“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose… only (upon) the Beloved who will never pass away.” – C.S. Lewis.

Introduction:

In our fast-paced lives, it's essential to pause, reflect, and process our thoughts. In this blog post, we will delve into a Bible study focused on Matthew 5:1-12. Join me as we explore the profound teachings of Jesus and discover the true meaning of happiness in Kingdom Living.

This blog outline is taken from outdoor survival training materials that are taught to hikers to use when they discover they are lost. The STOP method is a 4-point strategy to use: 1) Stop - do not keep moving until you have completed all the steps. 2) Think - engage your mind not your emotions. Think through your situation. 3) Observe: Observe where you are, what resources or signs posts are available to you. 4) Plan - After you have Stopped, Thought, and Observed, it is now time to Plan your actions before you act. I have added one more "P" to our outline, making it "STOPP" by adding Pray. 👊

1. Stop and Process Your Thoughts:

 Let's begin by reflecting on a few questions. When we think of someone who is poor, what image comes to mind? Have you ever attempted to reconcile two friends? How did it go, and would you try it again? Moreover, how do most people react when insulted, and how do you personally respond? These questions prompt us to examine our preconceived notions, our interpersonal relationships, and our emotional reactions.

2. Think and Read Matthew 5:1-12:

Renowned authors C.S. Lewis and John Hagee offer intriguing insights into happiness and Christianity. C.S. Lewis reminds us not to tie our happiness to temporary things but to find it in the unwavering love of the Beloved. John Hagee highlights that Christianity, despite its hardships, is rooted in old-fashioned happiness, for Jesus is in the happiness business. What, then, does it mean to be a Christ follower? Should we redefine the concepts of "happiness" and "being blessed"?

As we explore Matthew 5:3-11, we find that Jesus repeatedly uses the term "blessed," signifying happiness or being envied. Strikingly, Jesus links this happiness to circumstances typically considered negative, followed by a positive outcome that replaces the initial negativity. What is Jesus trying to convey through these paradoxical statements, and how does it challenge our conventional thinking?

Furthermore, Matthew 5:3-5 draws our attention to the marginalized and downtrodden—the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. What is the true state of these individuals, and what do they possess that is desirable to all of us? Let's reflect on their inherent value and the lessons they can teach us.

3. Observe Matthew 5:1-12:

Continuing our study, let's explore Matthew 5:6-8. Jesus refers to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, and the pure in heart. These individuals display a deep devotion to God and His standards. What is the reason behind their happiness or enviable state? How does purity of heart enable one to see God?

Moving forward, Matthew 5:9-11 addresses those who face challenging relationships, seek peace, endure persecution for righteousness' sake, or experience insults. Where can we find happiness in such circumstances? What does it mean to be called children of God, and how do we attain the kingdom of heaven?

In Matthew 5:11-12, Jesus tells us that we are blessed when insulted and persecuted for doing what is right. He encourages us to rejoice and be glad because our reward in heaven is great. How can we shift our lives and mindset to find happiness in the face of insults and persecution? In the midst of the world we navigate today, how can we embrace joy and gladness?

4. Pray and Plan:

Now, let's take a moment to connect with God through prayer. Finish this prayer: "Lord Jesus, teach me to be happy in Kingdom Living by..." Invite God to guide your journey and reveal His path for you. Additionally, commit yourself to Kingdom Living by specifically pursuing a life of being blessed.

Conclusion:

To apply this study today and throughout the week, create a plan. Consider what steps you can take to embrace The Ways of Jesus in your daily life. Write down your commitment to pursuing a blessed life.

Below I have included a guided Bible Study outline for this blog. You can use it for your personal use, or you can use it as a discussion guide for a Bible Study you are leading.

Lead your own Bible Study:

Stop… Slow down and process your thoughts:

·        When you hear about somebody being poor, what do you picture their face to look like?

·        Have you ever tried to reconcile two friends. How did it go? Would you try that again?

·        When insulted, how do most people react? How do you react?

Think… Read Matthew 5:1-12 and think about this:

· “Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose… only (upon) the Beloved who will never pass away.” – C.S. Lewis.  “Christianity certainly involves hardships and discipline. But it is founded on the solid rock of old-fashioned happiness. Jesus is in the happiness business.” – John Hagee. What does being a Christ follower have to do with happiness? Do we need to redefine what “happiness” or “being blessed” means?

·        Nine times in Matthew 5:3-11 Jesus uses the word “blessed” which means “happy or to be envied”. Each time Jesus connects the word blessed to something we would consider a negative. He then goes on to state a positive that replaces that negative. What is Jesus trying to tell us here? What does this tell us about our thinking?

·        In Matthew 5:3-5 Jesus begins by drawing our attention to “the poor in spirit”, “those who mourn,” and “the meek”. These could be described as the outcast or down-and-out of the world. What is the true state of the poor, those who are in mourning, and the meek? What do they have that is desirable to all of us?

Observe… Let’s explore Matthew 5:1-12 to see what it says:

·        Read Matthew 5:6-8. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, which are merciful, and pure in heart have a devotion to God and His standards. What is the reason for them to be happy or envied? How will the pure in heart be enabled to see God?  

·        Read Mathew 5:9-11. This group of people have difficult relationships they must deal with. Where do you find happiness when you need peace, you are being persecuted for righteousness, or you are insulted? What does it mean to be called children of God? What does it mean to have the kingdom of heaven?  

·        Mathew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  What needs to shift in your life and mind to be able to be happy when you are insulted and persecuted for doing the right thing? How can we rejoice and be glad in the world we face today?

Pray… Ask God to guide you into the path He has for you:

·        Finish this prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me to be happy in Kingdom Living by…

·        Lord Jesus, today I am committing to Kingdom Living by committing to your ways. Specifically, I am committing to pursue being a life of being blessed by:      

Plan… Write down your plan to apply this study today and this week:

·        Today I am committing to The Ways of Jesus by…  

·        My reading plan for this week: Matthew 5:1-12