THAT’S MY KING KINGDOM RIGHTEOUSNESS

MATTHEW 5                                                 

 Pastor Rick Jackson

The word translated “Blessed” here in Matthew 5 is translated “happy” in six N.T. Scriptures. The 43 other times it is translated “blessed”.  “Well, which is right?” All of them. To be truly happy is a result of a blessedness that comes only from God. It has been correctly said that “True happiness is a by-product of true righteousness.

Note how Peter ties it all together for us in 1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

So true happiness, unlike worldly happiness, is NOT based on happenings but on a state of being. That state of being – that blessedness, can only come to the righteous. “Blessed” refers to an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that doesn’t depend on outward circumstances for happiness.

I. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BASED ON 4 ATTITUDES [v. 1-16]

 1. Our Attitude toward Ourselves [v. 3, Rm. 12:3]

Poor in spirit not poor spirited. Humble not debasing- realizing we are sinners saved by grace. Honest with ourselves not self-praise and assertion. Know ourselves, accept ourselves, and try to be ourselves to God’s glory.

 2. Our Attitude toward Our Sins [v. 4-6]

-Mourn over sins, see it from God’s viewpoint and treat it that way. [v. 4]

-Meekness is not weakness, it is strength under control like a horse that has been broken (Moses & Jesus are labeled meek in the Bible) [v. 5] Meekness is the antithesis of arrogance and pride.

-Seek God’s righteousness [v. 6, 6:33]

 3. Our Attitude toward the Lord [v. 7-9]

-experience God’s mercy [v. 7, Eph. 2:4-7]

-get a pure heart [v. 8, Acts 15:9]

-win others to Him [v. 9]

 4. Our Attitude toward the World [v. 10-16]

-an acceptance of conflict [v. 10-12]

-an example of conduct [v. 13]

-an ambassador with a commission [v. 14-16]

II. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE ONLY IN CHRIST [v. 17-20]

 Trusting Christ the fulfillment of the law followed by loving Christ as seen by living for Him.

III. TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS IS DISPLAYABLE [v. 21-48]

 1. From the Heart By What it Seeks to Avoid [v. 21-47]

 2. From the Heart By What it Attempts- to be like God [v. 48]