1 / 18

“ But God Wants Me To Be Happy”

“ But God Wants Me To Be Happy”. “But God wants me to be happy”. But what does the Bible say?. Often used by one seeking to justify sinful behavior – adultery, same-sex marriage, questionable careers, loose living, etc.

jball
Download Presentation

“ But God Wants Me To Be Happy”

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. “But God Wants Me To Be Happy”

  2. “But God wants me to be happy” But what does the Bible say? • 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!

  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 25.119) • 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” The happiness God wants for us is qualified! It is a happiness WITHIN His will! • 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.

  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, 31Acts 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.Does your happiness correlate with His will?

More Related