Opening Discussion

• What are some things that make you happy?
• What are some things that make you unhappy?

Read and Discuss

Luke 6:20-23 CSB

20 Then looking up at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours.
21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy. Take note—your reward is great in heaven, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets.

• According to the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: “The special feature of the word BLESSED in the NT is that it refers overwhelmingly to the distinctive religious joy which accrues to man from his share in the salvation of the Kingdom of God.”
• How is Jesus’ version of happiness different from the world’s version?
• Why does Jesus tell the disciples to be happy if they are poor, hungry, weeping, excluded, insulted, slandered and hated?
• How does having an eternal perspective on happiness versus a temporary perspective change how you view happiness?
• What can you do this week to find your happiness in eternal things?

Luke 6:24-26 CSB

24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort.

25 Woe to you who are now full, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are now laughing, for you will mourn and weep.

26 Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets.

• Why does Jesus give this warning?
• What is Jesus wanting us to do based on this passage?
• What are some ways people search for temporary happiness today?
• How could pursuing temporary happiness actually lead to long-term unhappiness?
• If someone were to ask you how to find true happiness, what would you tell them?

Apply it!

• Pick one or two of those things you said made you happy earlier. What is a way you could center those things on Jesus this week?

Memorize it!

Luke 6:20 Then looking up at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours.

Prayer TACOS

Thank God for creating ways for us to be happy in Him.

Adoration- Worship the Lord for being the source of all joy

Confess the times you have traded a temporary feeling of happiness for long term happiness in Christ

Others- pray for someone you know who is caught up in temporary happiness and needs to turn to the Lord

Self- Ask the Lord to remind you daily that true happiness is found in Him alone