JESUS’ ADVICE ON BEING HAPPY
Matthew 5:1-12
The song said, "don’t worry, be happy." Bars and saloons have "happy hour." Children get "slap-happy" late at night. The late Charles Schulz suggested that "happiness is a warm puppy." Some people are said to be "happy-go-lucky." And all the while the world looks for happiness and doesn’t seem to know what it is or where to find it. What is happiness? Where do we find it?
Jesus, as we might expect, shows us what happiness is and where we can find it. We will surely not be surprised to see that it is neither what or where people think it is. The self-indulgence of the Me Generation has not found what it is looking for. We must follow along with Jesus if we are to find the truth about happiness.
The Beatitudes, The Condition Of Those Blessed Or Happy:
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Beatitudes is from the Latin beatitudo: "blessedness, happiness, felicity."¨
The Greek word for the blessed condition of those in Matthew 5:3-12 is makarios: "favor, praise, happiness, joy."¨
People are happy to the extent that they are sharing in the salvation of the kingdom of God.¨
Human estimations of such things as joy and happiness are radically reversed in Jesus’ intriguing twist on conventional wisdom.The Poor In Spirit:
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Those who recognize their spiritual poverty and seek to be enriched by God.¨
Philippians 3:7-11.¨
When we find that we have nothing and that true treasure comes only from God (Ecc. 12:13; Matt. 5:19-21; 13:44-46).Those Who Mourn:
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Those who are undone because they understand that they are without hope without God.¨
Isaiah 6:1-8.¨
When we see ourselves as we really are because we have seen God as He really is (Lk. 5:8; Acts 2:37; 9:8-9).Those Who Are Meek:
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Those who allow God to rule life, instead of self.¨
Genesis 22:1-13.¨
When we learn to truly deny self and say yes to God (Lk. 9:23; Matt. 6:33; 26:36-46; cf. Num. 12:3).Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness:
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Those who care most about what is right.¨
Mark 12:13-14.¨
When we zealously fill ourselves with the will of God (Jn. 2:13-17; Gal. 2:20; Psa. 119).Those Who Are Merciful:
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Those who show appreciation their own forgiveness by extending mercy to others.¨
Romans 9:1-3; 10:1-2.¨
When we bestow mercy because God has been merciful to us (Matt. 18:21-35; 6:14-15; cf. Lk. 17:1-5).Those Who Are Pure In Heart:
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Those who in motive, thought, and intention are wholeheartedly God’s.¨
Titus 1:15-16.¨
When we keep out of our hearts what does not belong and take in what does (Phil. 4:8; Eph. 5:11-12).Those Who Are Peacemakers:
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Those who want people to overcome their divisions and serve God in harmony.¨
Philippians 2:1-2; 4:2.¨
When we come to love peace because the Lord loves it (Rom. 12:18; Ps. 133:1).Those Who Are Persecuted For The Sake Of Righteousness:
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Those who will not be dissuaded from doing what is right.¨
II Corinthians 11:23-30.¨
When we find satisfaction in sharing in the very persecutions of Christ (Col. 1:24; Phil. 2:17; Jas. 1:2-4).Odd, isn’t it?! Happiness is found where our own devices would never have taken us. Happiness is not found in selfishly getting, but in selflessly giving (Acts 20:35). Unpretentious service is the key. Jesus leads us down this unusual path leading to happiness—who will follow?
ESJ
5/14/00