2. Introduction How can the sad be happy? We would expect Jesus to say, “Happy are those who laugh and have a good time.” But it is another paradox where Jesus contrasts what the world teaches with those who would be citizens of His heavenly kingdom. As we studied last week, Jesus does not teach happy are the rich, but prosperous are the poor who realize they are spiritually bankrupt.

3. The Mourners of Mt. 5:4 are not those who Grieve over Death It is natural for human beings to be sad over the loss of their spouse, children, parents, friends. It is natural for human beings to be sad over the loss of their spouse, children, parents, friends. They cannot truly be comforted in their loss because they are gone and are not coming back (Matthew 2:18). When they naturally mourn for them, there is no spiritual connection between their mourning and God’ s comfort from this passage.

4. The Mourners of Mt. 5:4 aren’t Sad just because they are Suffering Sinners suffer because of the consequences of their own sins Sinners suffer because of the consequences of their own sins (Proverbs 13:15; Gal. 6:7-8). The innocent suffer at the hands of the wicked. (Proverbs 1:11ff) Many may be sad right now because they have an incurable disease, lost their job, or ailment that causes them pain everyday. This does not mean they are blessed by God.

5. The Mourners of Mt. 5:4 are not those who just Confess their Sins Saul tried to kill David and said I have sinned many times but he never changed. Saul tried to kill David and said I have sinned many times but he never changed. (1 Samuel 15:24, 30; 26:21) Judas said I have sinned by betraying innocent blood but didn’t receive comfort (Matt. 27:3). You may be sad and say I have sinned a multitude of times and never be comforted by God.

6. The Mourners of Mt. 5:4 are those who Grieve over their Sins The sword of the Spirit (God’s word) opens up a person’s thoughts and motives to realize that they have disobeyed God’s law. (John 16:8; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 3:4; James 4:17) The sword of the Spirit (God’s word) opens up a person’s thoughts and motives to realize that they have disobeyed God’s law. (John 16:8; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 3:4; James 4:17) They know that their own sins have led to their own funeral (separation from God so that He does not hear their prayers). (Isaiah 59:1-2)

7. The Mourners of Mt. 5:4 are those who Grieve over their Sins They realize that the punishment for their sins is much worse than the murderer who may receive the death penalty (eternal torment) They realize that the punishment for their sins is much worse than the murderer who may receive the death penalty (eternal torment) (Revelation 21:8) The mourner grieves because he has despised and rejected the Man of Sorrows whom God sent to die for his sins (Isaiah 53:3-6).

8. They have Godly Sorrow that leads them to Repent of their Sins “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death” “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Cor. 7:10). The mourner of Matthew 5:4 is not sorry that he got caught and doesn’t shift the blame to someone else, but is ready and willing to change his will for God’s will.

9. They have Godly Sorrow that leads them to Repent of their Sins The prodigal son wasted all of his father’s inheritance on sinful things and he finally began to mourn over his sins. He said to his father, “I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, I He said to his father, “I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21)

10. They have Godly Sorrow that leads them to Repent of their Sins The Apostle Peter preached to the Jews, “Therefore let all the house of Israel (Acts 2:36) The Apostle Peter preached to the Jews, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ- this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:36) When they heard the word of God it convicted them of their guilt which led to their repentance and being baptized. (Acts 2:37-41)

11. God Comforts the Soul Mourners God is not going to comfort those who merely grieve over death, their own suffering, or are just willing to admit they are sinners. God desires that those who are willing to admit that they are sinners will have the godly sorrow that leads them to repentance. Our Heavenly Father comforted the penitent prodigal son Our Heavenly Father comforted the penitent prodigal son (Luke 15:20ff).

12. God Comforts the Soul Mourners The Lord comforted the 3,000 penitent believers who were baptized on the Day of Pentecost. God was willing to forgive the penitent man who had his father’s wife and desired the Corinthians do so also God was willing to forgive the penitent man who had his father’s wife and desired the Corinthians do so also (2 Cor. 2:7-8). The chief of sinners became the greatest soul winner commended by God (1 Tim. 1:12ff). The hypocrite became a dependable preacher. (Luke 22:61-62; Gal. 2:11-14; Acts 2:14)

13. Conclusion Happy are the sad. They will be comforted. But many are laughing and having a good time while living in sin. God won’t comfort them! Jesus said, “Woe to you who laugh now; for you shall mourn and weep Jesus said, “Woe to you who laugh now; for you shall mourn and weep” (Luke 6:25b). We can choose to mourn over our sins now and be comforted or we can mourn over them for all of eternity in torment (Luke 16:24ff).

14. Conclusion God’s word tells the sinners, “Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter to be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and he will exalt you God’s word tells the sinners, “Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter to be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and he will exalt you” (James 4:9-10). Do you mourn over your sins or do you laugh about them, make excuses, or blame others for your transgressions? “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh” (Luke 6:21b).

15. Conclusion “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.“ “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.“ (Revelation 21:4) Have you realized the guilt of your sins that led to Jesus dying for you (Hebrews 2:9)? Will you have the godly sorrow that will lead you to repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins or be restored this morning? (Acts 2:38; 8:20-22)