Episode Details

Happiness Through Obedience to the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) describe the attitudes and actions that bring true happiness or "blessedness" in God's kingdom. This happiness is not based on external circumstances but on a heart transformed by God—humble, merciful, pure, and seeking righteousness.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Nearness to Jesus Produces the Fruit of Joy

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), meaning it naturally grows when we walk with God. As we live in obedience and abide in Christ, His Spirit fills us with joy.

Meaning of Makarios (μακάριος):

* It means "blessed, happy, fortunate"

In classical Greek, it was sometimes used to describe the gods (who were thought to be free from earthly troubles), but in the Bible, it speaks of divine joy and fulfillment.

Makarios" in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11)

Jesus uses makarios nine times in the Beatitudes to describe those who are blessed in God's kingdom:

* "Blessed are the poor in spirit" (μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι) – Matthew 5:3

* "Blessed are those who mourn" (μακάριοι οἱ πενθοῦντες) – Matthew 5:4

* "Blessed are the meek" (μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς) – Matthew 5:5

Abiding in Jesus Leads to True Joy

Obedience to Jesus’ teachings, including the Beatitudes, is how we abide (remain) in Him. In John 15, Jesus compares Himself to the vine and believers to branches—only by staying connected to Him can we bear fruit.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:10-11)

When we obey Jesus and live out the Beatitudes, we stay close to Him and experience His joy, which is greater than worldly happiness.

John 15:4-11

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Galatians 5:22-23- Fruit of the Spirit produced by abiding

Nearness to Jesus Produces the Fruit of Joy

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)