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!
