HOW CAN I BE HAPPY?

SERMON NOTES/D GROUP QUESTIONS 5/15/11

Sermon Series: Questions You Always Wanted To Ask About Life
How Can I Be Happy?

I. SOLOMON'S SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS
1. Pleasure does not satisfy. (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3)
2. Great accomplishments does not satisfy. (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6)
3. Wealth and Power does not satisfy. (Ecclesiastes 2:7-11)

II. JESUS' KEYS TO HAPPINESS
1. Admit you have a need. (Matthew 5:3)
2. Be truly sorry for your sin. (Matthew 5:4)
3. Have an attitude of meekness. (Matthew 5:5)
4. Want what God wants. (Matthew 5:6)
5. Cultivate a forgiving heart. (Matthew 5:7)
6. Maintain a clear conscience. (Matthew 5:8)
7. Represent God as a conduit of peace. (Matthew 5:9)
8. Accept the reality of persecution as you serve Christ. (Matthew 5:10-12)

D Group Discussion Questions:
1. What are your own personal experiences of trying to find happiness in the wrong places? (example: trying to find happiness in pleasure, laughter, alcohol, accomplishments, money, fame, power, etc.). What was the end result?

2. Of the Beatitudes listed above, which ones have you personally struggled with?

3. Go through each Beatitude and focus on the promised blessings that results with each one.
a. What is your reaction to these blessings?
b. Does knowing these blessings motivate you to "live" the beatitudes?
In what way?

4. How can "living" the Beatitudes in your life bring others to Christ?