Building the Foundation for Lasting Happiness

ON LIVING A BLESSED LIFE

Building the Foundation for Lasting Happiness (Matthew 5:17–20)

Nothing that is built without a firm foundation will last. A house built on a weak foundation will crack and crumble. A “journey into blessed living” requires the firm foundation of the Word of God. We cannot live out the Beatitudes unless we stand on the foundation of God’s Word.

To emphasize the importance of the Bible in His confrontations and in answering questions, Jesus repeatedly begins His response with three words. The first time is immediately after His baptism when He hasn’t eaten in forty days. The Evil One tempts Jesus to use His power selfishly by turning stones into bread. What are the first three words in Jesus’ answer (Matthew 4:4)?

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On Brightening Your Light as a Christian

ON BRIGHTENING YOUR LIGHT AS A CHRISTIAN – MATTHEW 5:14-16

If we live out the Beatitudes, we will be the salt of the earth, as we discussed in the last lesson. However, not only will we be the salt of the earth but what else will we be, according to Jesus in Matthew 5:14a?

For this to be a reality in our lives, we must do three things …

Comprehend what light is (5:14a)

The word translated light (phōs, foce) means to shine or make manifest. In a physical sense, light enables us to see form and color. In the spiritual sense, light enables us to see spiritual truth. That’s why Jesus makes what statement in John 9:5?

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On Making a Difference in the World

ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD – MATTHEW 5:13

Matthew 5:13 (KJV) 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

If the eight beatitudes we just studied are a reality in our lives, what does Jesus say will be the result in Matthew 5:13a?

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Eight Steps to Eternal Blessed Living

Eight Steps to Eternal Blessed Living (Matthew 5:3–12)

Lest we forget Jesus’ steps to “blessed living,” let’s review. Basically, a review is learning by repetition. We learn everything best by repetition. That’s how we learned our multiplication tables, such as 6×6 or 9×9. The best way to remember names is by repeating them at least seven times. Repetition is also how to obey what command in Psalm 119:11?

Therefore, to hide the Beatitudes in our hearts, we must repeat them. The Beatitudes are given in a divine progression, giving us eight steps to lasting happiness …

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How to Rejoice when You Are Rejected

ON LIVING THE BLESSED LIFE - BEATITUDES

HOW TO REJOICE WHEN YOU ARE REJECTED (Matthew 5:10–12)

Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV2011) 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.

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Restoring Broken Relationships

ON LIVING A BLESSED LIFE - SERIES

Restoring Broken Relationships (Matthew 5:9)

Matthew 5:1-9 (NIV2011) 1 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. 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. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

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HOW TO SEE GOD

How To See God (Matthew 5:8)

Matthew 5:1-8 (KJV) 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

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