The Happy Man Matthew 5:3-9 I. Introduction. A. "I just want to be happy" is the cry we hear from many. 1. The world attempts to satisfy by material approaches: wealth, entertainment, etc. 2. One will eventually discover: Ecclesiastes 1:14. a. If any man could be happy with the things of this life--surely Solomon was the man. b. Review: Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10, 11. B. Does God intend for people to be happy? 1. Did he put us on earth to be miserable? 2. Are there ways that God provides to us to be happy? a. Can one enjoy the offerings of this life? b. Does one have to be miserable to belong to the Lord? c. Lasting happiness does not come from the natural world. 3. Note: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4. C. Jesus has the answer to true happiness: Matthew 5:3-9. D. Define blessed: "To make happy"(Vine); "to confer happiness upon" (English). A. Greater word than mere physical satisfaction. B. Comes from within; deep holy joy. II. Body. The Happy Man... A. Longs for a better spiritual state: verse 3. 1. We are often found in situations where people care little for spiritual matters. 2. Lot "vexed" his soul due to evil deeds of countrymen. 3. Opposite: Proud in spirit. 4. Poor: needy; constant assistance required; low degree of poverty(Pulpit). 5. Contrast to self-sufficient: Revelation 3:17. 6. To be worthy of God, one must feel a dependence on Him for all things. B. Mourns because of sin: v. 4. 1. Ones own sins and the sins of others. 2. Could include state of the world. 3. Sin does not bring happiness--it brings sorrow. a. Consider the results: here and hereafter. b. Note: Romans 4:23. 4. We mourn(cry) for a lot of the fleshly offerings; Jesus speaks of spiritual needs. C. Is meek: v. 5. 1. Opposite of being contrary. 2. Allows one to enjoy this life in a greater capacity. 3. Prepares one for the next life: James 1:21. 4. Concerning Jesus: Matthew 11:29. 5. Attitude of disciple toward teacher; child toward parent; servant toward master(Pulpit). 6. Not just outward, but in disposition. 7. Not the Hollywood version. 8. Arises from humility: Colossians 3:12. D. Hungers and thirsts after righteousness: v. 6. 1. A strong appetite(craving) for God' way: Luke 12:30. 2. How thirsty have you been for physical desires? What steps did you take to satisfy? 3. As a starving man for food, the intensity of the learner seeks satisfaction: Revelation 22:17. 4. One must create a spiritual thirst with an appetite for righteousness. 5. Paul's comment: Philippians 4:13, 19. E. Extends mercy to others: v. 7. 1. Not pity--mercy! a. Pity is a sentiment; mercy is an action. b. Forgiveness of wrongs and offenses. c. First shown in God sending His Son. 3. Paul requested: II Timothy 1:16. 4. "An active kindness" to those who are in trouble and need our help. 5. The proper attitude: Luke 18:13. 6. As we need mercy from God, we extend such to men(make you feel good?). 7. The world does not understand this principle. F. Is pure in heart: v. 8. 1. Free of evil desires and ambitions. 2. Even in Old Testament: Psalm 24:3-5. 3. Must start within: Proverbs 23:7. 4. Also: to be free of pollutants. 5. Many concerned about body(and air) pollution--give little thought to pollution of the mind and soul. 6. The pure in heart see differently than others(will see God). G. Is a peacemaker: v. 9. 1. Works at making peace with God, with others, between others, etc. 2. We are to try--even if we fail. 3. The Lord: Luke 2:14. 4. One definition(Greek): friendliness. a. It is difficult to war with one you are friendly with(often destroy that friendship before attacking). b. Note: Proverbs 18:24. 5. Some are not peacemakers; a faithful disciple seeks peace: I Peter 3:11. a. Literally "let him run after it"(Interlinear N.T.). b. Sometimes you have to run away from the troublemakers to have peace. H. Endures persecution: v. 10. 1. For the right purpose. 2. Note: v. 11-12. 3. May come in many forms. a. Evil speaking. b. Mistreatment. c. Denial of rights. 4. Intent of persecute: "to drive away"(Vine). 5. The persecution is for righteousness sake. III. Conclusion. A. The Lord made peace for us: Colossians 1:20. B. Will we make peace with Him so that we may say: Romans 15:33. C. Psalm 144:12-15.-jy