How To Be Highly Favored And Supremely Blessed - Lesson 1 of the series How to Really be Happy

1And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-3 NKJV The Greek word “makarios,” means to have God’s favor… for God to smile on your life. It means to be “Happy” and “Supremely Blessed…” so happy and blessed that other people congratulate you! #1. You Have To Admit Your Absolute Need of God. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For the grace of God that brings salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11 Grace is God’s enabling power. Grace is His unmerited favor. Grace is God doing that for you and me, which we don’t deserve and can never repay. Grace is God doing for us what we can’t do for ourselves! #2. The Primary Thing That Prevents People From Finding Happiness and Admitting their Need Of God Is Pride. 6For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 NLT #3. Five Ways That Pride Works In People: • Pride makes us Self-focused • Pride makes us Self-sufficient • Pride makes us Self-secured • Pride makes us Self-righteous • Pride makes us Self-promotional …I hate pride and arrogance… Proverbs 8:13 NIV The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Proverbs 16:5 NLT For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 NKJV “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. James 4:6b-10 MSG So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child’s, and he was healed! 2 Kings 5:14 NLT