Pursuing Holiness: The Path to True Joy
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the concept of happiness and its place in our lives as followers of Christ. We often hear the phrase, "God just wants me to be happy," but is this truly a biblical perspective? We delved into this question by examining scripture and understanding the deeper call God has for us. Happiness, as defined by the world, is often fleeting and circumstantial, tied to personal gratification and immediate desires. However, God calls us to pursue something far greater—holiness and a deep relationship with Him.
We began by discussing the importance of context when interpreting scripture, using Jeremiah 29:11 as an example. This verse, often quoted for encouragement, is part of a larger narrative where God promises to bring Israel back from captivity after 70 years. This context reveals that God's plans for us are not always immediate but are rooted in His greater purpose and timing. Our pursuit should not be happiness as the world defines it, but rather a pursuit of God, which leads to true joy and fulfillment.
Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount further illustrate this point. He describes those who are blessed not as those who have everything they want, but as those who are poor in spirit, meek, and merciful. This blessedness is not about external circumstances but about an internal state of being aligned with God's kingdom values. Joy, unlike happiness, is rooted in our relationship with God and is unshakable, even in trials.
We also examined the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is often contingent on external factors and can be easily disrupted, while joy is a steadfast assurance rooted in the character of God. Joy comes from pursuing holiness and aligning our lives with God's will, leading to a life of abundance and peace that surpasses understanding.
Ultimately, God desires for us to be holy rather than simply happy. Our pursuit of holiness leads to a deeper joy that cannot be taken away, regardless of life's circumstances. As we surrender our lives to God and seek His will above our own, we find a joy that is eternal and fulfilling.
Key Takeaways:
1. Context Matters: Understanding the context of scripture is crucial. Jeremiah 29:11, often seen as a promise of immediate happiness, is actually about God's long-term plan for Israel. This teaches us that God's timing and purposes are greater than our immediate desires. [55:12]
2. Pursuit of God Over Happiness: True fulfillment comes from pursuing God above all else. Happiness is fleeting, but a life centered on God leads to lasting joy and peace. Our ultimate goal should be holiness, not temporary satisfaction. [01:00:06]
3. Joy vs. Happiness: Happiness is circumstantial and temporary, while joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is eternal. Joy remains even in trials, as it is based on the assurance of God's presence and promises. [01:17:08]
4. Blessedness in the Kingdom: Jesus' teachings show that blessedness is not about material wealth or comfort but about embodying kingdom values like meekness and mercy. This redefines what it means to be truly happy in God's eyes. [01:12:59]
5. Holiness Leads to Joy: God calls us to holiness, which leads to a deeper joy than the world can offer. By aligning our lives with God's will, we experience a joy that is unshakable and fulfilling, even amidst life's challenges. [01:20:37]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [39:28] - Connection and Prayer
- [42:34] - Community Outreach
- [44:49] - Series Introduction
- [47:11] - The Pursuit of Happiness
- [49:18] - Defining Happiness
- [50:47] - American Values and Happiness
- [51:54] - God's Priorities
- [53:44] - Tools for Understanding Scripture
- [55:12] - Jeremiah 29:11 Context
- [57:56] - Israel's Captivity and Hope
- [01:00:06] - Pursuing God Above All
- [01:02:06] - Instant Gratification vs. God's Timing
- [01:04:56] - God's Knowledge and Our Trust
- [01:08:09] - Prosperity and God's Will
- [01:12:59] - Jesus' Teachings on Blessedness
- [01:17:08] - Joy vs. Happiness
- [01:20:37] - Holiness and Joy
- [01:29:07] - Invitation to Surrender
- [01:35:43] - Response and Reflection
- [01:43:07] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 29:11-14
2. Matthew 5:3-12
3. James 1:2-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Jeremiah 29:11, what specific promise does God make to the Israelites, and how does the context of their situation (captivity) affect the understanding of this promise? [55:12]
2. According to the sermon, how does Jesus describe those who are blessed in the Beatitudes, and how does this differ from the worldly definition of happiness? [01:12:59]
3. What does James 1:2-4 suggest about the relationship between trials and joy, and how does this contrast with the common perception of happiness? [01:18:20]
4. How does the sermon define the difference between happiness and joy, particularly in terms of their sources and stability? [01:17:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the context of Jeremiah 29:11 challenge the common interpretation of this verse as a promise of immediate happiness? What does this reveal about God's priorities for His people? [55:12]
