I Just Want To Be Happy: Habits of Happiness

Philippians 3:1–14

5 Habits of Happiness

Read vs. 1–6

1. Embrace Grace

Just think about those two words for a moment, and then explain the powerful affect they have on your life and happiness.

Why does God want you to embrace grace instead of your performance?

In 3:4–6, Paul explains what it means to "put confidence in the flesh." According to those verses, what sorts of things could have made Paul feel worthy of God's approval? What sorts of things in your life are you tempted to put confidence in?

2. Remember What Matters Most

Read vs. 7–8

What are some of the things that culture (and your sinful flesh) tell you matters most, and that you've fallen for?

Paul was so happy, despite being in jail, being tortured and beaten, being alone, having the worst luck, having no friends and countless enemies. How can you possibly be happy in that?

3. Know Jesus More

Read vs. 10–11

How do you think your life would be different if knowing Jesus was your primary goal?

What is one thing that you can do to help you know Christ more deeply?

What priorities to do you need to rearrange in order to know Jesus more every single day?

4. Evaluate Your Life

Read vs. 12–13

What are some literal ways/methods that you can accurately evaluate your spiritual life?

Pride keeps us from continuing to follow Jesus throughout our life. Look back at the last 3 habits of happiness, and then share how pride will keep you from them.

5. Forget and Focus

Read vs. 13–14

What kind of regrets (things you've done or things that have been done to you) are holding you back from focusing on what God has for you today?

Why is it so important to be laser focused on the step that God has for you to take?

Is anything more important than listening to God and doing what He says?


Live It Out

God cares about the transformation happening within us. Make a list of situations, events, or choices over the past six months that show God is transforming you from the inside out. Thank God for working in and through you.

Think through what yo've lost as a result of following Christ. Then write down all the things you've gained by following Him. Praise God for the ways He is blessing you.

Pray that you may know peace and happiness and be able to speak the words of Paul: "I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."

Repent of the idea that you've "arrived" spiritually. Ask God to show you the areas in which you need to grow. Then form a plan for opening that area of your life to God this week.