Introduction

It shouldn't surprise us at all that God wants us to be happy. God loves us and God is for us and God has given us life and life more abundantly. But, what does come as a huge surprise for us, is where God's plan for happiness is found. Looking back to last week, we said the blessed person (in Matthew chapter 5), is the happy person. So we're going to begin to unpack the Beatitudes, to find the surprising and unexpected places happiness is found. It’s what we like to call “crazy happy.”

Main Teaching

Happiness on the other side of humility As Jesus starts listing out the characteristics of a blessed, happy, person in Matthew 5:3, he says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." What exactly is he saying here? You could say it this way…happiness is found on the other side of humility. Happiness is on the other side of humility because it begins by saying, “Oh how happy is the person who is poor in spirit.” That phrase “poor in spirit” isn’t common in today’s language. Being poor in spirit doesn't mean you're lacking courage. It's acknowledging a type of spiritual bankruptcy. It's when a person can confess their unworthiness before God, and declare their dependence on God.

Mourning is part of the journey Now, as we continue reading in Matthew 5:4 it says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium

Happiness is found on the other side of humility.