalms 25:15.
When I am awake, I am still with you. This is the daily joy and confession of the poor in the spirit; nothing gives him satisfaction more than his union with Christ: satisfied and happy to build on his relationship, growth and experiences, serving with reverence and godly fear. Psalms 139:18.
Those who have died to themselves will not kill or take away their own life in the Lord. You don't get to heaven by commiting suicide. Those who commit suicide are cowards, no heaven for the cowards. The poor in the spirit cannot be frustrated by Satan as he can frustrate the carnal, hardened and unbroken believer, persuading them to backslide into the pleasure of sin and lusts of the world: or worst still, instil or program suicidal thoughts and actions to end his life before the eyes of the world. Note: suicidal spirit is demonic spirit working to destroy the loosers, the shameful arrogant, the hopeless and faithless men in the world: it is spirit of death from the pit of hell.
The poor in spirit is not presumptive, but be led always by the spirit of God. However great are his past experiences in the Lord, he will not boast of them, or take any of thsoe things for granted to lean on his own understanding than to rely constantly on the Lord in every steps of the way. He gains wisdom from his past failures, to build a strong, present and future relationship with the Lord that he might finish very well.
Arrogance is the evil state of the heart. In his love and Fatherly care, God will not grant us, nor give us anything that shall cause arrogant in us or bring pride to us: he will not hesitate to take anything away that has begotten pride in us, for all his works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. Daniel 4: 37.
Material and financial blessings are good, if we can handle them with carefulness in humbleness of heart: it is better to be poor in the spirit (humble) than to be filled with the goods of this world with pride in the heart and life style that leads or brings men to destruction….but Jeshurum waxed fat, and kicked; thou art grown thick, and thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed (by despising the poor) the Rock of his salvation. Deuteronomy 32:15.
It is a good thing if you are been blessed and rich with the goods of this world, but not be high minded (proud) nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God which gives us all things freely to enjoy: doing good, rich in good works, ready to distribute, generous and open handed, willing to communicate; laying up in store for yourself a good foundation against the time to come, laying hold of eternal life. 1Tim.6: 17-19.
God make rich and he make poor. It is better to be financially poor (and what shall one then answer the messangers of the nations? That the Lord has founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it. Isaiah 14:32) and poor in the spirit (humble) and walk alone, than to keep company with the rich proud: mind not high things, but condescend (bring yourself down, keep company or walk with the humble) to men of low estate. Romans 12:16.
I’ve seen and heard of difffrent associations and group’s name of men and women in the world and church: never have I heard anything about the group and association of the humble people in any church or in the world. Whereas, the scripture is clear that it is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud, which means that you should keep company, do the walking to live an humble life in the company of the humble or men who are lowly in spirit. Proverbs 16:19.
The humility of the uncircumzed in heart is false, for there’s always something to show up for his pride, its all about him. If the Spirit of Christ is not residing in a mortal man, how can he be humbled before God? What or who shall empower him to be or act likewise? Even, if a believer is not conscious to cultivate and grow in the fruit of the spirit to walk constantly in humility, will be guilty of pride.
Humilty is one of the new garment the elects are to to put on…..put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and longsuffering (Colossians 3:12), but the carnal believer and the unsaved men of the worldly get angry, never felt loved nor been appreciated, if they are not applauded when they appears flamboyant, colourful, cocky, showy, fanciful, attention seeking, prideful, immodest, and stylishly swollen-headed.
The fruit of humility cultivate by the spirit of God reveals the true transformation in the life of a believer in any state or season of life, always with the mind of Christ, in the form of a servant, in any situation or circumstance. The humble man never puffed up like a fool when he is filled with bread, not like the obnoxious woman when she is married, for such people, the earth cannot bear. Proverbs 30: 21-23.
