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

Who are the poor 'in spirit'? The 'poor in spirit' are those who feel a deep sense of spiritual need and understand their emptiness before God (Isaiah 66:2). They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. (Isa. 66:2). They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer (Psalms 51:17). There must be emptiness before there can be fullness, and so poverty of spirit precedes riches and Grace in the kingdom of God (John 12:24). This means: i. We are to be emptied of our selfish pride, self-reliance, sinful thoughts and actions. ii. We are to die daily to ourselves and be emptied moment by moment. iii. Emptying is not the end but rather, the beginning. We are emptied in order to be filled. Therefore, When Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," He is declaring that, before we can enter God's kingdom, we must recognise our worthlessness and the inability of our own works to save us. Question 2: Why is the kingdom of heaven for 'the poor in the spirit'? The kingdom of heaven is for 'the poor in spirit', because they seek it, and, therefore, find and abide in it.