Happiness

Happiness – Matthew 5:1-12

Intro:

I see the passage in Matthew 5:1-12 as a guide to happiness! This passage challenges us to live beyond ourselves. To make a choice! In our lesson today, we’ll explore that choice and how to choose wisely! Do you want to be happy? I know you do!

Definition of Blessed:

1. consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified. 2. worthy of adoration. 3. divinely or supremely favored.

4. blissfully happy or contented.

1. Happiness Thrives on an Eternal Perspective!

a. Matthew 5:1-6 – How do you react to yourself, to Life and to God’s will?

i. Poor in spirit = Dependent on God, Psalm 51:17 & James 4:10

ii. Mourn – Like Jeremiah who wept over the spiritual emptiness/ sinfulness of his people. Luke 19:41-44

iii. Meek – Or gentle. (Not Weak) “self-controlled”

iv. Hunger & Thirst for Righteousness – Psalm 63:1

b. Those frustrations melt away when you stay focused on heaven!

c. Easier said than done!

d. “The Christian life is a constant and daily vigil to prevent the temporal and perishable from crowding out the eternal and imperishable.” – Bud Bayless

e. Hebrews 12:1-2 – Jesus ability to overcome was dependent on His vision!

f. 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 – Takes pleasure in troubles?? Yep!

2. Happiness is Anchored in Empathy!

a. Matthew 5:7-9 – Relating to others in their pain is a duty of Christians!

i. Merciful - accept apologies, never return evil for evil!

ii. Pure - refusing to join others in sin! Colossians 3:1-11

iii. Peacemaker – James 3:18

b. Luke 6:31 – Do unto others…

c. Romans 12:15 – When they are up, you get up! When they are down, you help them struggle and then pull them back up!

3. Happiness Empowers even in adversity!

a. Matthew 5:10-12 – Persecution cannot steal your joy!

i. Persecuted for Righteousness sake – Ever happened to you? Should it?

b. 1 Peter 4:12-16 – God is glorified by how you react to adversity!

c. Acts 5:41-42 – What have you done that causes your heart to celebrate in your faith? They were “counted worthy to suffer shame in His name” & it caused them to celebrate!

d. Anne Frank – “Considering all that other people have dealt with, and all that others are going through, I know that I am blessed to have what I have, and that knowledge gives me the strength to endure my adversities.”

e. “Today I choose to be happy, I possess a grateful spirit.” (Andy Andrews, Travelers Gift)

Conclusion:

You can be Happy, by possessing an eternal focus, empathy towards others and an attitude of gratitude for all He has done for you, even in times of trouble!