(Part of: MATTHEW SERMON SERIES: THE KING AND HIS KINGDOM)

INTRODUCTION TO SERIES:

Because we are currently in a sermon series, this is essentially a “Series in a Series.”

Typical “When & Then thinking.”

• “When I get a good job, then I’ll be happy.”
• “When I find the right mate, then I’ll be happy.”
• “When I have kids, then I’ll be happy.”
• “When the kids leave home, then I’ll be happy.”

We think outward circumstances bring contentment.

But Jesus tells us the opposite is true. He insists that happiness doesn’t come from the external circumstances, but rather from an internal condition..

IT WILL REQUIRE A SHIFT IN OUR THINKING

I almost titled this series SHIFT because that’s what these verse challenge us to do, to have a shift in our common mind-set, the way that we view things.  To change how we think about success, happiness, and blessings.  Because, as we will discover in the first message of the series, much of what Jesus says brings us contentment are a complete 180 degree turn from what we often think.

DIRECTIVES FOR DISCIPLES (Part 1)

First, Understanding The Word:

Blessed (Greek: Μακάριοι – Ma-ka-ri-oi)

• The word “blessed” means happiness.
• The Greek word is emphatic, it means “happiness many times over.”
• Refers to a happiness that is not conditional on circumstances

The Basic Outline of Our Messages

• DEFINITION: What Jesus Means in What He Says
• APPLICATION: How It Applies in our Lives Today
• SATISFACTION: The Promise the Directive Offers

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

· Jesus could of hardly produced a more startling beginning.

· Happy are the poor?

THE DEFINITION – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

What it Doesn’t Mean:

• · “Blessed in spirit are those who are poor.” Nothing to do with possessions.
• · Not About Self-Debasement
• He’s not saying that happiness comes when you put yourself down. “Oh, I’m no good, I’m junk, I’m lousy.” In fact, Jesus did not die for junk. He went to the cross because you are that important to Him.

What it Does Mean:

• To be totally dependent on God.
• Realizing our spiritual deficiencies.
• It means admitting I am a sinner
• It means emptying ourselves of our selfishness.
• In a word it is humility.

“God blesses those

WHO REALIZE THEIR NEED FOR HIM,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.

(New Living Translation)

Jesus Said it and Lived It:

Read Philippians 2.5-11

THE APPLICATION – WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Read Luke 18.18-24

Demonstrates Two Problems The Rich Young Ruler Had:

• Thought of Himself as Good (Good teacher…I have done all that…)
• Expected to Buy/Earn Eternal Life (What must I DO)

Elevates Why Jesus Came:

• Pay as you go is not the way it works.
• We don’t need a system, we need a Savior.
• We don’t need a resume, we need a Redeemer.

Illustrates the Dilemma Mankind Faces

• A Recognized Need – Emptiness
• We Want to FIX IT!
• We can’t accept that we NEED someone to do it for us.

Please grasp this principle: you are nothing without God!

THE SATISFACTION – WHAT IS THE OUTCOME?

“We “inherit THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.”

The kingdom of heaven is not just a physical place of eternity, it is a way of life.

A Way of Life that Experiences God’s Grace.

Read James 4:6

A Way of Life that Reduces Stress.

Read Psalm 131

A Way of Life that Improves my Relationships with Others.

A Way of Life that Provides Contentment.

Take a Look at A Changed Life:

• Saul Had Been: Legalist…Persecutor…Leader
• AND THEN ACTS 9 HAPPENS
• Paul Becomes: Liberator…Pastor…Servant

“Blessed are the poor in spirit

for theirs is the kingdom heaven.”