God’s Rx for the Good Life

Matthew 5:1-12

I cannot speak for everyone, but it is my contention that there is not one to be found who does not desire the good life, fulfillment of purpose, satisfaction and contentment.

I believe that one would be found to be a fool who would willingly and willfully desire anything less.

Yet, as we look out across our community and from among our acquaintances and friends, it soon becomes evident that a good many must not know that there is a way to have the good life, to find fulfillment, to be satisfied and content.

In the words of our text it is revealed that our Lord believed and pronounced blessedness in relation to certain conditions and upon certain individuals who would allow Him to bring those conditions to bear in their individual lives.

Jesus plainly teaches us that a man can be and have that which is spoken of as blessedness. Blessed then means enlarged, lengthened, and, by implication, fulfilled, content and happy.

Real true, lasting happiness is not only that which comes from the Lord, but is to be found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These first few verses are called the Beatitudes. They concern themselves with qualities of the citizens of God’s kingdom. In them I believe we find the way to happiness, fulfillment, and contentment ... the good life.

I. Blessed are the poor in spirit... (3)

II. Blessed are they that mourn... (4)

III. Blessed are the meek.... (5)

IV. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness... (6)

V. Blessed are the merciful... (7)

VI. Blessed are the pure in heart.... (8)

VII. Blessed are the peacemakers... (9)

VIII. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake... (10-12)

Do you want the good life? Here we have the way to have it. A right relationship with God which leads to a right relationship with others will result in satisfaction, fulfillment, and contentment.

Do you have a right relationship with God this morning? What about with others? Come this morning and settle this with God, once and for all!