1. “But God Wants Me To Be Happy”

2. “But God wants me to be happy”
Often used by one seeking to justify sinful behavior – adultery, same-sex marriage, questionable careers, loose living, etc.
Used when seeking a church that is more permissive than God’s word. The “health and wealth gospel”.
More prevalent because of a weakening of respect for God’s word!
But what does the Bible say?

3. God does want us to be happy”
There is a very real sense that God desire us to be joyful
Obeying the gospel produces rejoicing – Acts 8:39

4. God does want us to be happy”
Rejoicing
1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always”
Romans 14:17, the kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy
Galatians 5:22, the “fruit of the Spirit is…joy”

5. God does want us to be happy”
Rejoicing
Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always…”
James 5:13, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing.”

6. God does want us to be happy”
“Blessed”
μακάριος, (makarios) - pertaining to being happy, with the implication of enjoying favorable circumstances.” (L&N )
Matthew 5:4-10, the “beatitudes”
Romans 14:22, James 1:12

7. God does want us to be happy”
Ecclesiastes 2:24, “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” Eccl. 3:12-13, 22

8. God does want us to be happy”
1 Peter 3:10, love life and see good days
3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

9. God does want us to be happy”
Does God want us to suffer and be in misery?
NOT for the sake of misery. But if suffering can make us better it can be good.
The happiness God wants for us is qualified!
It is a happiness WITHIN His will!

10. Man’s pursuit of happiness
God’s definition of happiness is not what man has in mind when he makes this statement
He seeks to make God in his image – Romans 1:22-23, Philippians 3:18-19

11. Man’s pursuit of happiness
The prodigal son – Luke 15:13, 17
Solomon’s quest for the meaning of life - Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 11

12. Man’s pursuit of happiness
“God wants me to be happy” is not the real truth!
It is saying, I want it my way!
It is a desire to serve God AND mammon – cf. Matthew 6:24
It is pride & selfishness Discontent and ingratitude
It is rebellion!

13. Man’s pursuit of happiness
“God wants me to be happy”:
RARELY only affects you
RARELY does it bring TRUE and lasting happiness
Is often made by one who knows better!
Will result in judgment – 2 Peter 2:20-22

14. How is True happiness found?
Realize, God’s ways are not our ways – Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 13:15.
God demands repentance and obedience – Acts 17:30, 31 Acts 3:19
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Let God define what happiness is!

15. How is True happiness found?
What are you willing to give up?
Serving God is about sacrifice and surrender
Moses – Hebrews 11:23-26
Paul - Philippians 3:4-8
Matthew 11:28-30

16. How is True happiness found?
Delight in His law
Psalm 119:22-23, 1:1-2
Rejoice in suffering – let difficulties and sacrifices make you better
James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 4:1-2, 1:6-9, 4:13 (Acts 5:41, 16:25)

17. How is True happiness found?
Pursue holiness
2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 1:3-4, Hebrews 12:10
Rejoice in hope firm to the end Hebrews 3:6
Luke 10:20, rejoice that your name is written in heaven

18. God knows what is best for us
God knows what is best for us. Does your happiness correlate with His will?