Jesus’ Guide to True Happiness
Matthew 5:3-12
Introduction.
Happiness is one heavily sought-after commodity in our society today.
It is even enshrined in our Declaration of Independence as a human right: pursuit of happiness.
How we define that word today is often wrapped up in activities that bring us down.
The Bible defines them as the “passing pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25).
True happiness can only be found in doing God’s will.
In my own life, I was most miserable when I was not doing what God wanted.
Jesus Himself gives His guide on how to truly be happy in the Beatitudes.
“In the beatitudes, Jesus states several principles the doing of which produces a state of happiness for the individual. Lasting happiness is not to be found in amassing great fortunes or possessions; it is not to be found in beauty, strong drink, or in any sinful pleasure or worldly pursuit. Happiness that endures is to be found in following the principles set forth in the beatitudes” (Bob Winton, Commentary on Matthew, p. 32).
All of these traits are counterintuitive to achieving happiness.
Jesus’ teachings are just as radical today as they were 2000 years ago.
We have blessed attitudes, blessed actions, blessed attacks.
Body.
Blessed Attitudes (vs. 3-5).
Poor in spirit (vs. 3).
Some think that riches will bring happiness—not true!
Some of the most miserable people in the world are among the wealthiest.
Honest heart yields a humble spirit.
We are nothing without God—in spiritual poverty (John 15:5b).
When one has an honest heart, he will obey the gospel when presented with it.
Only then will we be in the kingdom of heaven (the church).
Jesus humbled Himself! (Phil 2:8).
Mournful (vs. 4).
If we pursue happiness, we are pursuing a state of constant joy—not true!
Have you ever felt better after you have had a good cry?
We wouldn’t know the happy times if it weren’t for the sad times.
Mourn over sin, have a heavy heart (James 4:7-10).
Comforted because godly sorrow works repentance leading to salvation (2 Cor. 7:9-10).
Salvation ought to be comforting.
Meek (vs. 5).
To be happy, I must be able to do what I want all the time—not true!
Children who get their way all the time are among the most miserable.
Meekness is power under control—show self-control!
In this way we do not get our way all the time because we are to be meek.
Our sinfulness must be brought under submission.
We must put our strength under God’s control.
Then we will inherit the earth—blessings of the earth.
Blessed Actions (vs. 6-9).
Pursue righteousness and truth (vs. 6).
If we are happy, we will want for nothing—not true!
Your heart must be hungry for righteousness.
In our country we probably don’t know what it truly means to be hungry.
When my child is hungry, she gets fussy – hangry.
As adults, when we’re hungry, if we have the means, we eat.
How many are willing to miss a meal when they’re too busy? Two? All day? All week? What if they eat only once a week? Twice? They will starve.
Ghrelin is the hormone that increases appetite—it makes you feel hungry. Leptin decreases one’s appetite—released when one is full.
We will starve spiritually without a regular diet of God’s word.
Let us increase our spiritual ghrelin levels so that are always hungry for His righteousness.
The promise is that we will be filled, have satisfaction and peace of mind.
Pursue mercy (vs. 7).
Mercy necessitates a wrong—in order to be merciful, you must have been wronged.
But happiness means I will always be treated well—not true!
Being wronged is to be expected, this is going to happen.
Have you not wronged others? Have you not sinned, wronging God?
God desires mercy (Hos 6:6); He calls us to love mercy (Mic 6:8).
When we do this, we too will receive mercy—and we need it!
We should be happy to receive such mercy from our Lord.
Pursue purity (vs. 8).
To be happy, I must do things that would hurt my purity—not true!
Doing this helps to keep us from sin.
We have an uphill climb while in the world to maintain our purity.
Our society is geared toward impure things.
But the reward for purity makes the struggle worth it!
We will be able to see things that are unseen (2 Cor 4:17-18).
Since God is in heaven, if we see Him, we, too, will be there!
Pursue peace (vs. 9).
To be happy, I must lash out at people in anger—not true!
Does God hate strife and conflict? (Prov. 6:16, 19b).
Many times the NT denounces that behavior as well.
Therefore work to achieve peace at home, in the church, and wherever you go (Rom. 12:18).
You may then be of service to Him as a child of God!
Blessed Attacks (vs. 10-12).
To be happy I cannot be under attack in any way (safe space) – not true!
Why are you persecuted? For being righteous! (1 John 3:12b).
Righteous deeds naturally expose unrighteous deeds—people don’t like that.
If you desire to be godly, you will suffer persecution (2 Tim 3:12).
Reward is the kingdom of heaven!
Christ suffered on the cross for you—we are called to take up our cross as Christ did (Matt 10:38).
When this happens, we ought to rejoice, not seek to avoid pain at all costs!
Peter talks of the example of suffering Christ left us (1 Pet. 2:21).
The Apostles followed this example when persecuted (Acts 5:41).
We, too, will have a crown of righteousness waiting for us as the prophets before us (2 Tim 4:8).
Conclusion.
So much can be learned from each of these verses – barely scratching surface.
All these are attitudes the Christian ought to possess—they will make the rest of the Sermon on the Mount easier to obey.
There are promises and rewards that accompany the behavior that’s discussed here.
Let us exhibit these attitudes with all sincerity so we can truly be happy.
“The term ‘blessed’ just seems to be: God’s face looking my way, pleased. That’s enough” (Paul Washer).