Joy

 Our culture is constantly pursuing joy and happiness in earthly things like money, power, influence, health, and experiences. While these things may temporarily delight us, they fall short of providing true joy. Instead, the Bible teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit and, as such, cannot be found in physical things. Fullness of joy is found in the presence of God and cannot be stripped away, even in the most desperate circumstances.

Verses Used:

John 15:11

Psalm 16:11

1 Peter 1:6-9

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Discussion Questions:

1) What resonated with you most in this week’s study guide or tonight’s message, and why?

2) When do you find it hardest to hold onto joy?

3) Where is the source of joy, and how can you pursue it better? (See 1 Chronicles 16:27, Psalm 16:11, and Psalm 43:4)

4) How can you maintain joy in trial? Can you think of a time when you were going through something difficult and still managed to maintain joy? How did you do that?

5) What things can you find joy in regardless of your circumstances? (See Psalm 63:7, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 89:13-18, Psalm 145:5-7, Psalm 90:14, and Psalm 94:18-19).

6) Where/when does the Bible say we will have everlasting joy? How does fixing your eyes on that future hope help you have joy even as you walk through this broken world? (See Isaiah 35:5-10, Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:5-7, and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).