Five Habits for Cultivating Lasting Happiness

 

Summary

In our journey through Philippians chapter 3, we uncover five transformative habits that can cultivate happiness in our lives. These habits are not just theoretical concepts but practical steps that can be integrated into our daily routines, particularly during a 15-minute quiet time with God. The first habit is to relax in God's grace. This means letting go of the need to earn God's approval or love, recognizing that His love is unconditional and complete. By embracing this grace, we free ourselves from the burden of trying to prove our worthiness and instead rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.

The second habit is to remember what matters most. In a world filled with distractions and temporary pursuits, it's crucial to focus on eternal values and priorities. As Jim Elliot wisely said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose." This perspective helps us prioritize our lives around what truly counts.

The third habit is to get to know Jesus better. Our ultimate purpose is to live in relationship with God, and true joy is found in deepening this relationship. By dedicating time each day to know Christ more intimately, we align ourselves with the very reason for our existence.

The fourth habit involves a daily review of where we need to grow. This requires humility and honesty as we ask God to search our hearts and reveal areas that need improvement. Growth is a lifelong process, and by regularly evaluating our spiritual health, we ensure that we are moving forward in our faith journey.

Finally, the fifth habit is to forget what can't be changed and focus on the future. Holding onto past hurts or regrets only hinders our happiness. Instead, we are called to release these burdens and direct our energy toward the future God has for us. By letting go of the past, we open ourselves to the new things God is doing in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Relax in God's Grace: Embrace the unconditional love of God, recognizing that His grace is not something to be earned but a gift to be received. This understanding liberates us from the pressure of proving our worth and allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ. [00:45]

- Remember What Matters Most: Focus on eternal values and priorities, letting go of temporary distractions. By aligning our lives with what truly counts, we invest in what is everlasting and meaningful. [01:46]

- Get to Know Jesus Better: Our ultimate purpose is to live in relationship with God. By dedicating time each day to deepen our relationship with Christ, we find true joy and fulfillment. [02:34]

- Review Where You Need to Grow: Regularly evaluate your spiritual health and be open to growth. Humility and honesty in this process lead to continuous improvement and alignment with God's will. [03:30]

- Forget What Can't Be Changed: Release past hurts and regrets, focusing instead on the future God has for you. By letting go of the past, you open yourself to the new things God is doing in your life. [10:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Habits of Happiness
- [00:29] - Daily Habits for Happiness
- [00:45] - Relax in God's Grace
- [01:46] - Remember What Matters Most
- [02:17] - Get to Know Jesus Better
- [03:30] - Review Where You Need to Grow
- [05:44] - The Importance of Growth
- [07:31] - The Trap of Pride
- [09:09] - Humility and Happiness
- [10:06] - Forget What Can't Be Changed
- [11:57] - Letting Go of Past Hurts
- [13:44] - Focusing on the Future
- [15:06] - Traps to Avoid
- [20:31] - Embracing Change
- [21:10] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Habits of Happiness from Philippians 3

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:3, 7, 10, 12-14
- Psalm 139:23-24
- 2 Corinthians 13:5

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Philippians 3:3, what is the significance of what Jesus has done for us, and how does it relate to relaxing in God's grace? [01:03]

2. In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses a desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. What does this reveal about the importance of getting to know Jesus better? [03:13]

3. How does Paul describe his approach to personal growth and spiritual maturity in Philippians 3:12-13? What does this suggest about the process of growth in a believer's life? [06:12]

4. What does Psalm 139:23-24 encourage believers to do in their daily spiritual checkup, and why is this important for personal growth? [03:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of relaxing in God's grace challenge the common belief that we must earn God's approval through our actions? [01:03]

2. What does it mean to focus on eternal values and priorities, as suggested by the sermon, and how can this perspective impact a believer's daily life? [01:46]

3. In what ways does the practice of reviewing where one needs to grow require humility, and how does this humility contribute to happiness? [04:33]

4. How does the sermon suggest that letting go of past hurts and focusing on the future can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment? [10:06]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current understanding of God's grace. How can you intentionally relax in His grace this week, and what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His unconditional love? [01:03]

2. Identify one area of your life where you may be focusing on temporary distractions rather than eternal values. What changes can you make to align your priorities with what truly matters? [01:46]

3. Consider your relationship with Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him and get to know Him better? [02:34]

4. During your quiet time, perform a spiritual checkup. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to grow, and how can you begin to address this area in your daily life? [03:58]

5. Think about a past hurt or regret that you have been holding onto. What steps can you take to release this burden and focus on the future God has for you? [10:06]

