Preparations of the Heart

Pastor Mark Schwarzbauer, Ph.D. May 28, 2017 Family Worship Center The God of a Happy Life! Text: Psalm 144:15 “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord” Part One: The Meaning of Happiness. I. The English word “Happiness” was originally derived from “Hap” meaning “luck” and related to circumstances turning out well. But, does that origin still reflect that meaning today? II. Words can change meaning to being completely different, artificial, Villain, Manufactured. III. The meaning of “Happiness” from Psychology Today1 A. “More than simply positive mood, happiness is a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life—that is, with a sense of meaning and deep satisfaction.” B. It no longer carries the meaning of “hap” or luck. Happiness is much more. C. “Research shows that happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next;” D. “Researchers estimate that much of happiness is under personal control.” IV. But does God want you to be “happy”?

Part Two: The God Who Desires Your Happiness! I. Does God really care about your happiness? - God’s Word is the authority. II. Consider that our creator made you capable of happiness, joy! III. Consider that our creator is happy himself! Zephaniah 3:17. IV. The Word of God frequently talks about a happy life. Yes, God wants you to experience happiness. A. Understand the difference between short term pleasure and true happiness. B. God does want you to live in a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life. He wants you to have a purpose driven life with a sense of meaning and deep satisfaction. V. The Bible’s Greek and Hebrew words for Blessed literally mean “Happy”. A. In the New Testament 1. the Greek word μακάριος makarios means “happy” and is often translated as “blessed”. 2. Blessed, happy- Strong’s Concordance = A prolonged form of the poetical makar (meaning the same); supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off -- blessed, HAPPY (X -ier). 3. μακαρ in classical Greek. The idea embodied within this word is satisfaction from experiencing the fullness of something.

1 https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/happiness 4. In the N.T. the Beatitudes are really the Be Happy Attitudes! B. In the Old Testament :eh'-sher) esher) אְששיֵרר יי The Hebrew word is .1 2. It means happiness, blessedness 3. So many Scriptures in the O.T. talk of being HAPPY in the Lord. VI. God is a Happy God… A. Paul’s run on sentence goes from vs. 5 to 11 in 1 timothy 1 – “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith...” (interjects those who have strayed from it and then returns in vs. 11) “according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” B. The “blessed God” is μακαρίου Θεοῦ (makariou theou) literally meaning “Happy God.” He is not a grumpy solemn God. C. The Happy God wants love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith. VII. A Happy Life from the Happy God… A. Romans 4:8 “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.” 1. The NLV “Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” Your past is forgiven by Christ. 2. The Greek word here for “blessed is μακάριος makarios meaning “Happy” – you should be happy about this! 3. Happy is the person who cleared of their sin. 4. Sin promises happiness but delivers just the opposite; it mocks true love, sears the conscience and is the fruit of insincere faith. (I Timothy 4:2) B. Paul is sharing from Psalm 32:1-2 1. NKJV “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,” 2. “What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” Psalm 32:1-2 (LB) .eh'-sher) esher, meaning HAPPY) אְששיֵרר יי In both vs. 1 & 2 the Hebrew word is .3 C. Happiness starts with a right relationship with God.

Part Three: Establish and Protect Your Happiness I. Fully accept God’s forgiveness. II. Avoid sin. III. Follow the leading of the Spirit. In Two Weeks- The Courage to Be Happy Closing: Holy and Happy-Revere and Rejoice Discussion Items and Questions for Home and Small Group 1. How did this change your perspective of God? 2. Why do you think God cares about your happiness? 3. What was the most helpful thing you learned from this part of the message? 4. How will you make the necessary change to be happier? 5. Pray for each other.