Topical Bible: The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation

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The theme of the poor rejoicing in their exaltation is a profound biblical concept that underscores the transformative power of faith and the spiritual elevation that comes with conversion. The Scriptures consistently highlight the dignity and worth of the poor, emphasizing that their status in the eyes of God transcends earthly circumstances.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the condition of the poor, offering both comfort and hope. In the New Testament, James 1:9 states, "The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position." This verse encapsulates the idea that those who are materially poor, upon embracing faith in Christ, are elevated to a position of spiritual richness and honor. Their conversion brings about a new identity and status that is not defined by worldly wealth but by their relationship with God.

Spiritual Exaltation

The exaltation of the poor upon conversion is not merely a future promise but a present reality. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This pronouncement affirms that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who recognize their spiritual need and depend on God. The poor, often more acutely aware of their need for divine intervention, are positioned to receive the riches of God's grace.

Rejoicing in the Lord

The call for the poor to rejoice in their exaltation is rooted in the joy of salvation and the assurance of God's provision. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah who will "bring good news to the poor" (Isaiah 61:1). This good news is the gospel, which offers redemption and hope. The poor are invited to rejoice not in material gain but in the eternal inheritance they receive through Christ.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Himself exemplified humility and identified with the poor. Philippians 2:7 describes how He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant." By becoming poor for our sake, Christ dignified poverty and demonstrated that true exaltation comes through humility and service. His life and teachings provide a model for the poor to follow, finding joy in their exalted status as children of God.

The Church's Role

The early church recognized the importance of caring for the poor, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 , where believers shared their possessions to meet each other's needs. This communal support reflects the spiritual family that believers enter upon conversion, where the poor are valued and uplifted. The church is called to continue this legacy, ensuring that the poor experience the love and acceptance that comes with their exalted position in Christ.

Eternal Perspective

The exaltation of the poor is ultimately tied to an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul reminds believers, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This richness is not measured by earthly standards but by the eternal treasures stored in heaven. The poor, when converted, are encouraged to rejoice in this eternal inheritance, which far surpasses any temporal wealth.

In summary, the biblical narrative affirms that the poor, upon conversion, should rejoice in their exaltation. This exaltation is rooted in their new identity in Christ, the joy of salvation, and the promise of eternal riches. Through faith, the poor are elevated to a position of honor and dignity, reflecting the heart of God for all His children.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:9
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of ...
... For when the disciples asked who should be greater in ... heard this response: "Unless
you be converted and become ... consolations here, for when the poor enter into ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifty-eighth chapter high matters.htm

Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ...
... For when the disciples asked who should be the ... answer than this, Except ye be converted
and become as ... consolation here;(9) because whilst the poor enter into ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lviii of deeper matters.htm

Fourth Division.
... have I offended your benevolence, that you should think it ... or desirous, through our
ministry, to be so converted. ... man when he gives, and by the poor when he ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/fourth division.htm

Christ's Prayer for his People
... words, he put his trust in a crucified Saviour, and was really converted. ... enough
to cover the top of your little finger, we should not be ... "A poor sinner, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs prayer for his people.htm

"My Garden" --"His Garden"
... arrangements which God made for this poor world, he ... this present evil age, lest his
anger should destroy it ... occasion, and thought you were converted and were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/my gardenhis garden.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... might come, I might be in truth converted unto Christ ... with such conceits as these:
I should think that ... the audience of the holy angels, This poor simple wretch ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... in Him He would place the hope of all the needy and poor. ... For afterwards more were
converted.... ... be; do thou judge with what measure of toil it should be bought ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... in His arms He said, "Except ye be converted, and become ... will I look, even to him
that is poor and of a ... the body from death, how much more earnest should we be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... and distributing the price to the poor, was discontinued. ... shall be maintained; and
we should never despair ... that many of the Jews were converted to Christianity ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm

Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ...
... the Bible and read the first passage I should light upon ... what you have and give it
to the poor, and you ... 262] By such an oracle he was forthwith converted to thee ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eight conversion to christ .htm