and brings good news of happiness

"How to Be Happy" {Matt5:1-12}
* Intro: God calls us to be diff. SermonMt is the set of instructions on how to do so -- and be happy
* Setting:
- Audience: crowds & disciples -- curious, convinced, committed
- Theme: Pts to Matt5:20 and greater righteousness; law/works not good enough
- Purpose: Intro to rest of speech on righteousness
- Setting: Seated on hill; official like a rabbi
* Blessed=fortunate. All needs met w/o external (Cyprus)
* "poor in spirit": Humility. Recognition of spiritual bankruptcy, that apart from Him, nothing. In position to exp God
* "those who mourn": Repentance. Assoc w/ confession of sin, not death. Mourning for having grieved God. "How long has it been since you agonized over your sin?"
* "meek": Submission. Meek not weak but strength under control. Related to taming animals.
* "those who hunger & thirst for righteousness": Spiritual hunger. Desire for Him rather than world. Emptiness will be filled by God.
* "merciful": Righteousness produces mercy -- a loving response to needs of others. Heart for God creates heart for others
* "pure in heart": Holiness. Christ is the standard.
* "peacemakers": Thermostat v thermometer
* "persecuted": Obedience. Willing to accept persecution, to endure as He endured for you