Small group discussion card
Because of Jesus, a lifestyle of joy is
absolutely possible.
week three:
“the gift
oF Joy”
Opener Question: (choose one)
• What is one thing that would make you truly happy?
• On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? Explain.
Scripture Reference:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Discussion Questions:
• What is the difference between happiness and joy?
• Why is it God’s will for you to be joyful?
• What steals your joy?
• How does the phrase “in Christ Jesus” help us figure out how to be joyful? Does that help you?
How do I choose joy?
1. Choose to really hear the Good News.
Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I
bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”
• What is the Good News? As a group, list at least 10 bullet points about the Good News of Jesus.
• What item(s) on our ist just don’t really help or encourage you?
• What is one piece of Good News God would really like you to hear these days?
James 1:2-3(NLT) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know
that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
• What keeps you from finding joy in trials?
• What is your advice to someone who is not finding joy in their trials?
2. Choose to see for yourself what is true.
Luke 2:15 “When the angels had left them and gone into
heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to
Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the
Lord has told us about.’”
• What efforts have you made to see for yourself what is true about the Gospel or the Bible?
• How has that gone for you?
• Name one part of the Scriptures you have not tested for yourself yet.
John 16:2 “Until now you have not asked for anything in
My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will
be complete.”
• To what degree does your prayer life “make your joy complete”? Why?
• What are you asking of God currently?
• What do you think God would like us to know about prayer?
3. Choose to care about others.
Luke 2:17 “When they had seen Him, they spread the word
concerning what had been told them about this child...”
• What keeps you from telling more people about how amazing Jesus is?
• Did you commit to pray for one person, for one minute, at 1pm daily until Christmas? Tell us
about it.
The best is yet to come!
• Do you believe the best is yet to come? Why or why not?
Psalm 126:5 “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs
of joy.”
• How would God like to turn your tears into songs
of joy?
• Pray for one another and your 1 + 1 + 1 persons.
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