The Kingdom of Heaven is for the Poor in Spirit - Santosh Poonen - October 20, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-for-the-poor-in-spirit River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Jesus taught that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires passing through the narrow gate, which is not merely about hearing His teachings but about actively doing the will of the Father. The speaker emphasizes that mere knowledge or performance (like miracles or prophecy) is insufficient; true discipleship is proven by one's daily obedience in private life. Ultimately, the wise person is the one who hears Jesus' words and acts upon them, while the foolish person fails to do so.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The foundation of the Sermon on the MountThe words of Jesus in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7 set the tone and foundation for the New Covenant and the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 5:3
Enter by the narrow gateJesus warns that despite hearing wonderful teachings, very few people will actually go through the narrow gate and walk the narrow way.
You will know them by their fruitsIt is not enough to prophesy, cast out demons, perform miracles, or call upon the name of Jesus; entering the kingdom requires doing the will of the Father.Matthew 7:20–21
The wise and foolish buildersBoth the wise man and the foolish man sit in the same church and listen to good teaching, but the wise man acts upon the words of Jesus.
From the earthly kingdom to the Kingdom of HeavenUnlike the old Covenant which promised earthly blessings and a physical kingdom of Israel, Jesus introduces a spiritual Kingdom of Heaven requiring repentance.
Transferred into the kingdom of His beloved SonBeing born again means being taken out of the dictatorship of darkness and placed into a kingdom where Jesus as King has a hundred percent say over every area of life.Colossians 1:13
The kingdom of God is within youThe Kingdom of Heaven is not a future event or an external political regime, but an inner spiritual reality residing within believers.
Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy SpiritThe kingdom of God does not consist of empty words, theological arguments, or outward rules, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is either absolute or obsoleteJesus cannot be invited to be Lord while we remain on the throne of our own lives; He must be absolute.
What it means to be poor in spiritBeing poor in spirit means recognizing our constant need for God, hungering for His word daily like a beggar at the door.Proverbs 8:34
God looks to the humble and contriteGod dwells with those who are humble, contrite in spirit, and tremble at His word, flowing like water to the lowest place.
Compassion instead of legalismPoverty of spirit produces deep compassion for others, free from the grumbling, demands, and self-righteous legalism of the Pharisees.
True humility and seeing JesusHumility is thinking of yourself less by being captivated by Christ, leading us to repent in dust and ashes like Job when we truly see Him.
