Joy

Sermon Notes February 3, 2019 John 15:9-11 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus on: Jesus’ words and ministry aim to fill us with His joy Some Questions for Discussion: 1. Let’s begin by asking: a. Are there topics you’d like us to discuss? b. Is there something which the Lord spoke to you about this morning? c. Did you write down any ideas you want to talk about, questions you have? 2. What, according to Jesus, is a. His reason for saying/teaching as He did? How does this affect how we read the Word? b. His reason(s) for answering our prayers – see 16:24? How does this change the way we pray? 3. Discuss the meaning of the following: a. What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus? How do we actually do it? b. What do you think of when you think of a ‘fruitful’ life? c. We hear a lot about love being unconditional. i. What does the bible say about God’s love in this regard? ii. Is Christ’s love conditional? Discuss verse 10. 4. Joy a. Can joy co-exist with sorrow? Explain II Cor. 6:10, or Hebrews 12:2. b. Are there greater and lesser joys? [What does III John 4 say to parents?] c. Can you give examples (from ordinary life) of how people are willing to suffer for a time in order to gain joy in the future? 5. How do you recognize whether or not people are joyful? What makes such people a delight to be around? 6. How do you recognize whether or not you have joy? What does it feel like, what are the marks of joy in your life? 7. Based on this text, what practical steps can we take to experience the joy Jesus promises here? 8. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?