BLESSED (HAPPY)
MATTHEW 5:1-11
Introduction:
The word “blessed” appears throughout the Scriptures. It appears 205 times in the Old Testament and 85 times in the New Testament. The word means “HAPPY” and carries with it a sense of confidence and faith.
The Lord willing we will be studying this subject for the next few weeks trusting that the Lord will bless you as you consider how “blessed” you are in the Lord.
I. HAPPY IS THE MAN WHO IS NOT OFFENDED IN JESUS CHRIST.
A. Many are offended (to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey) in Jesus Christ, Matthew 11:6, “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
B. Jesus’ own people were offended in Him, Matthew 13:54-57a, And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? 55Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? 57And they were offended in him.”
1. Jesus’ own family was offended at Him, John 7:4-5, “For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5For neither did his brethren believe in him.”
2. The religious were offended, Matthew 15:12, Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
3. Even the disciples were offended (caused to doubt) at the Cross, Matthew 26:31, “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”
a. The death of Christ on the cross cause them to doubt.
b. Discouragement dominated the disciples because they did not know the Scripture regarding His resurrection, John 20:9-10, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.”
II. HAPPY IS THE MAN WHOSE TRANSGRESSION IS FORGIVEN.
A. Whose sin is covered, Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
B. Unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, Psalm 32:2, “Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
III. HAPPY IS THE MAN WHOSE HOPE (expectation, one who waits) IS IN THE LORD.
A. He has the God of heaven as his Help, Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:”
B. He is a man who fears (reverence, honour, respect) the Lord, Psalm 128:1, “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways”
1. He walks in His ways, Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
2. He honors the Lord, John 5:23, “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
CONCLUSION
3. “O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” Psalm 84:12. To be blessed in this life is a wonderful thing. Many are blessed and all that they can see is how much they don’t have. When you have the Lord, you have all you need for He promises to provide every other need, Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”