From Roots to Fruits (Week 2 - Joy) [idea 2: adapting small group curriculum)

Attention Grabber:

Imagine you're walking along a beach, enjoying the warm sun and the sound of waves.

As you stroll, you notice something sparkling in the sand.

You bend down and pick it up, expecting to find a valuable diamond.

Instead, you find a shiny rock that momentarily catches your eye but soon loses its luster.

Now, let's imagine another scenario.

You're in a jewelry store, admiring a display of exquisite diamonds.

Each diamond reflects light in a unique and dazzling way, showcasing its beauty and value.

Unlike the shiny rock from the beach, these diamonds hold timeless allure and worth.

In this illustration, the shiny rock represents the fleeting happiness we often chase in life.

It may look appealing at first glance, but its allure quickly fades, leaving us searching for the next momentary thrill.

On the other hand, the diamonds symbolize the deep and enduring joy that comes from a relationship with God. Like diamonds, God's joy is precious, lasting, and radiant, bringing beauty and richness to every aspect of our lives.

As we delve into our lesson today, let's explore the difference between the temporary happiness of shiny rocks and the everlasting joy of diamonds, and discover how we can experience the true joy that comes from God alone.

Lesson Proper:

Let me begin by asking you an important question:

What is joy?

Joy is something that goes to the deepest part of who we are.

It is a unique experience that we have access to as Christians.

That’s what makes it so powerful.

Joy is so deep, it can’t be touched by troubles, questions, or problems.

Psalm 28:7 NLT

7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Q. What is the connection between joy and strength?

The Lord’s uses his strength to help us, and this gives us joy

Q. How does joy make you stronger?

God is strong

God lives in me

Choosing joy = hard (like flexing a muscle)

God manifests his strength in us through our joy in Him

Q. Where does God’s joy come from?

From Himself and His glory first

From us second

Q. At what point does joy start in your life?

Psalm 51:10–12 NLT

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

Q. After hearing those verses, do you feel like you can relate to what was written? Why or why not?

Q. Does joy come from salvation automatically?

Yes!

But we still have to “tap into it” in order to experience it in its fullness

Q. What things in our lives tend to steal our joy?

Circumstances

Q. Is there something in your life that helps restore your joy? What is it?

Prayer

1 Peter 1:8 NLT

8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.

Why would we choose to love Jesus?

Because He is trustworthy (which is why “you trust him”)

Does loving Jesus bring us joy? Why or why not?

Yes!

Lots of things can provide us with happiness, but only Jesus can give us true “joy” in the Christian sense of the term.

In the Christian world, we often make a distinction between “joy” and “happiness.”

And believe that there is Biblical merit for this.

Here are some differences between the two:

Joy:

Is based on what God has done for you.

Can only come from God.

Is permanent and will not leave you, no matter what.

Is God-centered.

Happiness:

Is based on what you can do for yourself.

Can come from lots of places, but not all good.

Is temporary and disappears quickly.

Is You-centered.

Q. What other differences are there between joy and happiness?

Illustration:

Q. When you ride in a car listening to the radio and you go through a tunnel, what happens to the music? [It fades or disappears]

Q. When you ride in a car listening to a cd or music on your phone and you go through a tunnel, what happens to the music? [Nothing! It continues!]

Q. How is this like happiness and joy?

[radio = happiness, cd/phone = joy, tunnel = trials]

Q. Does God ever promise us eternal happiness in this lifetime?

[No, but he does promise eternal joy!]

Psalm 16:11 NLT

11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

We’ve all had troubles in this life, and you might even have some more this week, but let’s pray that we’ll all allow the joy that God gives us to keep us strong and walking with Him everyday!

PRAY

Small Group Questions:

How would you describe the difference between happiness and joy based on our discussion and the opening illustration?

Reflecting on the illustration of the diamond and the shiny rock, what aspects of your life have represented "shiny rocks" (temporary happiness) and "diamonds" (lasting joy)?

In your opinion, why do people often confuse happiness with joy, and how does this misunderstanding affect their outlook on life?

Think about a time when you experienced deep joy that came from God. What were the circumstances, and how did it impact your perspective or actions?

What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate and nurture joy in our daily lives, especially during challenging times?

How does understanding the difference between happiness and joy affect the way you approach difficult situations or trials in life?