Finding True Happiness Through Forgiveness and Righteousness
Summary
In the sermon, I was reminded of the freedom that comes with forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasized that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are no longer bound by sin and we have the choice to turn away from it. While sin may offer short-term pleasure, it also brings long-term consequences. Therefore, we are encouraged to turn from our sins, repent, and fully turn to God, walking in His way. This path, as the speaker pointed out, brings safety and happiness.
The sermon also touched on the importance of seeking happiness in the right places. The speaker used the analogy of a fish on a beach, explaining that just as a fish is not designed to live on a beach, we are not designed for this world and the things of this world. We are made by God and for God, for His purposes. Therefore, if we seek happiness in the things of this world, we will never truly be happy. Instead, we should seek after God and His righteousness, which will bring true happiness.
Key Takeaways:
- Sin may offer short-term pleasure, but it also brings long-term consequences. Therefore, we should choose to turn away from sin and walk in the freedom that comes with forgiveness through Jesus Christ. #!!01:06:10!!#
- We are made by God and for God, for His purposes. Therefore, if we seek happiness in the things of this world, we will never truly be happy. Instead, we should seek after God and His righteousness, which will bring true happiness. #!!01:01:53!!#
- The long-term consequences of our sin are always greater than any short-term pleasure that we derive from it. Therefore, we should be mindful of our actions and the potential consequences they may bring. #!!49:13!!#
- We should not walk in shame or regret, but in the freedom that comes with forgiveness through Jesus Christ. #!!47:08!!#
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." #!!51:55!!#
2. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." #!!01:01:53!!#
3. John 8:1-11 - The story of the woman caught in adultery. #!!54:28!!#
Observation Questions:
1. In Proverbs 14:12, what does it mean when it says "a way that appears to be right"?
2. In Matthew 6:33, what does it mean to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness?
3. In John 8:1-11, how does the woman's situation reflect the dangers of seeking happiness in the wrong places?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Proverbs 14:12 apply to the concept of seeking happiness in the wrong places?
2. How does seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, lead to true happiness?
3. What lessons can we learn from the woman's story in John 8:1-11 about the consequences of seeking happiness outside of God's will?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a time when you sought happiness in a way that seemed right to you, but led to negative consequences?
2. What is one practical way you can seek God's kingdom and righteousness in your daily life this week?
3. Reflecting on the story in John 8:1-11, can you think of a situation where you were tempted to seek happiness outside of God's will? How can you handle such situations differently in the future?
4. How can you encourage others around you to seek happiness in God's will rather than in worldly things?
5. What steps can you take this week to align your desires for happiness with God's will and purpose for your life?
Devotional
Day 1: Freedom in God's Boundaries
God's boundaries are not restrictive but rather provide us with the freedom to live fully and safely. When we live within these boundaries, we experience true happiness because we are living in alignment with God's design for us. This is where we find peace and freedom from the chaos and stress that comes from living outside of God's boundaries ([01:03:09]).
Psalm 16:6 - "The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt restricted by God's boundaries. How can you shift your perspective to see these boundaries as a source of freedom and safety?
Day 2: Pursue Holiness, Find Happiness
Happiness is not found in doing whatever we want, but in pursuing holiness. When we strive to live a life set apart for God, we find true happiness trailing behind. This is because our ultimate purpose and fulfillment come from becoming more like God, who is holy ([01:04:28]).
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can pursue holiness? How might this pursuit lead to deeper happiness?
Day 3: Designed for God's Purposes
We were not designed for the things of this world, but for God and His purposes. When we seek after God and His righteousness, we find true happiness because we are living in alignment with our divine design ([01:01:53]).
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: How can you align your life more closely with God's purposes? What might need to change for you to live more fully in your divine design?
Day 4: Exposing and Overcoming Sin
Jesus exposes our sins not to condemn us, but to free us. When we confess our sins and turn away from them, we experience the freedom and forgiveness that Jesus offers. This freedom leads us to a life of holiness and happiness ([01:05:40]).
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Reflection: What sin is God calling you to confess and turn away from today? How might this confession lead to greater freedom in your life?
Day 5: Urgency in Living a Holy Life
Jesus calls us to live a holy life with a sense of urgency. He invites us to walk in the freedom He has given us and to live a life free from sin. This is not a call to perfection, but a call to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, striving for holiness each day ([47:08]).
Romans 6:12-14 - "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness."
Reflection: How can you live out Jesus' call to "go now and sin no more" in your life today? What steps can you take to live with a sense of urgency in pursuing holiness?
Quotes
1. "We always try to do something in this fall season that's going to be really relevant to people's lives so marriage and relationships is something that people are very very interested in. So let's invite, invite, invite, get some people here so that lives and marriages and relationships can be changed." - 01:10:06
2. "You know what helps the church to grow? It's people like you, people like you online just saying hey you need to come with me. So if we want exponential to be what exponential is supposed to be, it's going to take each and every one of you stepping up and doing your part." - 01:10:39
3. "We have got to understand that a life of happiness comes when we live a life of holiness. If you're looking for happiness here and the things of this world, you're never going to be happy. But if you seek after God, his righteousness, then you're going to be happy." - 01:01:53
4. "Jesus, you give us forgiveness and then you give us freedom. Help us to walk in that freedom through the power of your spirit. We are no longer bound by that sin anymore, we don't have to do it anymore, it's that we choose to do it. But help us to realize that is the bad choice." - 01:06:10
5. "Jesus never said just do it is you want to do that's going to make you happy. Of course he wants you to be happy but your definition of happiness and his definition of Happiness may be two completely different things." - 34:44
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