GODS PATH TO HAPPINESS –
Mike Schmalz

Matt. 5:1-12

Happiness is the great question confronting mankind. The whole world is longing for happiness. Sadly, the truth is that the vast majority are seeking happiness down a path that ultimately leads to their misery and problems. This is the deceitfulness of sin; it offers happiness but leads to unhappiness and to misery. The beatitudes give us God’s path to true happiness and blessing. They reveal the type person that the Lord feels is blessed.

Blessed Means

A deep abiding happiness, internal joy, real gladness and divine reward.

The key to God’s happiness is that this world can not affect it This inner peace and joy is not produced by circumstances but comes through our relationship with Christ

“Human happiness is dependent on the chances and changes of life, something which life can give and life can take away. The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable.”
William Barclay

“The greatness of the beatitudes is that they are not wistful glimpses of some future beauty, they are not even a golden promise of same glory; they are triumphant shouts of bliss for a permanent joy that nothing in the world can even take away.” John MacArthur

1. THE PATH TO HAPPINESS:

First – The worlds view:

The world tries to get man to fill his empty soul with external things. It always falls short. “And he said unto them, Take heed and beware of covetousnes for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15

Soloman – He had everything available, and yet he is empty. Behold all was vanity and vexation of spirit; and there was no profit…Ecclesiastes 2:11

Second – The religious view:

The Pharisees – They believed happiness and fulfillment was found in following traditions and keeping rules.

The Sadducees – They believed happiness and fulfillment was found in being liberal, do things the easy way, compromise is good.

The Essenes – They believed happiness and fulfillment can be found in separation from other people.
The Zealots – They believed that happiness and fulfillment would only come through a political revolution, defecting Rome.

JESUS’ POINT WAS – YOU’RE ALL WRONG

For the Pharisees – Religion is not just traditions.

For the Sadducees – Religion is not human philosophy invented to accommodate modem day.

For the Essenes – Religion is not living in a monastery, never touching other lives.

For the Zealots – Religion is not social reform. The truth is that true religion will affect the attitude inside and lead to sight action on the outside, bring happiness into a person’s life.

II. SIX REASONS TO STUDY THE BEATITUDES:

First – They describe what every Christian is meant to be.

We are all meant to exemplify the truths of the beatitudes.

Second – They show the necessity of the new birth.

We can never please God on our own, we must be partakers of his divine nature.

Third – They reveal Jesus Christ to us (maybe the greatest insight into the thinking of Christ).

The Beatitudes are a picture of what Jesus calls blessed.

Fourth – They are the doorway to happiness.

Don’t be fooled by the world, nor by religion, the Beatitudes are the right path.

Fifth – They are the best means of evangelism.

If Christian’s would live the Beatitudes we would reach the world for Christ.

Sixth – They are the key in pleasing God.

What a privilege that we an please God by our lifestyle.

III. OVERVIEW OF THE BEATITUDES:

First – “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Happy are they that acknowledge their spiritual poverty before God, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Second – “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be contorted.”

Happy are they that cry out to the Lord for they shall be comforted.

Third – “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

Happy are they that have stopped demanding things and have submitted to God’s plan for they shall inherit the earth.

Fourth – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. ”

Happy are they that have a intense desire for holiness and a right life, for they shall be satisfied.

Fifth – “Blessed are the merciful.- for they shall obtain mercy.”

Happy are they that give help to the hurting for they shall obtain mercy. Sixth – “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”

Happy are they that are dean in the inner most part, for they shall see God.

Seventh – `Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ”

Happy are they that remove conflict and cause right relationships for they shall be called God’s children.

Eighth – “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men revile you, and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven.”

Happy are they that suffer for my sake, for great is your reward in heaven.

IV. THE ORDER OF THE BEATITUDES:

First – “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

We must first admit spiritual bankruptcy and have a humble; honest attitude toward ourself

Second – “Blessed are they that mourn” This deals with our attitude toward our sin, instead of
criticizing others, we examine ourself.

Third – “Blessed are the meek.”

This deals with our attitude toward God, I must submit to him, not try to impress him with what we have done.

Fourth – “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness.”

Must put off our self-righteousness and hunger for God’s righteousness.

Fifth – “Blessed are the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers.”

Having received the righteousness of Christ, we should manifest the nature of Christ We become merciful instead of condemning, we seek to cultivate purity of heart, we become a peacemaker
not a troublemaker.

Finally – “Blessed are they which are persecuted”

As we grow to become more like Christ, we experience the kind of treatment he received. BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER; GREAT IS YOUR REWARD!

The above material was published by Pastor Mike Schmalz. This material may be copyrighted and should be used for study and reserach purposes only.