Joy

 Theme:

Perspective

Title:

Joy

Desired Outcomes:

To have members understand that joy and happiness are not the same. That joy can overcome anything and everything in this world if it’s allowed. If it’s chosen. Even if everything in your life isn’t perfect, God’s joy can dwell in you as you dwell in Him

Core Scriptures:

• Luke 2:8–12
• Galatians 5:22–23
• Philippians 1:11 and 4:6–7
• James 1:2–4 
• Proverbs 27:20

Welcome:

Any fun and welcoming Icebreaker that gets the members moving, on their feet, where all the members can participate in. If there are new members be careful not to create a space where they feel exposed or uncomfortable.

Word:

Introduce the message by asking the following questions:

• Have you ever been so happy that you felt like you would burst?
• What occasion or event caused you to feel that way?
• Wouldn’t it be great if we could continuously feel that kind of happiness?
• Have you ever experienced a disappointment that left you feeling like all happiness was
  sucked out of your life?
• What caused that feeling?

In 2017, Time Magazine conducted a survey that found only 33% of the American
population says they are happy. So, that means that if I look around this room about 3 out of every 10 people would say they feel happy.

• If you don’t feel happy, then how you do feel?
• What do you think people would say who don’t feel happy?

Unfortunately, happiness is a fleeting feeling – it doesn’t last forever because it’s a feeling.

The Bible makes a significant distinction between joy and happiness.

• When the word “happy” or “happiness” is mentioned, it’s referring to a feeling, like we just
  mentioned.
• Romans 12:15 (NLT) says... “Be happy with those who are happy and weep with those
  who weep.”
• 2 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT) says “I am very happy now because I have complete confidence
  in you.”

But joy is not a feeling or emotion; it goes much deeper than that.

• John 15:11. (NLT) These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that
  your joy may be full.
• Do you think of God/Jesus as being joyful?
  • Because in this scripture we read that God desires that His joy will dwell in you and
    become part of who you are.
  • It’s actually an extension of God’s joy that lives in you.
• Joy can overcome anything and everything in this world if it’s allowed. If it’s chosen.
  • With joy, there is hope.
  • With joy, hardship offers growth and opportunity.
  • Joy is a state of being, a state of peace and content.
    
• Let’s also think about this... God always does everything to the fullest.
  • He doesn’t partially save and redeem you – He completely redeems your life.
  • He doesn’t give you partial peace; He gives you total peace in your heart, soul, and mind.
  • So, of course, God wants your joy to be “full.”
• Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought this before – “I could be happy if _______.”
  • Maybe the “blank” in your life is...
    - If I had a best friend or someone to talk to...
    - If my parents didn’t fight...
    - If my family had more money...
    - If I made better grades in school…

The difference between happiness and joy is that you can have empty blanks in your life
and still feel peace, hope, and joy.

• How? Because God doesn’t leave you with empty blanks – He fills them and makes you
  complete.
• Even if everything in your life isn’t perfect, God’s joy can dwell in you as you dwell in Him.
  • Happiness is what happens to you; joy is what is produced in you.
  • Happiness is insecure; joy is confident.
    • Do you find it easy to be full of joy? Why or why not?
  • Happiness is dictated by the facts; joy is defined by the truth.
    •  Are you in the habit of counting your blessings when things get tough?

Key Thoughts:

• Scripture’s resounding theme is that Christians should experience
  abundant, overflowing joy.
  • Who are three of the most joyful people that you know? What
    makes these people so joyful?
• Joy remains elusive for some of us because we do not pursue joy—we
  pursue happiness, that transitory feeling of fulfilment.
  • Have you sought fulfilment through money and possessions?
    As you have achieved your financial goals, have you become content or created new
    financial goals?
• The depth of joy we experience depends on the depth of our
  relationship with the Lord.
  • Is anything currently hindering you in your relationship with
    God?
• A full relationship with the Lord means that we wholeheartedly devote
  ourselves to him and do not flirt with the world.
  • What are some things that divide your affection for the Lord?
  • Which ones do you succumb to most?
    
• No one takes our joy from us. We choose whether we will relinquish it
  because of a situation, person, or sin or whether we will cultivate and nurture it.
  • Can you think of some ways that Satan seeks to steal your
    joy