1. “The Chain of Blessed Character”
The Beatitudes
“The Chain of Blessed Character”
Matthew 5:6 NKJV 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

2. BLESSED: “happiness, joy and peace of mind.”
Does not come by seeking it alone
Jesus tells us that Happiness comes when we have a certain character
First establish these attitudes in your life and happiness will be yours

3. HUNGER AND THIRST Words with Strong Meaning
First century ears could thoroughly understand their meaning
“Hunger & Thirst” – deep, constant and outstanding.. Continues to go on, increase & intensify with time until satisfied.
Hunger & Thirst are signs of Life
Good appetite leads to growth & development

4. HUNGER AND THIRST More than just a passing feeling
It is that consuming, pain produced desire, which increases with every passing day, week & month when there is not adequate food
It is Starving for Food…it consumes ones life and becomes their chief desire of life.

5. RIGHTEOUSNESS 1. “Right Doing” 1 John 3:7-10
Do I want to do RIGHT? = God’s Will
Do I want to do my own will? = Not begotten of God
1 John 1:6-10
Sins are removed by the blood
Romans 3:23,24
We are credited by God as being Righteous because of Faith in Jesus and being united with Him in Baptism

6. RIGHTEOUSNESS What we are to hunger for, not happiness
“Man shall not live by bread alone…” Deuteronomy 8:3
“How much do you really want to be Righteous?”
Humility of the 1st , Sorrow of the 2nd & Obedience of the 3rd must be Constant, Continual & Powerful attitudes in a Christian

7. THE PROMISE: “THEY SHALL BE FILLED”
Happy because they know they shall be filled
We are united by Faith & Trust in God’s Word with Christ in Baptism & we are filled – accounted righteous
The Relationship & Freedom from Sin that fills the hungering soul brings the Blessedness Jesus promised
IF we Hunger & Thirst for things of the flesh we will be filled – but not true happiness