We Have a Happiness Problem

• Jesus wants you to be . 

| Matthew 5:1-11 |

• is found by chasing the of:
  • Prosperity.
  • Pleasure.
  • Prestige (Honor).
  • Power.
• True is from worldly .   

| Matthew 25:21 |

• Find by and .

| Mark 12:30-31 |

Small Group Questions

REMINDER: Take time to plan a Small Group celebration for the week of May 21.

What do you think?

From Sunday’s message, what particular point stood out to you, challenged you, or raised a question for you?

The story of your life.

Pastor Obie made the distinction between “imperfect happiness” and “perfect  happiness/joy.” “Imperfect happiness” is temporal happiness as a result of external actions and circumstances. Share with the group what things bring you the most “imperfect happiness.” 

Digging deeper.

1. Pastor Obie spoke about “perfect happiness/joy” being detached from external circumstances. The Apostle Paul experienced a number of negative external trials yet still had “Perfect Happiness/Joy.” Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-12:10 and answer the following questions. 
   1. What does this story tell us about God? People? You?
   2. Have you ever felt the Lord’s supernatural happiness/joy in a time when you were going through a difficult circumstance?
2.  What further insights about happiness do the following verses give us? Read and discuss them one at a time.
   1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
   2. Philippians 4:4-7.
   3. Psalms 16:8-11.
   4. John 15:11.
   5. Romans 15:13.
   6. Psalm 144:15.
   7. Nehemiah 8:10.
   8. Philippians 4:10-13.
3. Mark 12:30-31 is the greatest commandment Jesus gave us that Pastor Obie believes will lead to “perfect happiness/joy.” Read it together and answer the following questions.
   1. How will you tangibly love God in a deeper way this week?
   2. How will you tangible invest in the close relationships in your life to love them more deeply this week?

Personal reflection and application.

1. Have everyone share one thing someone else mentioned that struck a chord with you from this discussion.
2. Pray for one another (preferably men with men and women with women if possible).