How to Be Happy

Introduction:

New Testament Christianity is demanding. It calls for changed lives, but we seem to be lacking in a crucial area—joy and happiness. Let us look at what we want so badly but of which we have so little.

I. The Focus of Happiness

A. Understanding its meaning

1. It is not fun, pleasure, physical gratification, security, etc.

2. It is deep peace, an underlying state of satisfaction, an attitude of life, a state of being in harmony with life and at peace with God

B. Tracing its sources

1. Not found in the world, in doing one’s own thing, in freedom or independence, in entertainment, or in constant activity

2. Found in a very specific place

II. The Facts of Happiness

(“Blessed” really means “happy”, so passage describes a happy man)

A. Joy begins when the journey begins; happiness not reserved for the future

B. Happiness depends on the traveler, not on the journey

C. Happiness comes not by passive waiting, but by active participation

D. Happiness is endless, because it extends beyond life

E. Pursuit of happiness—in the right way—is a Christian’s duty

F. Happiness does not come through all the things which obviously cannot produce it

III. The Fount of Happiness

(True happiness is only found in following a biblical pattern)

A. Godly living comes through obedience

B. Christlikeness

C. Accepting God’s will

D. Trusting what God gives

E. Getting eyes off self and on to others

Conclusion:

Are you happy? As happy as you should be? If not, it is almost certain two things are needful. Some area(s) of disobedience must be cleared up. Need to get focus off self and on to others.

Charles R. Wood, Sermon Outlines on the Sermon on the Mount (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1985), 13–14.