6. How can you incorporate the habit of forgetting what can't be changed into your daily routine, and what impact do you anticipate this will have on your overall happiness? [10:26]

7. Reflect on the role of humility in your life. How can you cultivate a teachable spirit, and what specific areas do you feel God is prompting you to grow in? [08:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Rest in the Assurance of Grace
Embracing God's grace means understanding that His love is not something to be earned but a gift freely given. This realization liberates individuals from the constant pressure of proving their worthiness. By resting in the finished work of Christ on the cross, believers can find peace and contentment, knowing that they are fully accepted and loved by God. This habit encourages a shift from striving for approval to living in the freedom of grace, allowing for a more joyful and fulfilling life. [00:45]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God's approval, and how can you begin to rest in His grace today?


Day 2: Prioritize Eternal Values
In a world filled with distractions, it is essential to focus on what truly matters. This habit involves aligning one's life with eternal values and priorities, rather than temporary pursuits. By remembering what is most important, individuals can invest their time and energy in what is everlasting and meaningful. This perspective not only brings clarity and purpose but also helps in making decisions that reflect one's deepest values and beliefs. [01:46]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one temporary distraction you can let go of this week to focus more on eternal values?


Day 3: Deepen Your Relationship with Christ
The ultimate purpose of life is to live in a relationship with God. By dedicating time each day to know Jesus more intimately, believers can find true joy and fulfillment. This habit encourages individuals to seek a deeper understanding of Christ, aligning themselves with the very reason for their existence. Through prayer, study, and reflection, one can cultivate a closer relationship with God, experiencing the profound joy that comes from knowing Him more fully. [02:34]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally set aside time each day this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus?


Day 4: Embrace Growth with Humility
Growth is a lifelong process that requires humility and honesty. By regularly evaluating one's spiritual health, individuals can identify areas that need improvement and align themselves with God's will. This habit involves asking God to search the heart and reveal areas for growth, ensuring continuous improvement in the faith journey. Embracing growth with humility allows for a deeper connection with God and a more authentic expression of faith. [03:30]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel God is calling you to grow, and how can you take a step towards that growth today?


Day 5: Release the Past and Embrace the Future
Holding onto past hurts or regrets can hinder happiness and spiritual growth. This habit encourages individuals to let go of what cannot be changed and focus on the future God has for them. By releasing these burdens, believers open themselves to the new things God is doing in their lives, allowing for a more hopeful and forward-looking perspective. This shift in focus can lead to greater joy and a deeper trust in God's plan. [10:06]

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one past hurt or regret you need to release, and how can you begin to focus on the future God has for you today?

Quotes

"Every day relax in God's grace. That's the first thing you need to do if you want to be a happy person. Every day relax in God's grace. Don't try to earn God's approval. Don't try to earn his love. Don't try to earn his recognition. You don't earn it. God is love, and God loves you unconditionally." [00:00:50]

"Remember what matters most. Every day I need to remember what matters most. When I get up in the morning, I need to remind myself what counts and what doesn't count. Jim Elliot, the famous missionary, said, 'He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose.'" [00:01:42]

"The third habit is get to know Jesus better. You should start every morning when you wake up saying, 'Lord, if I don't get anything else today, anything else done, I want to get to know you a little bit better. I want to love you a little bit more.' Listen, you were made, I was made to live in relationship with God." [00:02:29]

"Review where I need to grow. You need to every day do a little personal review of Your Life. Take a couple minutes out of every day during your quiet time with God, and you do a spiritual daily checkup. You take your spiritual pulse. You can do it during your quiet time. You say, 'Lord, where do I need to grow?'" [00:03:35]

"Following Jesus is a decision followed by a process the rest of your life. You can't follow without walking. You got to have movement. So following Jesus is a decision followed by a process. A lot of you have made the decision, but you haven't continued in the process." [00:04:48]

"Happy people never stop growing. Happy people never stop learning. Happy people never stop discovering, never stop stretching, never stop learning. If you've stopped growing, I can tell you you're miserable because you were made to grow. You were made to learn. You are made to be better next year than you are this year." [00:08:06]

"Every day forget what can't be changed and focus on the future. That is a habit of happiness. Every day forget what can't be changed and focus in on the future, not on the past. Your past is passed. It's over. It's done, and all the worrying won't change the past at all one bit." [00:10:11]

"Happiness requires letting go and learning to forget. Happiness requires letting go of the hurt and learning to forget. You see, you could hold on to your pain. Nobody's going to force you to let it go. You could hold on to that pain. You could hold on to that memory, or you can be happy, but you can't be both." [00:11:17]

"Paul says, 'I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to

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Transcript
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