Living a Happy Christian Life August 28, 2011

Introduction Two thirds of the American people are unhappy with their life. Everyone wants to be happy, but why are so many unhappy? Who should we be following to live a happy life? (Romans 12:2)

God wants you to be happy! God knows what will make you happy! (Isaiah 55:8-9) God wants us to be free from sin! (Romans 6:17-18) The world constantly advertises happiness to us, but does not deliver what it promises. “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death.”-Proverbs 14:12 Many are involved in sin, because they look for happiness in the wrong places. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires, and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren”-James 1:14-15

Searching in the wrong places The love of material goods. (Ecclesiastes 2:3-11) Legalizing sin (Isaiah 5:20) Temporary pleasure (1 John 2:15-17) Seeking power “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”-Matthew 16:26 Lethargy (Proverbs 24:30-31) Dulling the pain (Proverbs 23:34-35)

What do people worry about? Past Mistakes (2 Samuel 12:16-23) The Future “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”-Matthew 6:34 Things that aren’t important (Luke 10:38-42) Not having a perfect life “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”-Romans 8:18

We must learn to be content! We all have problems to deal with. We all have a “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) The Church has always, and will always be a minority in this sinful world. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” –Matthew 7:13 People we know will make poor decisions despite our influence. “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’”-Acts 26:32 We need to focus more on what we have, and not on what we don’t have! (Matthew 25:15-17,19-23)

What can we be happy about? The power of prayer “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.”-Philippians 4:6 Having internal peace. “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”-Philippians 4:7 The death of a faithful Christian. “…be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”- Revelation 2:10 Assembling with brethren. “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’.”- Psalm 122:1 Being the most blessed people on the earth (Colossians 1:9-12) Having the hope of eternal life. (Revelation 7:15-17)