When the carnal believer or the man of world want to show his hidden arrogance when his long expecatation towards men’s appreciation for the recognition of his accomplishments is finally acknowledged, he assert being humbled for the honour given to him, instead of him giving or redirecting all praises to God in Christ Jesus. His satisfaction for recognition of his work from others is the expression of his hypocritical humility before God and others.
Before the applauses and recognition given him, what was he? Internally angry and unhappy for going unnoticed for a long period of time? Such is the false confession of humility, when indeed he was inwardly elated and proud for the attraction, admiration, praises and recognition he earned for his work.
To glory or become proud because of any outward gifting, possession, inheritance or ability is out of question before God: it is an iniquity to be punished by him. It is an abomination for a child of God or any of the wise of this world to glory or rejoice in their wisdom, nor for the prudent to glory in their knowledge, nor the strong to boast in their might, and the rich in their wealth: thus says the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understand and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercises lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9: 22-24.
Christ must increase and I must decrease. This is the mantra of a true humble man knows that it is God who is at work in him, so he will not fail to express the source of his wisdom, might, riches or whatever success to give all glory due unto God to him against flattering and dangerous praises of men. Are we not a treasure hidden in earthen vessels, and should not the excellency of the power and the praises thereof be of God and not of man? 2 Corinthians 4:7. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17: 7-10.
God made the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of his eternal kingdom. It is better to be poor in the spirit, poor concerning the goods of this world, but rich in faith, than to have all the riches and wealth of this world, but living without Christ in the world – let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich, in that he is made low, because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. James. 1: 9-10.
The poor humble believer in spirit will not fail to acknowledge his unworthiness and admittance into the adoption of children by Jesus Christ in the kingdom. Never arrogant for his salvation, but solemnly contemplating on the riches of God’s wisdom and mercy to be part of the branch of the tree in the vine, praying daily for his Jewish brethren, the natural branches, that they may be saved through faith in Christ Jesus, - and if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakes of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, the branches were broken off, and that I might be grafted in. well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.…..for as ye (Gentiles) in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their (Jews) unbelief. Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them (Jews and Gentiles) all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgment and his way past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him that it should be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 15: 9-10. Ephessians.1: 6. Romans 11:17-21: 30-36.
I returned and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11.
Nothing is sure and garantee, if it is not written in the word of God and insured by the blood of the everlasting covenanant. As for riches, wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5.
The humble poor man in spirit will not boast of how he has planned and ordered his life for a better future (in the mouth of the foolish is the rod of pride; the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Proverbs 14:3) or how he was so sure that everything would work out perfectly for him at the end without acknowledging that it is God who performeth that which is appointed for him: and many such things are with him. Job 23:14.
Whether they are earthly upliftment or promotion, sucess and achievements of any kind, these don’t change anything from the spiritual perception, life and conducts of the poor humble man in the spirit. He will not be conceited, insolent to others and rebellious to God who promotes and gives power to prosper. It was the error of the foolish rich man in his self- rejoicing, self-boasting, self- reassurance and future boasting in his six personalized and proclamations of ‘I’ and ‘ME’ of his might, greatness and future ambition without divine assurance, for his life was abruptly cut off by the Lord for the sins (boastings) of his mouth, the wrong goals and priority he has set for himself in life without God. Luke 12: 13-21.
The poor humble man in the spirit sees himself as nothing, though with all the titles, names, honours and dignities of the mighty among the men of the world, he is conscious that God raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people. The poor humble man in the spirit will overcome any false perception, opinion, admiration, praises or condemnation, rejection or acceptance of himself or from others. There is no self advertisement, though someone else may praise him, but not his own mouth: if any man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing he deceives himself: and if any man think he is wise, let him become a fool, that he might be wise. Galatians 6:3.
Christ came humbly into the world, lived and departed humbly from the world, but will come back with great glory and power and with great pomp in the company of his countless holy angels to take away his lowly servants on earth with him to the place of eternal glory – Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psalms 31:19-20.
God watches and observes us daily as we walk carefully in the path of humility till we get to heaven. Job 40:11.
