Matthew 5:1 – 6;10 (NASB)

1When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

2He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

• The beatitudes do not describe eight different kinds of people. They ideally describe each citizen of the kingdom.
• “Blessed” (Greek: makarios) can also be understood as “fortunate or even “happy.” These people are to be congratulated. This is not a temporary state of pleasure. This blessedness is a favorable spiritual state due to the approval of God. It is not happiness, as defined by the world, nor is it dependent on physical or external circumstances

Matthew 5:20 (NASB)

20“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses (exceeds - ESV) that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Righteousness defined:

1. The desire to be righteous—to be forgiven and accepted by God; to be right with God.
2. The desire to do what is right—to do what God commands; imitating and reflecting God’s righteousness.
3. The desire to see right done—to help bring about God’s will in the world.