How To Be in a Condition of Blessedness
Matthew 5:1-12
This passage is commonly known as “The Beatitudes.” The beatitudes are 8 declarations of blessedness from the Lord Jesus. The Latin root word is beatus, and it is a word for blessed, happy and fortunate. It’s a kind of happiness that does not come from people, or circumstances, but from God. It is a divine gift to true believers. This condition gives the believer the ability to be happy despite overwhelming negative experiences.
1. Come to God empty of man-made spiritual practices.
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.” He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 5:1-3
The path to blessedness starts with an empty heart.
Humans don’t have the capacity to bring themselves to heaven.
The poor in spirit are those who depend on God for their salvation.
Come spiritually empty and be filled with the Lord.
2. Grieve for sinning and receive divine comfort.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” 5:4-6
While most people enjoy sinning, Jesus said we must grieve when we sin.
Grieving whenever we sin produces repentance.
Meek refers to those who humbly accepts their sinful condition.
Divinely comforts comes as we grieve.
The Holy Spirit comforts us by assuring us of forgiveness. See John 14:16; Eph. 1:13-14.
The comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit gives us the appetite to do what is right before God.
3. Trade your “what ifs with even ifs”.
“10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 5:10-12.
People almost always equate blessings with well-being.
Many religions promise for the removal of pain and suffering but Jesus taught otherwise.
For us long as we are in this broken world, true believers would always be persecuted on account of their testimony for Jesus.
Jesus promised several things: our condition of blessedness will not be taken away; we will be recognized as true servant of God like the prophets; and great rewards await us in heaven.
Some of you might say, “What if this problem overwhelms me? What if something bad happens to me?” What if I’m persecuted because of my faith? What if hardships become unbearable for me?” Can I still feel blessed?
Trading your “what ifs with even ifs.”
Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.”
Even if troubles seem to be overwhelming, I know God is with me.
Even if the world seemed to be overwhelmed by catastrophes, I will choose to exercise God’s gift of blessedness.
Even if troubles come, I will not fear because my God is my refuge, strength and timely help.