download the word documentThe Desire of Your Heart 1-24-10 Jeff Robsion

The Desire of Your Heart:

Is it to be “Happy” or “Blessed”?

(January 24, 2010)

- Life Group Discussion Guide -

OPEN:

1. From a purely “earthly” perspective how would you complete this statement, “Happiness is __________________”?

2. From purely “spiritual” perspective how would you complete the same statement, “Happiness is __________________”?

3. In what ways might we “tend to blend” the two above thoughts as we form our personal thoughts about what, “Happiness is”?

4. Can you think of any passage that directs us to pursue happiness or is it a by product of another pursuit or lifestyle?

(cf. Psalm 144:15, 146:5, Proverbs 16:20, Philippians 4:4)

DIG:

1. Why would we assume that one of the main goals of life is to be, “Happy”? What might be seen as problematic in the pursuit of happiness?

2. How might Solomon’s pursuit of meaning and purpose be reflective of some of those same problems? (Ecclesiastes 2:1-8; II Chronicles 1:7-12; I Kings 11:1-6; Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14)

3. How is the search for God, happiness, meaning and purpose reflected in the Beatitudes? (Matthew 5:1-12)

4. Why might the experience of the “new birth” be necessary to see, understand and live out this lifestyle described in the Beatitudes? (John 3:1-12) How might 3:10-12 fit into this process? (See Matthew 5:20)

Reflect and Apply:

Have a brief discussion on “what are some things that happen” in the process of the “new birth”? Who all is involved? How should this be reflected in our lives each day?

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