Christ is the source of true happiness I. Matthew 5: 1-12 Written by: Rev. German Novelli Mat 5.3-6 Introduction: The historian and French philosopher Voltaire wrote: We seek happiness, but without knowing where, like drunks looking for your home, knowing that they have one. Much of psychologists and philosophers have not reached an agreement to describe what or where is the happiness? Materialists claim that it is the moment in which people manage to get everything you want to or want to. The emotional, more terse, say that it is a State of mind that does not necessarily mean happiness. The common people summed up the happiness with the theme of an old Spanish song: three things in the life: health, money and love. A reductionism that gives reason to Voltaire and his reference to the pursuit of a drunk. The Gospel of Matthew contains the teaching given by Jesus, known as The Sermon on the mount. In this passage, our Lord mentions nine times the word blessed, from the Greek μακάριος (Makarios). Once happy, from the Greek χαίρω (chairō). And one are full of extreme joy ἀγαλλιάω (agalliaō). This passage shows that the concept of happiness for a believer is different to that handles the world. A believer thinks and acts as a disciple of Christ. The source of our joy is in whom we have chosen for salvation. As disciples, we are motivated to imitate the Lord. Faith in Jesus guarantees us eternal happiness in heaven. Also have that happiness is possible here on Earth, when we live as copies of Jesus. Starting today we begin a series of messages, based on this Gospel text to develop this theme: Christ is the source of true happiness. Our approach today: happy living for God I. Poverty that creates hope. Matthew 5:3 3) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. This expression Im sure that will be crazy to psychologists, philosophers and humanists. The word says that we are happy in poverty. There is nothing similar to the assumptions about happiness has the world in that material prosperity is the base to enjoy it. Who may be interested in a church that teaches that poverty is a demonstration of happiness? But... Pay attention. The Gospel is not talking about material poverty. It refers to the poor in spirit. Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector? The first was confident in his pride and vanity, believed to be rich spiritually by their religious legalism. Their faith, intending to have the right to despise others was so great. The publican, on the other hand, acknowledged being a sinner, humbled himself before God, trust the Lord to receive forgiveness. There was no lofty words, only humiliation. Jesus says that this man returned home, justified, i.e. declared righteous and with forgiveness, before God. A poor spirit is truly rich and happy. Its richness is given to him when he hears the word of God and believe. It is rich because it has the security that, as the hymn says: all the promises of the Lord Jesus, are powerful support of their faith. What is this divine promise? Theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Perhaps you when you read the passage says: is true in heaven there will be tribulation, disease or crying. But I live in the real world. I despair, I have anxiety and many problems. Sorry to contradict you. Think of this way is to imitate the Pharisee. He thought that wealth was in what he was doing and did not trust neither mercy nor in Gods provision. A believer is happy. First because it is safe, here and now, having the forgiveness, Salvation, in the sky a reserved place. A believer is happy. Because it has the company of Christ, his help and answer to their prayers. I believe what the Lord says: I have come to proclaim the good news to the poor. The true wealth is not the bank accounts, but the treasures in heaven. These treasures are nothing more than the riches of grace that the Lord has given you. II. The cry that has comfort. Matthew 5:4 4) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Why grieves, laments and cries most of the people? If we make a survey, responses, in many cases, will be the same. People is afflicted by not having money. He lost the job or House. You dont have good health. The children walk in bad steps. A believer through similar situations. But the greatest sadness that a Christian can feel deviate from Gods Word and sacraments. In them he has true comfort. I do not understand how someone can feel calm without hearing the words of absolution or receive the benefits of the sacrament of the Altar for a long time. A believer in this State is equal to or worse than an unbeliever. Because he has denied the faith and the efficacy of grace. A believer goes to desperate the Church and leaves happy. Their sins have been removed. Look with hope to the future described for it in heaven: Revelation 21:4 and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, neither will be no more crying, neither crying nor pain. Already, here, has the motivation of Jesus: Tense mood, your sins are forgiven. III. The gentleness that exalts. Matthew 5:5 5) Blessed are the meek, for they shall land for an inheritance. Best picture of gentleness is painted at the scene of the cross. 1 Peter 2:23 when they cursed him, he did not respond with curse. When he suffered, not threatened, but that it is entrusted to him that Judgeth righteously. It is often heard to say: the best defense is attack. Nothing more contrary to the faith Christian to that expression. Believers are motivated by Jesus, who teaches: Learn of me, for I am gentle and humble. We see it in the death of San Esteban, who prayed in favor of those who killed him. Meekness must be part of our daily life, our behavior, our faith, our spirit, our purity. The new man that Christ has created in us. Being meek is not revenge, but forgive, as the father gives us forgiveness. Be meek while we respond to those who teach false doctrines. Our response must be in meekness. Be the authority of the word, not us, that street to the opponents. Praying for them, hoping to be the double-edged sword, who do the work in their hearts. We tend to think that the Earth as inheritance is limited to into the new heavens and Earth. It is true that it is part of what awaits us in heaven. But it is also true that, here and now, believers, receive from the Lord everything you need. Not be just helpless, nor their children asking for food. Always God will provide. IV.Hunger and thirst which are met. Matthew 5: 6 6. blessed are those who have hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Another one of our sayings is: Full stomach, happy heart. Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit. We are rejoicing with all that God gives us: health, possessions, time, talents. We are happy because our names are written in the book of life. So sweet is the Gospel that we can sleep calm, confident live and even die with hope. How can you be happy to have hunger and thirst for righteousness? When leo this verse I think in people who have no true justice. The Justice of God who declares them forgiveness. The righteousness of God that is revealed by faith and faith from beginning to end. A believer satisfied, full of God, is moved to share, to evangelize, to those who hunger and thirst for the Lord. We are moved by the love for the lost. We are moved by the desire that they be also filled by Christ. The Lord has given us everything. Us, controlled by Christ, we are driven to be obedient. Obey the Supreme mandate of being witnesses to the latest of the Earth. So that the world may believe. For people to be satisfied by the Holy Spirit through the word and the sacraments, of the Justice of God. Conclusion Believers are poor, but of spirit, but we trust in the Lord and in his mercy and that makes us happy. Believers can cry, but we have what has the world, permanent comfort of the Lord and his voice on the word. Believers can get to lose control by anxiety, but we have a gentle God, who gives us the gentleness, to Be still and know the Lord. Believers are hungry and thirsty, but not to achieve our righteousness, as already was granted us by Christ, in grace on grace, but to witness the power of salvation that the Gospel has to everyone who believes in him. How happy is to live for God and rely on the power of your love! Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 04:54:48 +0000
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