The path of humility is a steady path with no haste, because he that hastes with his feet sins. The humble will patiently wait for the Lord; they have no personal agenda, but the Lord's. The pathway of humility is not a passage to run through with a stretched neck; not a passage to rush into, but patiently walk in and through. It is the way where you will also found that the Lord has been waiting to be gracious unto those who'se been waiting on him patiently in humility. Isaiah 30:18.
In patience posssess your soul – It is one of the power of the humble: they will gird the loins of their minds to live soberly in the hope of the glory promised to be revealed to them at the appearance and revelation of Jesus Christ. Humility is the power and the driven force behind our Lord’s perfect completion and fulfilment of God’s will on earth. It is the comportment and the disciplined behind his exaltation in heaven to receive of the Father the name that is above every other name - Jesus. Humility is the ignition of Christ power and the strenght of his character for his forbearance and longsuffering for all that he suffered on earth. It is the force and grace of his endurance against the contradictions of sinners. True humility from spiritual brokeness is a spiritual beauty for the subjects in the kingdom of God. But those who have eyes, but not seeing, heart that has waxed gross, not able to perceive anything, will continue to behold the riches of divine grace, the splendours and unsearchable riches of the glory of God in Christ Jesus, his Omnipotence, the fearfulness of his praises, depth of his wisdom, divine universal goodness to the just and to the unjust, his faithfulness in the immutability of his counsel and eternal purposes, will not humble themselves to emulate Christ example of humility to empty, abase and renounce or denial themselves in response to divine call of the necessity and obligation to walk in all humility of mind before God: ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13: 13-17.
The quality of spiritual brokenness is measure by our subjection to the gospel of Christ as we; in meekness receives the engrafted word which is able to save the soul. This is the reason why the poor humble man in the spirit will not show any contempt and arrogance disregard for the word of God or for any of the five-fold ministerial offices in the church but will scrutinise and sift the messangers and their ministry in the balance of the word of God. James 1:19.
Unless we tremble to the word of God and repent like the people of Nineveh, there is imminent destruction awaiting scorners, men and women with little or no regards for the word and will of God. The word of God is the spiritual divine prescription and medication for complete salvation, deliverance, healing and sanctification of our body, soul and spirit in preparation for heaven. The prescription must be strictly and carefully follow for its maximum healing, profitableness and efficacity according to divine purposes and expectations.
Any branch bearing no fruit shall be cut off. God’s main project on earth is the church he formed through the second Adam, Christ. Persoanl willingness for accountability for taking responsibility for individual’s action is required in our walk with God who will not strive to impose on anyone. To shift blame on anyone is to show how irresponsible we become before God. Each must take serious attention to the things learning and hearing, lest at any time, should slip away from us. Just as Judas office and ministry was given to someone else to accomplish, likewise shall anyone be replaced, if they are walking contrary to the truth, whereby jeopardizing eternal plans and purposes of God in the church.
The heart of the uncircumsied man is like a rock, if it will not be melted by the fire of the word of God, it is expected to be broken into pieces by the other side of the word which works like an hammer, if he is willing. Jeremiah 23:29.
Believer in Christ Jesus should be scripturally sound, well informed and spiritually discerning and sensitive to know sound doctrine from flattering word before it is mixed with faith in them– take heed on what and how you hear! Every word spoken or preached is a seed expected to bring forth fruit, either to God, if it is good, or to Satan, if it is a bad seed. So, let’s be careful to whom we give audience and to what we digest and meditate upon!
If the word of God is truly spoken and well interpreted under the anointing of the spirit of God, it will bring eternal effects and fruits unto God: first in us, and to the people around us, our community and nations of the world.
