Happy = God Ruling You

Matthew 5:3

Review

• Overarching theme: Living a righteous life John 10:10
• ‘Blessed’: A state of well-being and joy not affected by circumstances. An inward contentedness. To be happy

“Kingdom of Heaven”

• Matthew uses kingdom of heaven, kingdom of God, saved, and eternal life interchangeably. Matthew 19:16-26
• The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is revealed as present right now. Matthew 4:17; Mathew 12:28
• The Kingdom of Heaven and of God refers to God’s rule and authority in the lives of people. Colossians 1:13; Philippians 2:9-11
• The Kingdom of Heaven and of God must be received with faith as a little child. Mark 10:14,15
• The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is experienced only through a second birth. John 3:3
• The Kingdom of Heaven and of God is to be what believers seek first. Matthew 6:33
• The Kingdom of heaven and of God is the established rule and reign of God over everything forever. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1

Life Principle #1: True happiness comes to those who possess the rule of God in their lives.

“Poor in Spirit”

Explained

• Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean to be spiritually weak.
• Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean to be in financial poverty. Luke 6:20; Luke 12:15; Matthew 19:23
• Deuteronomy 10 – Warning: don’t forget me when you gain material blessings in the promise land
• Being ‘poor in spirit’ does not mean a false humility .
• Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life recognizing your complete helplessness before God; that without God you are in spiritual poverty and overwhelming spiritual need. Psalm 103:13,14
• Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life knowing that the real blessings of life and eternity come only from a right relationship with God. Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; Isaiah 6:5-7
• Being ‘poor in spirit’ is to live life acknowledging that you are no better, no more superior than the next person.

Examples

• The Tax collector’s ‘poor in spirit’ posture before God Luke 18:13-14
• Peter ‘poor in spirit’ awareness when seeing the real Jesus Luke 5:8
• Paul’s ‘poor in spirit’ self assessment Romans 7:18-25
• Jesus sacrificial service 2 Corinthians 8:9

Evidences

• Turning your primary attention away from the things of this world.  Matthew 6:25
• Turning your primary attention to God and His kingdom. Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1,2