1. Are You Happy? 1 Peter 3:8-12

2. 2 Are You Happy? What is happiness?What is happiness? –World’s definition: Self-satisfaction –Do not confuse the pleasures of sin with real happiness –Sin destroys happiness, Prov. 13:15 God’s definition, 1 Pet. 3:10-12 (Matt. 5:3-12)God’s definition, 1 Pet. 3:10-12 (Matt. 5:3-12) –Blessed, 1 Pet. 3:9

3. 3 Are You Happy? God wants our happiness, but as He defines it, Eccl. 3:12-13; 9:7-9God wants our happiness, but as He defines it, Eccl. 3:12-13; 9:7-9 Jesus is our way out of unhappiness and despair to joy and blessedness, Jno. 16:22, 33Jesus is our way out of unhappiness and despair to joy and blessedness, Jno. 16:22, 33

4. 4 Happiness: Joy of Life State of mind; attitude of heart (Prov. 23:7)State of mind; attitude of heart (Prov. 23:7) –A decision of the mind (will) Christians live in joy (Gal. 5:22)Christians live in joy (Gal. 5:22) –Right viewpoint of life –Forgiveness of sins –Pure living –Trusting God’s promises Jno. 14:1, 27; 16:22; 2 Cor. 6:10

5. 5 Happiness: Joy of Life Build a happy life by building faith in GodBuild a happy life by building faith in God –Set your hope on God, Heb. 13:5-6 –Blessedness in trusting God, Phil. 4:10-13 –Count your blessings and rejoice, Eph. 1:3 (Phil. 4:4) –Obey Jesus, Jno. 15:10-11

6. 6 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness, Eccl. 1:13; 2:3 “Life’s a party!” (pleasure) Eccl. 2:1-2“Life’s a party!” (pleasure) Eccl. 2:1-2 –Sorrow in laughter, Prov. 14:13 –Sensual pleasures are momentary, Heb. 11:25; Lk. 12:19 –Distorts one’s view of life and death, Eccl. 7:2-4

7. 7 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness “The one with the most toys, wins!” (possessions) Eccl. 2:4-11 (Lk. 12:15-21)“The one with the most toys, wins!” (possessions) Eccl. 2:4-11 (Lk. 12:15-21) –Tend to isolate, 4:7-8 –No satisfaction…more anxiety, Eccl. 5:10-12; 1 Tim. 6:10 –Great possessions, yet great sorrow, Matt. 19:21-22

8. 8 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness “I’ve got it all figured out” (wisdom) Eccl. 2:12-17“I’ve got it all figured out” (wisdom) Eccl. 2:12-17 –Trusting in your own wisdom is foolish, 1 Cor. 3:18 (8:2) –Death still comes, 2:14 –Divine wisdom needed, 8:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:21

9. 9 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness “See what I have done?” (labor) Eccl. 2:18-23 (24)“See what I have done?” (labor) Eccl. 2:18-23 (24) –Whose shall it be? 2:18-19 (Lk. 12:20) –Elements of despair, 2:20; 5:13-17 –Good, but not for ultimate joy, 1 Ths. 4:11-12

10. 10 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness “I’ve made it!” (success) Eccl. 4:4-6“I’ve made it!” (success) Eccl. 4:4-6 –Often envied, 4:4 –While working to succeed we must learn to be content with what our labor provides, 1 Tim. 6:6-8

11. 11 Things of Earth do not Bring Lasting Happiness “When I do/get that, I’ll be happy!” (desires) Eccl. 6:7-9“When I do/get that, I’ll be happy!” (desires) Eccl. 6:7-9 –Never satisfied when desire rules –Desires must be godly and be controlled by contented faith, Phil. 4:11-13

12. 12 Things We Need to be Happy (Joy) Fear and obey God, Eccl. 12:13Fear and obey God, Eccl. 12:13 Address sin in God’s way, Acts 2:37-42; 16:27, 34Address sin in God’s way, Acts 2:37-42; 16:27, 34 Seek first the things of God, Matt. 6:33 (1 Pet. 3:10-11)Seek first the things of God, Matt. 6:33 (1 Pet. 3:10-11)

13. 13 Things We Need to be Happy (Joy) Pray often, 1 Pet. 3:12 (Phil. 4:4-7)Pray often, 1 Pet. 3:12 (Phil. 4:4-7) Count your blessings, 1 Tim. 6:7-8Count your blessings, 1 Tim. 6:7-8 Patient faith, Isa. 40:27-31 (1 Pet. 5:7; Heb. 13:5-6)Patient faith, Isa. 40:27-31 (1 Pet. 5:7; Heb. 13:5-6)

14. 14 God Wants You to be Happy! 1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. (Psalm 128:1-2)