TEACHING NOTES

Happiness: Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

How many of us really want to be happy?

Things Jesus Didn’t Say:
…America is the only blessed people group
…Whatever you want that makes you happy…all you have to do is ask and you will receive
…All you have to do is believe in me and you will forever be happy
…Give your life to me and everything will be easy for you

Before we judge others action, Jesus tells us to look within ourselves and take an assessment of OUR lives before we assess anyone elses.

WHO IS WITHOUT SIN: Someone who has never sinned; Someone who is incapable of sin.

Things Jesus Didn’t Say:
…Her sin has tainted her too badly to be loved any longer and that she must pay for her sins by her death
…There are no consequences to your action
…What you did was right
…Your sin is okay

Why is it that we return to the things we have been set free from? It looks appealing

Sin promises satisfaction but ultimately causes pain to you and those around you.

True happiness is found when we realize we are not condemned by Christ, but loved unconditionally.

TALK IT OVER

INTRODUCTION
So many times, what we think Jesus said is not what He said at all. In this series we are going to look at some of the things the Jesus didn’t say which has a greater impact on the things he actually said. This week we discussed what Jesus said and didn’t say about Happiness.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When was a time that you pursued happiness for yourself, regardless of the consequences to others? How did that turn out for you?
2. Why do you think it’s easier to see other people’s sins than our own?
3. Are there any areas of your life where you’ve been looking for happiness in the wrong place?
4. Think about the temptations you face. How can you use those temptations as an invitation to depend on God more?
5. Blake mentioned that, “True happiness is found when we realize we are not condemned by Christ, but loved unconditionally.”
a. How does that change your perspective about happiness?
b. How does that change your perspective on how Jesus views you?
c. Is this a statement that you agree with? Why or why not?

MOVING FORWARD
If you have been seeking happiness on your own terms, maybe it is time to seek Jesus and undertand that he is the source of true happiness. Happiness is found when we know and understand that we are deeply loved by Christ…that we are free from the sins of our past and not condemned by the only one who has the right to condemn us…and that He provides us the freedom to walk away from the things that break relationships…that cause damage to ourselves and others…and embrace His call on our lives to love others as He has loved us.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. Go now and leave your life of sin.” —John 8:11 (NIV)