Rejoice in the Lord Philippians 3:1-21
What makes People Sad?
The Instruction
Steps to Happiness # 1. The First Step to Happiness is to see the Necessity for Happiness. Phil. 3:1
Why Be Miserable ? It only * makes you miserable * makes you miserable to others * affects your health * affects your work * influences your friends and family * reflects badly on God’s Grace
Rejoice Definition: to be calmly happy to be full of cheer
Solution to Step # 1 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose” Phil.2:13 You have to Want it before you can have it.
Steps to Happiness # 2. The Second Step to Happiness is to Make the Great Shift. Phil. 3:7
Why Change? Believing in God * Gives a reason to Worship * Explains my emptiness. * Doesn’t make failure destructive * Provides hope * Makes life tolerable
The Great Shift Moving From Self Centered and Earthly Focused To Christ Centered and God Focused
Solution to Step # 2 “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ… that I may gain Christ.” Phil.2:7,8 You have to Choose it before you can enjoy it.
Steps to Happiness # 3. The Third Step to Happiness is to Change Your Approach to Life. Phil. 3:12
Two Approaches to Life Approach # 1 Life is Home Approach # 2 Life is a Journey
Solution to Step # 3 “… Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil.2:13-14 You have to Live Today like it is the last gift you have from God before tomorrow.
Happiness The Fruit of a Journey The Reward of a Choice The Dream of the Heart Only A few Find it