Gleaning from two different illustrations of four different worshippers from the book of Luke chapter 7: 36-47 and Luke chapter 18: 9-14, we noticed two of them to be arrogant religious worshippers, good and just in their own eyes; while the other two were humbled worshippers and penitent sinners, sought after Christ for forgiveness, righteousness and eternal life. At first, we see Simeon the Pharisee, the arrogant spiritual man, invited Jesus to dine in his house. Also, we see a woman, spiritually broken and humbled by her sin, uninvited, came into the dinner to encounter the Lord at the Pharisees house. Second, we read of the lousy arrogant man, good in his own eyes, praying in the temple: and the humble publican sinner, who is also praying in the temple. These are two distincts and differents spiritual attitudes and characters before God, one was condened for his boastings in prayer, while the other was justified for his broken spirit and contrite heart before God.
‘And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, this man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little’. Luke 7: 36-47.
Invitation to dine with an unbeliver is not a sin, if we are available and willing to go, but to see it as an opportunity to witness Christ.
This has nothing to do with being uneaqually yoked together with them because it’s not every weekend thing. By the way, if your unbelieving neighbour is rejoicing, you should rejoice with them, or if they are weeping, you should weep with them – this is part of showing love to your neighbour, to love them as you love yourself: if any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 1 Corinthians 10:27.
One of the hottest arguments and reasons the Pharisees would not accept Jesus Christ as their saviour sent from God was because of his compassionate and loving heart for sinners, saying this man received sinners and ate with them. Luke 15:2.
As the Son of man came to seek and save those who are lost, this is the purpose of our salvation in Christ, to seek and save them that are lost in all wisdom of humility, without compromising the truth, that we might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22.
Our Lord’s acceptances to Simeon invitation to dine with him show us the simplicity which is in Christ in the absence of the spirit of come not near me, for I am holier than you which is pride. A believer should not indulge in an unscriptural, ungodly practice in any festivity of association with his neighbour to please them: such act or action deform and tarnish the newness of life and depreciate the standard of holiness and righteousness of God. As the light shinning out of darkness, we should keep ourselves at utmost distance from any appearance of evil, by avoiding all that leads to sin or that looks like sin in any feast or gathering.
It is not the sin unequally yoked together with unbeliever, if we desire to honour an invitation from an unsaved neighbour or friend, something which is not every day, week or month, perhaps, it can further the cause of Christ as an open door to make him known. While we may need to have different approach, show different morality, mentality and attitudes in a party or gathering as a new creature in Christ Jesus, our goal and intention is to have them turn to the Lord. When we love Christ indeed, nothing and none can hinder from reaching out sharing his love and compassion openly with others.
Perfect love of God cast out every fear. The fear of the poor man in the house of the rich fellow believer. The fear of a black believer in the house of the white fellow yoke bearer in Christ Jesus. The fear of a woman among men: for in Christ Jesus, there is no Jew or Greek, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. There is no fear of an illiterate believer among the learned Christian, for God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
This was the motivation of Mary, the outcast public figure, a well known harlot, bodly in humility entered into a stranger home uninvited, just to meet with Christ. This is what Christ has done for us, when he died, washed, cleansed and sanctified us by his blood, to be accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6.
Luke 7, Verses 38. The infamous, but converted sinner, washed her Lord’s feet with her tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, anointed them with the ointment. Convicted of her sins, she bowed in repentance before her Saviour. There is no other better way to acknowledge our call and sense of appreciation to our Lord than to serve him in all humbleness of mind, with all reverence of affection.
Love is not ashamed. This is the love of God poured abundantly into the heart of a sinner through the Holy Spirit. She was not there for Simeon’s wine, meal or meat; she can afford all that by herself – a rich sinner, but sorrowful and miserable. Drawn by divine love, she was just running after Christ, humbly crawled into the embraced of Christ love which is better than wine or any other delights of flesh or world. She has come, looking for a change for a new life and destiny in Christ: seeking forgiveness, fellowship and sanctification of her body, soul and spirit, - seeking for the fulness of joy which could only be found whereever Christ is: draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. Songs of Solomon. 1:3.