2. In what ways do the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 redefine the concept of blessedness, and how might this influence a believer's pursuit of happiness versus holiness? [01:12:59]
3. How does the sermon suggest that enduring trials can lead to a deeper joy, as described in James 1:2-4? What might this imply about the nature of spiritual growth? [01:18:20]
4. The sermon emphasizes the pursuit of holiness over happiness. How does this perspective align with the biblical passages discussed, and what might this mean for a believer's daily life? [01:20:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you pursued happiness as defined by the world. How did that pursuit affect your relationship with God, and what changes might you make to prioritize holiness instead? [49:18]
2. Consider the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Which of these characteristics do you find most challenging to embody, and what steps can you take to align more closely with these kingdom values? [01:12:59]
3. How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your life that is independent of your circumstances? Identify one practical way to focus on God's promises during difficult times. [01:17:08]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of understanding the context of scripture. How can you apply this principle to your personal Bible study to gain a deeper understanding of God's word? [53:44]
5. In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking personal gratification to pursuing God's will in your daily decisions? Identify one area of your life where this change could have a significant impact. [01:03:08]
6. How does the idea that God desires holiness over happiness challenge your current understanding of God's role in your life? What practical steps can you take to align your desires with God's priorities? [01:27:20]
7. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might a focus on joy and spiritual growth change your perspective in similar situations in the future? [01:19:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding God's Timing
In our pursuit of happiness, it's crucial to understand the context of God's promises. Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted for immediate comfort, yet it speaks to a long-term plan for Israel, emphasizing that God's timing and purposes surpass our immediate desires. This teaches us that while we may seek quick solutions, God is orchestrating a greater narrative that unfolds in His perfect timing. As we align our expectations with His eternal perspective, we find peace in knowing that His plans are for our ultimate good, even if they require patience and trust. [55:12]
"For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place." (Jeremiah 29:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God's timing? How can you begin to surrender this to Him today?
Day 2: Pursuing God Above All
True fulfillment is found not in the fleeting happiness the world offers but in a life centered on God. While happiness is often tied to circumstances, a pursuit of God leads to lasting joy and peace. Our ultimate goal should be holiness, which aligns us with God's will and brings a deeper sense of satisfaction. By prioritizing our relationship with God over temporary pleasures, we discover a joy that transcends life's challenges and remains steadfast through trials. [01:00:06]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to prioritize your relationship with God over worldly pursuits?
Day 3: The Unshakable Joy of God
Happiness is often circumstantial and temporary, while joy is rooted in our relationship with God and is eternal. This joy remains even in trials, as it is based on the assurance of God's presence and promises. By pursuing holiness and aligning our lives with God's will, we experience a joy that is unshakable and fulfilling, regardless of life's circumstances. This joy is a testament to the steadfastness of God's character and His unwavering love for us. [01:17:08]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of joy in your life that is independent of your current circumstances?
Day 4: Redefining Blessedness
Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount redefine what it means to be truly blessed. Blessedness is not about material wealth or comfort but about embodying kingdom values like meekness and mercy. This perspective challenges us to look beyond external circumstances and focus on the internal state of being aligned with God's kingdom. By embracing these values, we find a deeper sense of happiness that is rooted in our identity as children of God. [01:12:59]
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you embody kingdom values in your daily interactions with others?
Day 5: Holiness as the Path to Joy
God calls us to holiness, which leads to a deeper joy than the world can offer. By aligning our lives with God's will, we experience a joy that is unshakable and fulfilling, even amidst life's challenges. This pursuit of holiness is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to live in accordance with God's purposes. As we surrender our lives to Him, we find a joy that is eternal and rooted in His unchanging nature. [01:20:37]
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can actively pursue holiness this week? How might this pursuit lead to a deeper sense of joy?
