Faithfulness – The Ninth Step To Happiness Series

Faithfulness – The Ninth Step To Happiness

We have been looking at a section of scripture in the gospel of Matthew known as The Beatitudes. It is found in Matthew chapter five. Each of The Beatitudes begins with the word “Blessed.” As you recall – blessed could also be translated “happy” – so as we have been making our way down through The Beatitudes we have been finding steps to happiness. Today we are looking at the ninth and last beatitude – faithfulness. Let me say up front – that many Bible scholars only consider that there are eight beatitudes – I consider that there are nine – the reason being – that the word blessed is found in The Beatitudes nine times. Follow along with me as I read:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12 (NKJV)

Today we are going to focus in on verses eleven and twelve of Matthew chapter five:

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV)

I want you to notice a unique characteristic of this beatitude – look at how many times the word “you” is used in these two verses. Go ahead and circle the word “you” – it is used four times. I also want you to circle the word “your”. It is used once in this passage. This is unique in the beatitudes for up to this point Jesus had been speaking about “THEY and THEIRS”. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For THEIRS is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For THEY shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For THEY shall inherit the earth.” Now in verse eleven – He starts talking about “YOU and YOURS”. He is making this beatitude much more personal.

Lets read it again – paying special attention to “you and yours”:

“Blessed are YOU when they revile and persecute YOU, and say all kinds of evil against YOU falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is YOUR reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before YOU.”

What this beatitude tells me is - if I am a follower of Christ - perseution will come. Therefore:

I need an attitude of FAITHFULNESS.

Folks here are some facts:

Committed Christians stay COMMITTED.

Faithful Christians stay FAITHFUL.

Faithful husbands remain faithful to their wives. Faithful wives remain faithful to their husbands. Faithful parents remain faithful to their children. Faithful church members remain faithful to their church. Faithful Christians remain faithful to Christ.

Let me say it again:

Faithful Christians remain faithful to Christ. Is it always easy? No! Is it always worth it? Yes!

Did you know – Jesus is impressed by faithfulness. In Matthew chapter twenty five – Jesus tells a parable of a group of three servants who were given a certain amount of money. The master went off on a journey but when he returned there was a day of accountability. Two of the servants were faithful and this is what the master said to them:

’Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:23 (NKJV)

As Christians we need to be faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today we are going to look at five areas where Christians need to be faithful. The first area is:

1. Faithful Christians are faithful in their TRIALS.

Look at what our focal passage says again:

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV)