Choosing Joy: Overcoming Life's Barriers to Happiness
Summary
In our journey through the book of Philippians, we are exploring the "Habits of Happiness," a series that delves into the profound joy and positivity found in this epistle. One of the most common pitfalls we encounter is the "when and then" thinking, where we postpone our happiness to a future event or achievement. However, happiness is not a destination but a choice we make daily. It is a byproduct of right thinking and right acting, not a goal in itself.
There are four primary barriers to happiness: pain, people, pressure, and problems. These "killjoys" can rob us of our joy if we are not prepared to face them. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, exemplifies how to maintain happiness despite these challenges. His circumstances were dire, yet he chose to focus on the bigger picture, seeing his imprisonment as an opportunity to spread the gospel.
Paul's perspective teaches us that happiness is possible when we view our problems from God's viewpoint. By understanding that God has a plan, even in our difficulties, we can find peace and joy. Paul’s imprisonment led to the spread of the gospel among the palace guards and even into Nero's household, demonstrating that God can use our trials for a greater purpose.
Moreover, Paul shows us the importance of not letting others control our attitude. Despite facing critics, competitors, and conspirators, he chose to focus on those who supported him and the positive outcomes of his situation. By not seeking the approval of others, we can maintain our happiness and focus on our mission.
In essence, happiness is a choice rooted in perspective and attitude. By adopting these habits, we can experience joy regardless of our circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
1. Happiness is a Choice: Happiness is not a future destination but a choice we make daily. It is the byproduct of right thinking and acting, not a goal in itself. By choosing to see the good in our circumstances, we can create happiness in our lives. [01:07]
2. View Problems from God's Perspective: By looking at our problems from God's viewpoint, we can find peace and joy. God has a plan, even in our difficulties, and can use our trials for a greater purpose. This perspective allows us to face challenges with faith and confidence. [09:08]
3. Do Not Let Others Control Your Attitude: Our happiness should not depend on the approval of others. By focusing on our mission and not letting critics or competitors dictate our mood, we can maintain our joy and stay true to our purpose. [18:10]
4. Pain, People, Pressure, and Problems as Killjoys: These four barriers can rob us of our joy if we are not prepared to face them. By recognizing these killjoys and adopting a positive perspective, we can overcome them and maintain our happiness. [01:36]
5. The Power of Perspective in Trials: Paul's imprisonment led to the spread of the gospel, showing that God can use our trials for a greater purpose. By adopting a larger perspective, we can see how our challenges can lead to positive outcomes. [12:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to the Series
[00:29] - The Trap of "When and Then" Thinking
[01:07] - Happiness is a Choice
[01:36] - Four Killjoys of Life
[03:14] - Paul's Example in Philippians
[04:54] - Paul's Circumstances in Prison
[06:06] - Rejoicing Despite Motives
[08:09] - Key Verse: Philippians 1:27
[08:51] - Habit 1: God's Viewpoint on Problems
[13:24] - Paul's Impact in Rome
[17:39] - Habit 2: Control Your Attitude
[19:10] - Dealing with Critics and Competitors
[24:24] - Handling Conspirators
[26:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Habits of Happiness
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 1:12-30
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four barriers to happiness mentioned in the sermon, and how do they affect our joy? [01:36]
2. How did Paul's imprisonment contribute to the spread of the gospel, according to Philippians 1:12-14? [05:09]
3. What different types of people did Paul encounter while in prison, and how did he respond to them? [19:10]
4. How does Paul describe his attitude towards life and death in Philippians 1:21-24? [06:49]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does viewing problems from God's perspective change the way believers handle challenges? [09:08]
2. In what ways does Paul demonstrate that happiness is a choice, despite his circumstances? [01:07]
3. How can believers avoid letting others control their attitude, as Paul suggests? [18:10]
4. What does Paul's experience teach about the potential impact of personal trials on the broader Christian community? [16:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. How can you begin to view it from God's perspective, and what steps can you take to maintain your joy through it? [15:07]
2. Identify a situation where you have postponed happiness, thinking "when and then." How can you choose happiness today, regardless of that situation? [00:29]
3. Think of a time when someone else's opinion affected your mood. How can you practice not letting others control your attitude in the future? [21:21]
4. Consider the "killjoys" of pain, people, pressure, and problems. Which one most affects your happiness, and what practical steps can you take to overcome it? [01:36]
5. How can you use your current struggles as a witness to unbelievers and an encouragement to believers, as Paul did? [16:18]
6. Reflect on Paul's attitude towards his critics and competitors. How can you apply his approach to a situation where you face criticism or competition? [19:10]
7. What specific habit can you adopt this week to cultivate happiness as a daily choice, regardless of your circumstances? [01:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Happiness is a Daily Choice
Happiness is not a distant goal but a daily decision. It is cultivated through right thinking and actions, rather than being dependent on future achievements or circumstances. By choosing to see the good in our current situation, we can create a sense of happiness in our lives. This mindset shift helps us to live in the present and appreciate the blessings we have, rather than waiting for a perfect moment that may never come. [01:07]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small thing you can do today to choose happiness, regardless of your circumstances?
Day 2: Seeing Problems from God's Perspective
Viewing our problems from God's perspective allows us to find peace and joy even in difficult times. Understanding that God has a plan for us, even in our trials, can transform our outlook and give us confidence. This perspective helps us to trust that our challenges can be used for a greater purpose, just as Paul's imprisonment led to the spread of the gospel. By adopting this mindset, we can face our difficulties with faith and assurance. [09:08]
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current problem you are facing. How might God be using this situation for a greater purpose?
Day 3: Maintaining Control Over Your Attitude
Our happiness should not be dictated by the approval or opinions of others. By focusing on our mission and not allowing critics or competitors to influence our mood, we can maintain our joy and stay true to our purpose. This involves choosing to focus on the positive aspects of our situation and the support we receive, rather than dwelling on negativity. By doing so, we can preserve our happiness and remain steadfast in our goals. [18:10]
"Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life do you allow to control your attitude? How can you shift your focus to maintain your joy?
Day 4: Overcoming the Four Killjoys
Pain, people, pressure, and problems are common barriers that can rob us of our joy if we are not prepared to face them. Recognizing these "killjoys" and adopting a positive perspective can help us overcome them. By understanding that these challenges are part of life and choosing to focus on the good, we can maintain our happiness and resilience. This approach allows us to navigate life's difficulties with grace and strength. [01:36]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Which of the four killjoys is most prevalent in your life right now? How can you prepare to face it with a positive perspective?
Day 5: The Power of Perspective in Trials
Adopting a larger perspective can help us see how our challenges can lead to positive outcomes. Paul's imprisonment, for example, resulted in the spread of the gospel, demonstrating that God can use our trials for a greater purpose. By viewing our difficulties through this lens, we can find meaning and hope in our struggles. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's plan and remain open to the possibilities that our trials may bring. [12:22]
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a past trial that led to a positive outcome. How can this experience help you trust in God's plan for your current challenges?
Quotes
"we're in a series we started just a week ago that I'm calling the habits of happiness and we're looking verse by verse through the book of Philippians which is the most positive the most joyful the happiest book in the Bible now one of the common mistakes that we all make is we fall into the Trap of what I call when and then thinking when and then thinking in other words when such such happens then I'll be happy and you have done this all your life and so have I we we we fall into this when and then thinking when I get into get into college when I get married when I have a baby when I get a job when I when my kids are born when my kids leave the house when when and then thinking then I'll be happy" [00:03:26]
"last week I shared with you Five Laws of happiness and one of them is that happiness is a choice you're as happy as you choose to be if you're unhappy you can't blame anybody for your unhappiness because happiness is a choice you don't go looking for happiness you create it it is something you create and Happiness by the way is not a goal we talked about this last week it is the byproduct of right thinking and right acting now there are four common barriers to happiness I want you to just write these down at the top of your notes there four common barriers I call these the kill joys of life because when any of these uh uh enter into your life then they're going to rob your happiness unless you're prepared for them" [00:60:48]
"pain pain is a kill Joy it's hard to be happy and uh and and in pain at the same time this morning Kay and I were moving some Christmas boxes out of the attic down to the garage which we we just remodeled a little bit and uh and and as she stepped down the stairs she fell over backwards yeah and uh and and really hurt herself and for the next hour she was in major pain there's no way she was going to be happy while she was in pain and I got and got you know was getting ice packs and things like that and uh uh pain is is a killjoy but there's another one and you're you're familiar with this one too I call it picky people" [00:107:20]
"Paul has every reason to be bitter he has every reason to be unhappy he has every reason to be U depressed and have a pity party instead he writes this book on happiness and on Joy now let me read you uh today's text it's Philippians 1 12 to 30 it starts like this I want you to know dear brothers and sisters Paul's writing that everything that has happened to me has helped me to spread the good news for everyone here including all the soldiers in the palace guard know that I am in Chains because of Christ and I have gained confidence oh and because of my imprisonment many of the Christians here have gained confidence and become more bold in telling others about Christ" [00:283:28]
"now some are sharing Christ out of jealousy and rivalry he talking about the people who are outside but others preach Christ with pure motives and they love me and they know that the Lord brought me here to defend the good news but there are those who do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ and they preach with selfish ambition and they're not sincere intending to make my time in prison more painful to me but when whether or not their motives are pure the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached so I rejoice and I will continue to Rejoice no matter what for I know that as you pray for me he's writing to the people in the Philippi the church in a city in Greece called Philippi" [00:333:00]
"if I live it just means more fruitful service years of service for Christ but I'm often Torn Between Two desires sometimes I want to live and sometimes I long to go on and be with Christ in heaven that would be far better for me but it's better for you if I live so that you can grow and that you can experience the joy of your faith but whatever happens you must live in a manner worthy of the good news about Christ don't be intimidated by your enemies it will be a sign to them of their downfall that God's with you and that he will save you for you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him and we are in this fight together" [00:404:56]
"you've seen me suffer for Christ in the past and you know that I am still in the middle of a great struggle now that's a very warm personal note that Paul is writing it's a very personal book this letter he's writing to his friends in the Church of Philippi that he started and In this passage he covers these four different killjoys and he talks about how he has dealt with him how he's maintained his happiness in spite of everything going in ways he hadn't planned now the key verse in this whole passage I just read is verse 27 it's there on your outline and it says this whatever happens whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ" [00:464:56]
"if number one I look at every problem from God's viewpoint if I look at every problem from God's Viewpoint you see happy people have a larger perspective they have a bigger worldview they see the big picture when I don't have the big picture when I don't see things from God's point of view I get discouraged I get frustrated I get unhappy the reason we get unhappy is because we don't see what God does and the truth is no matter what's going on in your life the good Bad and The Ugly God is working out a plan and he even takes all of our mistakes and even puts those into the plan he says I can use that too my sins yes my faults yes what other people do yes God says I can I can fit it all into the plan" [00:534:39]
"Paul knew this and so he starts out the first verse is verse 12 and he says this now I want you to know dear brothers and sisters that everything that has happened to me has helped spread the good news now let me explain what's going on here ever since Paul had become a Christian on the road to Damascus he had dreamed one great dream and that was this I want to preach in Rome Rome is the center of the universe Rome is the capital of the Empire Rome is the most prestigious powerful strategic city in the world we've picked out 12 of those strategic cities where we're planting this year and next year churches at Saddleback but if we had been planning in those days we would have been planning in Rome there's no doubt about that" [00:589:72]
"Paul's dream is sharing Christ at the center of the universe and what he wants to do is this he wants to go to Rome he wants to rent the Coliseum and he wants to do a harvest Crusade for 6 months that's what Paul's thinking I'm going to Rome to preach God had another idea Paul you're going to go as a prisoner and I'm going to make you a royal prisoner of Caesar now does anybody know who was Caesar at this point Nero you ever heard of that guy yeah Nero about as wicked and as bad as you can get so Rome uh Paul is a is a prisoner of Nero and as a royal prisoner with a royal guard chain him 24 hours a day he gets to talk to all kinds of key people he would never otherwise talk to because he's an important prisoner" [00:644:32]
"he's chained 24 hours a day to a palace guard for two years they changed that guard every 4 hours so I added it up over two years he witnessed to 4,380 guards now my question is who's the real prisoner here who has the captive audience Paul is talking to the entire court of Caesar's Palace and God says this is my plan you want to go do the big city lights National Crusade but I'm going to put you in prison and there were two results of it we know for sure chapter 4 when we get you later on will tell us that within two years some of Nero's own family had become believers because Paul was a prisoner in Rome some of the royal family had become Christians because Paul was in prison" [00:698:92]
"and second Paul is kind of like Rick Warren it's hard to get him to sit down sit still not stop moving he's forced to sit still and he as a result writes the New Testament H I wonder which had a bigger impact go do Harvest crusade in in in the Coliseum or be forced to sit still hour after hour and write Romans 1 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians and on and on 1 second Timothy and 1 2 Thessalonians and all of most of the New Testament this is why Paul says I want you to know dear brothers and sisters that everything that has happened to me being in prison has helped spread the good news so he says I've got I've got my plan but God has a bigger plan and he says I can be happy because I can see what God is doing be my problem" [00:757:12]
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