All around us people are trying to be happy. Seeking things to make them happy, trying new things to make them happy. Everyone want happiness. About six years ago in Houston, Texas, an ambitious young reporter went to interview a famous oil mogul. This rich man patiently answered all of his questions. As the young reporter left, he commented, “I suppose you have everything and there is nothing more you want.” The rich man answered, “Oh yes. I wish I could have a little more.”
It is true we need money to live. We must eat to survive. We need clothes to wear, and homes to shelter us. These things do not give happiness though. Many people that are poor are far happier than some people who seem to have everything. Money and material things are not the key to happiness.
What is happiness anyway? Happiness is a state of mind. The happy man is the one who has peace of mind and a contented heart. Peace of mind and happiness of heart cannot be bought with money. It cannot be measured by the degree of success. They do not come from material things. If you are looking for happiness in these things, you are going to be disappointed.
If you can find the secret of peace of mind, then you will find the mind and happy heart. We must first find out what keeps us from having them. We start by trying to discover what is the hinderance to happiness.
I. Sin is the Hinderance to Happiness
1. Psalm 38:3-8
2. Jeremiah 5:25
3. Isaiah 57:20-21
4. I know many do not like this word, but whether you like it or not, sin is the stumbling block in our way to happiness.
5. If you do not want to face this word, You can never be happy. We can never escape from sin unless we face it and do something about it.
6. You may close your eyes and say there is no such things as sin, but it is always there.
a. Sin weakens your willpower.
b. Sin darkens your conscience.
c. Sin makes you lead a double life and you become a slave to yourself.
d. Sin corrupts your whole personality.
e. Sin brings you death at the end, Romans 6:23.
f. Sin bring the penalty of Hell, Ecclesiastes 18:4, 20
II. What is Sin?
1. We usually think of sin in relation to such acts as drinking, gambling, stealing, cheating, curing, immorality, killing, etc.
2. These are sins, however, the sin I am talking about is more fundamentally and directly related to you.
a. Sin is your failure to meet the standard of life God has set form man, Romans 3:23
b. Sin is braking God’s law, 1 John 3:4.
c. Sin is your failure to do the good that you know you should do.
3. More basically, sin is the very fact of unbelief, John 16:5
4. Sin is first a thought, then it becomes a deed when carried out.
5. Any thought, action, ambition, or life standard that tis contrary to the Bible, God’s word, is sin.
6. Think honestly today about yourself and your life, Matthew 22:35-40
a. What is your relationship with God?
b. What is your relationship with others?
c. Are your business transactions honest?
d. How is your attitude toward your parents?
e. Can you say that you have not sinned today?
7. All men without exception, have sinned and come short of the standard God has set for us. 1 John 1:8
III. Notice the Results of Sin
1. There is an awful price to pay, Romans 6:23
2. Sin will cost you the best in life. many today have had to learn this lesson the hard way.
3. Sin will cost you Heaven, Mark 13:23-28, Revelation 21:23-27
4. The final payment for sin and unbelief will be eternity in Hell.
IV. How Can We Solve this Sin Problem
1. If we are to have happiness, we must face and solve the matter of sin.
2. Many have assumed that sin could be solved by education or moral discipline.
3. All of these things are good, but they are not the answer to our problem of sin.
4. The only answer is in Jesus Christ, and then him alone. Why?
a. Because Jesus Christ is the son of God, John 3:16.
b. because Jesus Christ was sinless, 1 Corinthians 5:21.
c. because Jesus Christ conquered sin, Hebrews 4:15.
d. because Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin, Hebrews 9:28.
5. Jesus Christ is the only one who ever succeeded in overcoming human sin. He can therefore forgive your sin. he wants to forgive your sin.
a. 1 John 1:9
b. revelation 3:20
6. you may say, “how can I have this forgiveness of sin?” Repent and trust Jesus. Matthew 11:28, John 14:6, Romans 10:9-10
7. your life will become new. You will have peace in your mind. Romans 5:1
8. if your mind finds its peace in your heart its hope, then you will be happy.
9. Everything necessary for your happiness is ready in Christ. He wants to give it to you. You can accept it, or you can reject it.
10. You have the absolute liberty in choosing, but you cannot change the results of your choices. Sooner or later, everyone must face this decision.
11. Are you really happy? Why not come to Jesus today?