Simeon and other people at his house saw and condemned the woman for her lewdness and wretchedness, but Christ sees her urgency and willingness for a change; her love, but lacking the fear of God, but she was ready for a change of lifestyle. There she was at Simeon’s house, contemplating, admiring, appreciating and devoted before the undeserving love and acceptance of Christ who will not reject anyone who comes to him, whatever the case may be. Face to face with the Lord that heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds (Psalms 147:3), deeply sorry and weeping for all the years wasted in sins, and spent in vanity, her sorrow for sins works repentance to salvation as she received comfort and assurance of forgiveness from Christ: godly sorrow works repentance, but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Cor. 7: 10-11.
There are sinners who are morally good, and there are also sinners who are despicable, but they have one thing in common which is their present spiritual state of separation from God because they are not born again; and in the future state, both are destined for eternal damnation, if they will not repent to accept Christ as Lord and personal Saviour: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Simeon the Pharisee has gone a step further, openly invited the Messaiah into his home which was very symbolic of his acceptance of Christ Lordship, action which was in contrast to the rest of the Pharisees that were filled with resistance and hatred against the Lord, filled with wickedness, jealousy, envy and bitterness of heart as they openly fight to contradict Christ testimony, his Lordship, good work and sound teachings from the scripture.
Without Simeon’s open declarative love for Christ, which he demontrated by inviting Christ into his home, he stood the risk of missing out the mark and goal of forgiveness and salvation brought by Christ presence! We should not keep Christ for ourselves, but his goodness to be shared with all men. What we know about Christ and what we have received from him should be shared with others. If we invite and welcome Christ into our home and heart, we should make room and allowances for other people to profit from the presence of Christ in our life, home and heart and not to confine him to ourself – love is not selfish. Stop that outward deceitful smiling as long as you accommodate jealousy, hatred, strife, wickedness, bitterness, evil and vain thoughts in the heart against your Christian friends and unsaved neighbours– this is hypocrisy and the traits of spiritual defilement of a faulty heart before God. If we welcomed and received a converted sinner into our home and church for Christ sake, they should be loved and accepted from the bottom of our hearts without second thought, or doubt, knowing that God is drawing and calling them. They should not be looked down upon, or be treated by their past old life, or categorized, respected or belittled by their social stature: love is not proud.
None can come to Christ except those who has learned and called and drawn by the Father: we should therefore commit them to the care and judgment of Christ, whom God has cause to draw near unto him by mercy into this grace: and their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? Says the Lord. And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jeremiah 30:20-21. None of the living, Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, rich or poor, white or black, learned or unlearned should be despised, denied or rejected, who confess to the Lordship of Christ as the Son of God, and has been washed from their filths by his blood: as it is written; I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, in the place where it was said unto them, you are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God – after this will I return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up; that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who does all these things. Romans 9: 25-26. Acts 15: 16-17.
Luke 7, Verses 39 – 49. The condition and thoughts of Simeon’s heart was brought into light, confrontation and reality before all that were present by Christ. The Lord understands our thoughts afar off, and if they are not in aligning with the scriptures and the will of God, it becomes vain, faithless, foolish and sinful….the thought of foolishness is sin. Proverbs 24:9.
The Father has committed all judgments into the hands of the Son to judge every secret works, secrets of men’s heart, either good or bad. The Lord is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart. He will not judge according to outward appearance, he does not have the eyes of flesh, but will declare unto man what is his thought! Amos. 4: 13.
The stronghold in Simeon was pulled down by the Lord, and his thought was brought to the obedience of Christ. As a gracious teacher and silence listener, Christ will reprove us in love to correct and set all things in order, that those that erred in spirit might come to the understanding of the just, and the murmurers might learn doctrine (Isaiah 29: 24): Now, when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, this man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to who little is forgiven, the same loveth little’.
Let us glean also from the second reference of our study from the gospel of Saint Luke chapter 18: 9-14.
