Philippians 2:12-18

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

     FIVE WAYS WE OFTEN LOSE OUR HAPPINESS          Antidote 

             1. Fearing that we’re out there all on our own                 vs. 13

             2. Fretting and fighting over small stuff                          vs. 14

             3. Feeling guilty or ashamed                        vs. 15

             4. Forgetting what God has promised                   vs. 16

             5. Focusing only on ourselves                             vs. 17-18

“You must continue to WORK OUT your salvation with fear and trembling, (with deep reverence & humility) for it is God who WORKS IN you to both to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

“For God is always working IN YOU, giving you both the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.”  Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

Jesus: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will be WITH YOU...and you will realize that...you are in me, and I am in you!” John 14:18-20 (NIV)

“If God is FOR US, who can defeat us?” Romans 8:31 (NCV) 

“Do EVERYTHING without complaining or arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.” Philippians 2:14-15a

“In EVERYTHING give thanks: for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

“You are to live clean and pure lives as children of God in a broken and corrupted generation. You are to shine like stars, lighting up a dark world!”

Philippians 2:15

“HAPPY are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teaching, keep his rules, and who try to obey him with their whole heart.” 

Psalm 119:1-2 (NCV)

“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) 

“Hold tightly to the Word of Life...” Philippians 2:16

“Your principles make me HAPPY, so I NEVER FORGET your Word.”

Psalm 119:16 (GW)

“Lead me in the path of your commands, because that is where my happiness is found.” Psalm 119:35 (NLT) 

“Your faith makes you offer your lives as a sacrifice in serving God. If I have to offer my own blood as a sacrifice, I will be happy and full of joy. And you should be happy and full of joy with me too!” Philippians 2:17-18 (NCV)

“Salvation can only be found in Jesus alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us.”  Acts 4:12 (TEV)