Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12)

08/18/24 • 16 min

In this episode, we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus as presented in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically focusing on the Beatitudes. As we kick off our 2024 summer study at Central, we reflect on the significance of these teachings, which have transcended religious boundaries to influence broader culture and ethics. The Beatitudes, with their counterintuitive blessings, challenge our conventional beliefs and invite us to embrace a new vision of how the world works. We explore how Jesus' words, though shocking to his original audience, continue to provoke thought and inspire action today. Through anecdotes and reflections, we underscore the importance of not just believing in Jesus but also living out his teachings. Join us as we embark on this transformative journey through one of the most important bodies of teaching in all of scripture.

(00:00) Introduction and the Beatitudes

(01:07) The Importance of the Sermon on the Mount

(03:13) Understanding the Beatitudes

(06:02) Believing and Practicing Jesus' Teachings

(07:41) The Basics of Faith and Ethics

(11:23) Modern Interpretations of the Beatitudes

(14:00) Applying the Teachings in Everyday Life

Matthew 5:1-12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “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.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.

(00:00) Introduction and the Beatitudes

(01:07) The Importance of the Sermon on the Mount

(03:13) Understanding the Beatitudes

(06:02) Believing and Practicing Jesus' Teachings

(07:41) The Basics of Faith and Ethics

(11:23) Modern Interpretations of the Beatitudes

(14:00) Applying the Teachings in Everyday Life

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Previous Episode

Unpacking the Sermon on the Mount: Lessons for Today

Season 1 of Central Sermon Series embarks on a study of the Sermon on the Mount with Rev. Matt Sapp's summer 2024 sermons. The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important and extended bodies of teaching in all of scripture, and its impact extends well beyond our faith. These three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Christ have influenced the larger culture and even the entire Western world.
In a time when fewer people are familiar with the history and basic teachings of our faith, many still have some passing familiarity with the teachings of Jesus presented in the Sermon on the Mount. Phrases like "Turn the other cheek," "The golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you," "Blessed are the peacemakers," "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," "No one can serve two masters," "You cannot serve both God and money," "Don't worry about tomorrow; today has enough worries of its own," and even the Lord's Prayer are all found in these three chapters of uninterrupted teaching from Jesus in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.
These teachings are so impactful that they have permeated the larger culture, making even those who are unsure about the Christian faith recognize them as good advice for living a fulfilling and worthwhile life.
10 Lessons From the Sermon on the Mount

Be Happy (Matthew 5:1-12): Happiness isn’t found in most of the places most of us most often seek it.
Be Interesting (Matthew 5:13-16): You were created to stand out, not blend in.
Be Holy (Matthew 5:17-37): Holiness is not about self-improvement; it is an other-directed activity.
Be Generous (Matthew 5:38-48): Jesus calls us to a standard higher than fairness. Be generous.
Be Humble (Matthew 6:1-18): Prayer and self-denial develop attitudes of humility.
Be Measured (Matthew 6:19-34): Avoid the twin excesses of wealth and worry.
Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6): Recognize your own limitations and value the most precious parts of who you are.
Be Open (Matthew 7:7-12): Put God’s promises for you first, and everything else will fall into place.
Be Wise (Matthew 7:13-20): Be discerning enough to distinguish between true and false leaders.
Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29): Doing the will of God in the world is revolutionary.

Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Next Episode

Be Generous (Matthew 5:38-48)

In this episode, Julie reads a passage from "The House at Pooh Corner" where Pooh and Rabbit discuss the comforting nature of counting honey pots. This light-hearted conversation transitions into a deeper reflection on generosity, inspired by Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. The host explores the contrast between the human desire for fairness and the Christian call to generosity, emphasizing that fairness is not the ultimate standard for Christians. The episode also delves into historical contexts, comparing the burdens faced by American colonists under British rule with those of Jews under Roman occupation. Through these stories, the host illustrates the radical nature of Jesus' message to be generous, even to those who wrong us. The episode concludes with a touching story about a retired missionary who was motivated by his son's innocent question to make a difference in the world. Listeners are encouraged to adopt an ethic of generosity in all aspects of their lives, reflecting God's mercy and love.

(00:01) Introduction and Winnie the Pooh Reading

(01:12) Comfort vs. Generosity

(02:05) Sermon on the Mount: Generosity in Action

(03:18) Historical Context: Third Amendment and Roman Rule

(06:00) Jesus' Teachings on Generosity

(08:30) Ethic of Fairness vs. Ethic of Generosity

(13:33) Fairness and Generosity in Christian Life

(14:48) Story of Don Sewell: A Lesson in Generosity

(17:00) Conclusion: Be Generous

Matthew 5:38-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.