Philippians 4:4-8

Introduction:

1. Another dangerous half-truth comes to the fore in this lesson.

2. Most of the time people use this phrase to justify various misdeeds such as infidelity, fornication, neglected responsibilities, etc.

3. This assumes since moral obligations can be difficult, if God wants me to be happy, He will accept my misdeeds for the sake of my happiness.

Discussion:

I. Divergent Conceptions of Happiness

A. Pursuit of happiness is enshrined in America’s founding documents.

B. The world means the pursuit of what makes one feel good.

C. God does desire our happiness, but He means something very different (John 15:11; 16:33; 17:13; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16; 1 John 1:4).

D. The closest biblical word to our English word “happy” is repeated nine times in Matthew 5:3-12.

E. The context of these statements demonstrates the contrast.

II. The Source of True Happiness

A. Happiness/joy/rejoicing in the worldly sense focuses on the transient, the here and now, with little thought for the long-term.

B. Happiness/joy/rejoicing in the biblical sense clearly operates on the long-term, holistic view of life.

1. How else could Jesus say persecuted, poor-spirited, mourners were “blessed” (Makarios= happy, fortunate, well-off; Mounce)?

2. How else could Paul urge joy, rejoicing, contentment, and peace despite all he suffered (Philippians 4:4-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:6)?

C. True happiness is unattainable apart from true holiness.

Conclusion:

1. Contrary to popular opinion, happiness is not our chief pursuit.

2. Holiness/righteousness was, is, and ever will be our chief pursuit (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 12:14).

3. The peace of God depends on holiness/righteousness (Philippians 4:9).

4. Therefore, true happiness is in the pursuit of holiness over happiness.