Quotes
1. "We all desire happiness. I mean, we want to be happy. I mean, we want to be happy in our relationships. We want to be happy, you know, in our marriage with our spouse. We want our kids to grow up. I mean, I hear people say, I hear parents say that, I just want my kids to grow up and be happy. I mean, of course we want our kids to grow up and be happy, right? I mean, of course. But, you know, we look at it in every area of our life. I mean, we want to be happy in our workplace, the people we work with, in our profession, and all these different things. That's not necessarily wrong to desire to be happy, but the deeper question is, what is our top priority and what is it that we are actually pursuing?" [47:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The pursuit of God above all else is what God wants from us. More than being happy, God wants us to pursue him. And here's the thing, in the context, God's looking at his people. And how do you know the children of Israel had messed up time and time and time again? We see this pattern. With the nation of Israel. They walk in obedience and they begin to drift and they begin to sin. And next thing you know, they're walking in all -out rebellion against God. And God eventually gives them what they're seeking so hard after he's finally like, have at it. And they find themselves in a terrible situation. And even in the midst of that, he brings them back to this pattern of repentance. And he welcomes them back again." [01:01:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nothing will challenge your view of happiness more than having to deal with the truth. truth that God knows what is best. God knows what's best and he knows what he's doing. God knows what he's doing when your life doesn't look the way you necessarily want it to in a moment. He's working all things together for your good, even when you don't see it. God knows what he's doing when there's challenges, when there's obstacles to walk through. And the thing is, our thinking often goes this way. When things are going the way we want, we're like, oh yeah, yeah, my relationship with God is awesome. Yeah, man, God bless me. I'm walking in favor because things are going the way we think they should go. We have no problem. But when things aren't going the way that we think are best or the way that we think are in our best interest or the way that we want, then we begin questioning everything, including questioning God and his faithfulness." [01:05:43] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Happiness is not a bad thing. And John 10, 10 says that God wants us to live life and live it to the fullest, live it to the abundance. But the description that here's where we get mixed up. It's that definition of happiness again, because the description here that we see in John 10, 10 is an understanding of living life in his will and his way. That's the life. That's the true life. That's the life of abundance. That's the life of prosperity. Living life, his will and his way. That's the life that flourishes into abundance. It's not about getting our way that leads to the abundance. It's about living life. His way. So the question is who and what are you ultimately pursuing? Are we pursuing happiness as our ultimate goal or are we pursuing holiness and the character of God in us?" [01:06:37] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Happiness is its own pursuit. The pursuit of happiness, right? Joy comes as a result of our pursuit. So the question is, what are you pursuing? Listen, guys. Emotions are tools. Emotions are not truth. You can feel a way, but just because you feel a way doesn't mean that it is that way. How many of you have had to get your emotions in check before? It's really good to have something. We all need somebody in our life. When we get emotional, they can come to us and go, okay, you're being a little over the top. Settle down. You're acting out of emotion right now. The pursuit of happiness above all else ultimately leads to happiness. It leads us to entitlement. And that's not what God has for us. The pursuit of holiness above all else leads us to joy and joy unimaginable." [01:24:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Joy is the fruit. It's one of the fruit of the spirit, right? Is happiness a fruit of the spirit? It doesn't say that. It says joy is the fruit of the spirit. Joy is the fruit, but holiness is the root. Joy is the fruit of a pursuit of God and not the fruit of the spirit. And holiness is the anchor in Christ, the foundation to live as only God would have us to live. Yet, here's the deal. It's what I'm getting to, guys. God prefers us to be holy than happy. He would rather us be holy than happy. And God would rather lead you in a life of surrender than to a life that the world perceives as success. And God would rather, God would rather lead you in a life of surrender than to a life that will shape you into history." [01:27:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You might not be happy with your current circumstances, your current situation, the scenario that's playing out right now in your life, but if you truly seek after him and call out to the Lord, you can have a joy that's rooted in holiness that cannot be taken away. It can't be shaken. You may not be happy in a moment, but you can have a joy and a satisfaction and a contentedness inside that will not be shaken. Amen? So let me just get you, let's just bow our heads for just a moment." [01:29:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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