Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Introduction
Joy is experienced when hopes are fulfilled or in anticipation of hopes being fulfilled. In the Bible we see joy at an abundant harvest or fruitfulness. This joy is then extended into our relationship with God when we see the fruitfulness of God at work.
Bible Zone
- Joy through fruitfulness - Joy from God likened to joy at the harvest
- Joy in Christ’s victory - Great joy because Jesus won the victory.
- Joy through God’s work in people - Joy when those we care about are fruitful
- Joy through overcoming - Joy at anticipation of a harvest of righteousness
- Joy from God - God gives us joy.
Joy comes through seeing an abundance of fruitfulness.
- Think about an agricultural community. Why would they have joy at harvest?
- How have you experienced joy?
Psalm 4: 7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
Jesus gives hope of a future joy to the disciples before His crucifixion. He knows that they need this hope to get them through the trial that is ahead.
- What range of emotions are the disciples to experience?
- When will the disciples experience joy?
- How can joy make us forget previous anguish?
John 16: 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world.
Joy through God’s work in people
When we see that God has won a victory, then we can experience joy. We see these victories most in the transformation of people’s lives
- How has God been at work in Philemon, the one who is being written to?
- How has Paul, the writer, responded to what has been seen?
- In what way is this interaction one of fruitfulness?
Philemon 7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people.
How can we experience joy when there is trouble in life?
- What does James say should give us joy when troubles come?
- What is the form of God’s fruitfulness that James asks us to anticipate?
- How have you seen character changes through hardship?
- In Hebrews 12, how did a future joy motivate Jesus?
James 1: 2 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Hebrews 12: 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.
Sometimes God gives joy directly independent of circumstances.
- What contributed to the people receiving joy in this passage?
- What was to be the result of being filled with joy?
Romans 15: 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
See also Page in Beginnings titled -
Joy
