Pursuit of Righteousness Part 4: Do You Want to be Blessed?

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 4: Do You Want to be Blessed?
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
July 19, 2026

Opening Verse:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are in week four of our brand new series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have probably heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mention ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 4 is entitled "Do You Want to be Blessed?"

Main Pointers:
“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the  whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:1-12 NLT

1. Real blessedness refers to the good state of our spiritual well-being.

A. The Greek word for blessedness means "to be enlarged, blissful, or happy." Since we know that God wants us to pursue righteousness not just happiness, this happiness is a deep joy to the soul. Jesus spoke of two aspects of beatitudes, earthly and heavenly.
B. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

2. Being blessed on earth is just a foretaste of what is really waiting for us in heaven.

“Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Matthew 5:12 NLT

A. What Jesus was really pointing here was the importance of finding the real source of blessedness while we're still here on earth. As supposed to being consumed by all the earthly desires that only brings pain and destruction.
B. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

3. The beatitudes describes the character of a real disciple.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

A. The Bible says that His disciples gathered around Him on the hilltop and Jesus began teaching. He was not saying this to everyone but to those who will truly will follow Him.
B. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:21-23 NLT

Conclusion:
Everyone wants to be "blessed" Maybe because we have a very shallow meaning of the word "blessing." Often times we accompany this word with material things. No! The blessing is finding the real source of blessedness and its not something we get. It's something that we live by. Pursue righteousness living and results will speak for itself. The real blessings are not here on earth. The real blessing is what awaits for us and only very few find it!