JESUS WAY TO HAPPINESS!
Matthew 5:1-12
INTRODUCTION: In the first twelve verses of Matthew chapter five, Matthew, in the Sermon on the Mount lays out Jesus way to happiness. The Greek word used for “blessed” is “Markarius” and it means happy. As we look at the Sermon on the Mount today Jesus way to happiness may seem very different from what you think will lead you to a happy life. Remember; God’s ways are not our ways: Isaiah 55:6-12; Ecclesiastes 10:8-9. We live in the midst of a very unstable world and we need to praise God we have an anchor for our soul: Hebrews 9:17-20. Our true problem is we would rather trust in the word and ways of this world than in the words and ways of our Lord: Jeremiah 17:5-8.
- FOR YOUR EARS ONLY!
Today, we will look at the second of Jesus nine prescriptions for a truly happy life: Matthew 5:4. What a strange statement, we better look at the context to see who Jesus is talking to: Matthew 4:23-5:2. Jesus was not talking to the crowds but only to His disciples did He give the Beatitudes. What we are being taught here is truly only for Jesus disciples, those who by faith are trusting in Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord of their lives. John 10:10-11; John 10:27-30; Matthew 5:4. In the Bible there are two different kinds of sorrow and two different kinds of results that those two kinds of sorrow can bring into our lives. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11; Matthew 5:4.
2. SORROW THAT LEADS TO MISERY!
When Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn” He meant a different kind of mourning than most people ever experience: 2 Corinthians 7:10. What types of sorrow leads to death and even more misery? The sorrow we have because we got caught: Psalm 32:10. Sorrow that is void of repentance leads to more sorrow: Isaiah 26:10; Proverbs 13:15. Sorrow because of failing to carry out a sinful scheme: Psalm 7:15; 1 Corinthians 3:19. Sorrow because of the consequences suffered: Acts 8:18-24.
3. SORROW THAT LEADS TO TRUE HAPPINESS!
In contrast to the world’s way of sorrow or mourning which brings death, the Lord encourages us to “godly sorrow that brings repentance and leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. What kind of sorrow or mourning leads to eternal life and life now that is real life and brings lasting happiness? Sorrow and mourning that is born of conviction: John 16:8-11. Sorrow that is expressed by repentance: This type of sorrow or mourning brings godly sorrow and repentance, and a changed life: Psalm 51:1-4; Psalm 51:10-17. Sorrow and mourning that makes us happy results in four great blessings: 1.) Forgiveness of our sins! 1 John 1:8-10. 2.)Restoration of fellowship with our God! 1 John 1:5-7. David’s joy was restored after his godly confession of his sin: Psalm 51:12-17. 3.) Strengthening of godly character! As we honestly repent our God uses even our sin for our good: Romans 8:28-29. 4.) The comfort of our God! Matthew 5:4: Our Lord may directly comfort your heart or He may use another of His servants to bless you: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. We need to ask ourselves: “Are we sorrowing over our sin as God intended for His disciples to mourn over their sins in order for Him to restore your happiness to you? 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. When we learn to be sorrowful and mourn for our sins in God’s way we will truly be happy!