Happiness Through - Humility (Beatitudes) Series

Happiness In An Unsettling World

Steele Creek Church, Eastfield Campus

Dr. Tom Bartlett – September 6, 2020

Matthew 5:3

OUTLINE

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (ESV)

For most, happiness comes from things, but could it be the source of happiness is an attitude not a possession?

? Happiness is never determined by what’s happening around me, it’s determined by what’s happening in me!

? If you have to have all your problems solved before you can be happy, you will never be happy.

? Happiness depends on right attitudes.

Personal Exaltation Vs. Profound Humility

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:10–15 (ESV)

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 (ESV)

HUMILITY UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO HAPPINESS

Humility: not thinking less of me, just more of you!

HUMILITY BRINGS. . .

• REDUCED STRESS

“The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men. . .”

Luke 18:11 (ESV)

Key: As the stress is reduced my happiness goes up.

• IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Luke 18:13 (ESV)

Self-centered people struggle with these phrases:

“I was wrong… I’m sorry... I need help…”

Key: When I’m humble, I am immune to insults and seldom offended.

• RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NIV)

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 (ESV)

Key: You will never experience God’s blessing of peace without humility

Ask yourself this: In what area this week can I practice humility?

MANUSCRIPT

We are bombarded with information like never before in history. A bomb goes off in Lebanon and we know about it in seconds. There’s a shooting in a major city and the video is on the internet before the authorities can even arrive at the scene.

Information overload, the need to know and make decisions and come to conclusions in seconds over things we used to ponder for days, weeks, or months is driving us to become REACTIONARY INSTEAD OF ACTIONARY!

On top of that, one day they say, “wear a mask”, another day the mask is not good. One day we’re all gonna die if we drink milk, the next milk is good for you. It’s no wonder people are going crazy these days.

Instead of choosing an action, we are now in response mode.

The satisfaction level in the lives of people today is at an all-time low. It seems that the faster our lives move the more impatient with life we become. The more info we have the less safe, free, and fulfilled we are.

• HOW DO WE FIND TRUE HAPPINESS IN THE MIDST OF A FAST-PACED CONSTANTLY CHANGING HIGH-TECH WORLD?

• How do we keep up with what we need and let go of what we don’t?

• How can we find peace when we’re falling to pieces?

GOD

In Matthew five we find what is considered the greatest sermon of all time, preached by the greatest preacher of all time – Jesus! In it He goes right to the point of need in the lives of people. The message that Jesus preached is just as practical today as it was when he wrote because human nature hasn’t changed.

In Jesus day, the Pharisee’s taught information without transformation, no authority, no life change.

Jesus turns this upside down and speaks words that captivate the ears of the people, words that brings life. He talks about relationships, attitudes - the stuff of life.

This sermon begins each phrase with the words “blessed.” This word actually means – happy.