In week two of our series, “Happy,”  we study Philippians 1:12-26. The message is titled “Four ways to be unhappy.” It’s a great video to share with your worst enemy.

Actually what we do is contrast four ways to be unhappy with what Paul does in his life.

Happiness is being studied and written about more than ever before, but we’re actually rooting this series in the letter to the Philippians written by the apostle Paul, because God is pro-joy.

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Alright, this is week 2 in our series, “Happy.”

We’re in this series because everyone wants to be happy.

Happy is being studied and written about more than ever before.

But we’re actually rooting this series in a letter to the Philippians written by the apostle Paul a couple thousand years ago… because God is pro-joy.

The writers of Scripture command us to be joyful.

It’s the Evil One who actually wants us to be unhappy.

What I want to do today is read through a passage in the book of Philippians, and then I want to contrast 4 ways to be unhappy with what Paul actually does in his life with God.

If you want to follow along, we’ll be in Philippians 1, starting with verse 12.

This is what Paul says:

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached.

And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

This is the extraordinary life of this man, Paul.

Alright, let’s dig in — 4 ways to be unhappy in contrast with what Paul does.

If you want to be unhappy, believe happiness will come when your circumstances are the way you want them to be.

If this is what you believe, guess how long you’ll wait to be happy.

Forever. For-ev-er.

Notice a phrase Paul uses in verse 12.

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

Pays says, “I want you to know that what has happened to me…”

This is so important. He uses the same phrase again in verse 19. You might want to mark it if you have your Bible open.

I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

In other words, Paul says, “My circumstances, my situation…” — what he calls “what has happened to me…” — he’s most likely referring to the fact that he’s in prison of all things.

If you were thrown into a Roman prison, it probably wouldn’t make you feel happy.

Paul say