God’s grace fills our lives with joy. All the time.

Notes And Next Steps

Philippians 1:3-11  + Part 1 of the series “Be Happy."

Scientists say that you’ll rank higher in happiness if …

100% of your happiness is up to Jesus.

In the 4 chapters of the book of Philippians, Paul mentions the word “joy” 16 times and makes reference to Jesus by name 51 times.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

Pray to Jesus with thanks, and you’ll be happier.

See other Christians as partners who love and are loved by Jesus, and you’ll be happier.

I have you in my heart … I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus … It is right for me to feel this way about all of you … all of you share in God’s grace with me. (Philippians 1:7,8)

Be confident that Jesus is always working on you to make progress in your faith, and you’ll be happier.

Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11)

Discussion Questions

1. For personal reflection: what number did you choose to rank your happiness? Share with the group: what insight from today’s message can help you improve your happiness one level?
2. Explain what it means that 100% of your happiness is up to Jesus. How can this help you better witness?
3. It’s not possible to be grateful and to grumble at the same time. Why not? What is a step you can take to be more consistently grateful?
4. Based on Philippians 1:6, what could you say to encourage A) a friend who lost their job, B) a family member facing a difficult decision, or C) a neighbor couple struggling to get pregnant.