BEATITUDES | P3 | WHEN LIFE'S NOT FAIR

     What does happiness look like?  And, who can really experience that?  What happens when life isn’t fair?  Jesus addresses this topic that is universally pursued, but often misunderstood.  True happiness is enduring and transcends our circumstances.  That’s what makes it so difficult to grasp.
     The sermon on the mount is opened with the beatitudes where Jesus describes the kind of people who experience true happiness.  They are meek, which means they trust in God’s sovereignty, God’s justice, and God’s promises about the future.

Intro: Little girl at wedding

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt. 5:4)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matt. 5:4)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5)

“Meek” = “Praus” = “Gentle; power under control”
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5)

The meek trust God’s sovereignty
Romans 8:28 (NIV2011)
…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Example: Joseph

Genesis 50:20-21 (NIV2011)
20  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5)

The meek trust God’s justice
Romans 12:17-21 (NIV2011)
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Example: There’s Hope for the Hungry
Galatians 6:7 (NIV2011)
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5)

The meek trust God’s promises for the future
Hebrews 10:32-35 (NIV2011)
32  Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. 33  Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34  You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
35  So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

Example: Jim Elliot
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot