Matthew 5:3-12
In Jesus' teachings known as the
Beatitudes, many modern translators translate the word “blessed” with
the word "happy." If Jesus did
indeed mean these teachings to be avenues to happiness, we need to know about
them, understand them, and make them our own.
I. Lasting
“Happiness” is “Believer Blessedness”
II. Lasting
Happiness is not found in Favorable Circumstances Matthew 5:3
III. Lasting
Happiness is not found in the Avoidance of Pain. Matthew 5:4
Happiness is not
the absence of stress or problems but the respect and joy we
discover in conquering them.
If you have to
make a choice between being liked and being respected, choose respect
every time.
IV. Lasting
Happiness is a Byproduct of Pursuing God. Matthew 5:6; Psalms 16:11; Matthew 5:8; Matthew 6:32-33
Fragmented pursuits in
life for that which can make us happy keep us caught up in anxiety and chaos.
You are getting
up every day for something and if it is not defined you will wear
yourself out letting life live you instead of living your life.
A vital key in
being happy is to know that God loves us and is pursuing us! Psalm 23:6
V. The Secrets of Happiness Revealed.
§ Happiness is
found in purposeful living.
§ Happiness is
found in being people oriented.
§ Happiness is
found in a passion for God.
Characteristics of the
Blessed Believer Psalm 1:1-3
1. The Path of the Blessed Believer
v.1
· He doesn’t Believe like the World
· He doesn’t Behave like the World
· He doesn’t Belong like the World
2. The Pleasure of the Blessed Believer
v.2
3.
The Prosperity of the Blessed Believer v.3
·
His Prominence – a tree planted
·
His Position – by streams of water
·
His Productivity – Brings
forth fruit
· His Predictability – In his season
· His Permanence – leaf shall not
fade
· His Prosperity – Whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper
Find a humble
person with a pure heart, a purpose for living, a love for people
and a commitment to God and you will find a happy man or woman.