And he spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalted himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The two Pharisees in our study (Simeon and the man praying in the temple) have similar characteristics and resemblances of being good and just or better than others in their own eyes. There’s no man, rich or poor, who have hand in his salvation: for by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephessians 2:8-9.
Simeon, the Pharisee thought he can receive salvation by his fame, social influence and invitation of Christ to dine in his house; while the other Pharisee desired God’s approval and acceptance on the merit of the carnal routine of his pious duties (I fasted twice a week, morally better than the other without genuine salvation in Christ, and I give tithes of all that I got): but we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness’s are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64: 6.
Seeing yourself better than others is the fruit of the religious spirit and the work of an evil spirit which gives birth to pride, contention and competition, comparison, blowing your own trumpet before man. This can also be seen through the spirit of boasting over good works done for others; instead of been thankful for the position of priviledge received from God to serve others, you become boastful and ungrateful to the source and suppliers of your goodness – God.
It is delusional to think that we can manipulate God to enter heaven by any of the good works without repentance from sin from dead works, bearing fruit worthy of repentnce, and growing into the fullness of the image of Christ through the fruit of the Spirit in the application of the word of God: if thou be righteous, what givest thou him? Or what receives he of thine hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man. Job 35:7-8.
The two Pharisees destroyed their neighbours, one in his heart, and the other with his mouth: the hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbour. Little wonder our Lord constantly and openly denouncing the hypocrisies of the Pharisees in his preaching. Proverbs 11: 9.
The two Pharisees are foolish, lacking divine wisdom of approach in divine worship which can only be impacted by the Spirit of God in the knowledge of individual intimacy in their respectives relationship or personal search for God – every man shall bear his own burden. They both looked and talked down on their fellow worshipers and seekers, instead of personal examination of individual before God….he that is void of wisdom despises his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. Proverbs 11: 12. He that despises (looked down, belittled and counted as uncommon) his neighbour sin. Proverbs 14: 21.
As long as the two Pharisees refused to remove the beam from their own eyes, they cannot see clearly, still in their sins, not qualified to remove the mote out of their brother’s eyes. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5.
The two Pharisees shown spiritual madness in their fellowship and devotion in the presence of the Lord: for we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commends that commends themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise. 1 Corinthians 10:12.
Simeon thought he was more better and holier than the woman in his heart by saying within himself, if this man is truly a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner Luke 7: 39. The other Pharisee measured his worth before God by comparing himself to, and accussing and condeming the publican’s conducts before God in his prayer, saying, I am not as this man is, extortioner, unjust, adulterer. Luke 18:11.
As natural man and in a fallen world, where Satan rule as god, our heart is wicked, evil and corrupt. Man was conceived and born in sin, vile and corrupt, he drinks iniquity as water. Job 15:16. Nothing clean can ever come out of an unclean man (Proverbs 20:9) until he personally invites and accepts the purifier and sanctifier (Christ) into his life who will purify the sinner unto himself a peculiar person, zealous of good works: put them in remembrance to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good works, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness (unassertive, self-deprecatory) to all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diver’s lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3; 1-7.
Prior to our conversion, we were sinners under the condemnation and the danger of suffering of eternal vegeance before the Lord found and saved us by divine mercy. Though, our iniquity may not be gross and malign as others; yet, our little sin has brought us under the same condemnation of sins and were children of destruction and perdition as others.
Whatever, - a high look or a mean spirit of a despised heart for others, or it is a proud and stout words and arrogant dealings toward anyone, it is sinful. This is the plowing of the wicked. We cannot be accepted and vindicated before God when we scorn, constantly and falsely critical of others. Proverbs 21:4.
We ought to receive one another, as God received us for Christ sake. There is no special advantage we have over one another before God that we should treat others with contempt and disdain, or to relate with them as lesser fellow in the presence of God is to despise them – whosoever despises his neighbour sinned. Proverbs 14:21.
It is important that we always humble ourselves before God in the sense of our own unworthiness as fallen mean creatures, vile but converted sinners, drawn by divine love and mercy, unworhty to do anything for God or to receive any good from him or to have anything to do with him, except by his love, which we must extend and share with others – blessed is the man whom thou chooses, and causes (influences and enables) to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, and of thy holy temple. Psalms 65:4. Hosea 11:4.
There are many evil hearted brethren among us, whenever they see anyone in any strange and divers temptations of a prolonged trouble, they’ll jump into conclusion to judge him for a sin tney cant even proved, and neither has God reveals anything to them.
The two pharisees are sin hunters and fault finders in the life of other’s. Prove yourself to have rejoicing in yourself and not in another. To seek for other’s error for an occasion to reproach them is unacceptable, a punishable and condemnable sin before the rightoeus Judge – the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off. James 1:2. Isaiah 29:20.
Prophet Samuel interceded all night in prayer for King Saul’s restoration into fellowship with God, though God had already refused and rejected him. Also, it should be our burden to pray for all men to be saved, a grief of heart when we see our brethren who are not walking acceptably before God, but joy and the cause of our constant thanksgiving to God for their improvements, growth and fruitfulness in the Lord – For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith and charity, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labour be in vain. But now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast (steadfast, upright and unmovable) in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3: 5-8.
The sinner’s woman at Simon’s house and the publican at the temple were justified for their humility - Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble; thou wilt prepared their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. Psalms 10:13. She humbly went behind the Lord’s back at his feet; while the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner – A man’s pride shall bring him low; but honour shall uphold the humble in the spirit. Proverbs 29:23.
We are admonished by the scriptures to come to the throne of grace with full assurance of faith: having an high priest -Jesus who has gone into the heavens to appear in the presence of God for us: to come with boldness, that we may obtain mercy and grace – which is available to the humble, to help in the time of need. Hebrews 4: 14-16.
The un-invited guest at Simon’s house and the publican in the temple, were both possessed with the spirit of self-judgment and condemnation before God. The un-invited guest at Simon’s house and the publican in the temple, were both possessed with the spirit of self-judgment and condemnation before God. This is the spirit of a ‘no contest’ plea similar to a plea of guilty in the civil or criminal law court. As the defendant enters a guilty plea, it is considered to be the voluntary waivers of right: the benefit of which can be the reduction of punishment for his crime(s) committed. Not only admits to his crime, but remorsely sorry for them, and begs for mercy and pardon.
When we come to Christ, our plea of guilty and no contest to our sins and transgressions efface our sins by the blood of the Lamb to bring or activate the righteousness of Christ into effect, removing all consequences and penalties through our faith in him that justify the ungodly. The woman knelt down at Christ feet behind him, weeping, being ashamed of herself and convicted by her sins, washed the feet of the Lord with her tears, and did wiped them with the hairs of her head – just as I am, thou will received, will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, because thy promise, I believed, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Romans 4:5.
Everyone knows her for whom she is; but she has never hide for what she has been, never has she presented herself for whom she were not before the Lord. Now, when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, this man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner. Luke 7:38.
His going forth is from everlasing, therefore the Lord knows excatly who we are, and what has been, and where we’ve been in the past before we get back to the Sherpherd and Bishop of our soul. He told Nathanael, when thou art under the fig tree, before Philip called you, I saw you. John 1:48. Nevertheless, because he desires truth in the inward parts (Psalms 51: 5-6), we should have to tell him where we’ve been, and what we’ve been doing all this while, and what we have become without him – prodigal. We should never hide our location and sin like Adam before the all-seeing eyes of God: if I covered my transgressions like Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom, let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. Job 31: 33-40.
On his part, the publican openly judged himself in the temple before God, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Both of them, the sinner’s woman, through her humbled gesture of a sincere heart of un-spoken pleas; and the publican, by his open confession to God in the temple, obtained their desired pardon and justification.
Do not wait until the Lord brings you into judgement; because when he stands to judge, none shall be justifed before him. Make a deal with him and admit your sins with repentant heart for forgiveness and by turning away from your sins. The bible declares; if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged – God look upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right (self -judgment) and it profited me not (self-condemnation). He (God) will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. Lo, all these things worked God oftentimes with man (of a broken spirit andcontrite heart) to bring his soul (forgiveness and redemption) from the pit, to be enlightened (restoration and fellowship with the saints in light) with the light of the living. Job 33:27-30. 1 Corinthians 11:31.
Have we not been judged by own conscience for contempt against the will and word of God, walking contrary to his ways? Sinned so as to discover that there is no profit in it, but an eternal loss? Let us then go before God in earnest prayer with this honest acknowledgment. He asks no more and we can do no less. He will deliver us from the pit of hell which is enlarging itself each passing day to grant us life and light. Why should we be reluctant? Why should we even doubt? The Lord does not mock, frown at or reject humble souls, but is close to them. The Lord is faithful and just to forgive, and the guilty shall be forgiven, the conscience purge from dead works by the blood of Jesus to serve the living God: O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent and he shall know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.) Psalms 138: 6. Hosea14.
The Lord shall redeem Israel from his iniquities. Psalms 130:7-8. This text further confirms the truth that we can be freed from any past, present and future sins. Our Jacob can be changed to Israel, if we seek after God in earnest prayer for a change: the hallow of our thigh shall be broken, for God will spirirually remould us that our pride should be broken.
Job, through the experience of his encounter with God, declared, I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:5-6.
Sometimes, it will take a genuine divine encounter like Jacob and Isaiah for spiritual brokenness to take its effects in a believer’s life. Sometimes, it takes a very long chastening in the lives of those God loves to accomplish this important process of spiritual brokenness in them, that they might partake in his holiness of God, just like Apostle Paul was humbled by the thorn of the flesh sent from God, to save him from pride – the condemnation of Satan. When prophet Isaiah encountered God, he declared himself as a man of unclean lips, dwelling with unclean people: but he was touched and cleansed, and his iniquity is taken away, and his sin purged. Isaiah 6:5-7.
The spiritually broken seek meekness, and they made themselves ready to walk and live in all humbleness of mind for their salvation against that day (Zephaniah 2:3), when the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men, shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, when every one one that is lofty shall be brought low.
There are two generations of men in the world – the arrogant men and the humbled men. The first are the generation of the first Adam, fallen for the pride of life. They are full and sure of themselves, and are sure of everything, and know all things by themselves. They live for the world and it revolves around them. They are quick to criticize and condemns, they resent corrections and reproofs; quick to teach and difficult to be taught, and can be disrespectul without apology to anyone: they are descending fast and straight into hell. Isaiah 5:14.
It is the curse of the fall as man played into the hands of Satan, instead of becoming like God as suggested or promised by Satan, if they should eat the fruit forbidden by God, they become rebellious and arrogant like Satan; until they meet Christ and are taught and delivered by the King who is meek and lowly in heart, they will never be freed from this chain – O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. Proverbs: 16: 5. Proverbs 30:13.
The second generation is from the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. These are men and women born of his Spirit, new creatures in Christ Jesus, walking daily in the Spirit and growing in the fruit therein; practically cultivating the fruit of the spirit to reflect the fruit and the resemblance of the risen Lord through his spirit dwelling in them: let this mind be in you, which was in also in the Lord Jesus. They walk and live humbly in mowliness of spirit like their King. These have been with Christ and his is upon them. If any man compels them to go for a mile, they shall go as far as two. If any man will sue them at the law, and take away their coat, they shall be willingly to give him their cloake as well. They will do all these things, just to be found in him, endeavor to be like him, and with him, now and for eternity.