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THE FRUIT OF JOY
Fruit-Full | Part 2
Springcreek Church | Pastor Keith Stewart
September 29, 2024

#god #realspringcreekchurch #fruitfull #thefruitofjoy #joy #habits #attitudes
https://www.springcreekchurch.org/

One of the best arguments for Christianity is Christians when they are seen as people full of joy. And one of the best arguments against Christianity is Christians when they are seen as self-righteous, smug and angry all the time. As we continue to examine the fruit of the Spirit, this week we want to dive deeply into the fountain of joy. In this message, we're going to see God for Who He really is (the most Joyful Being in the universe). We're going to look at the habits and attitudes that rob us of our joy and learn how to have a joy that is impervious to adverse circumstances.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Pastor Keith talked about how God is the most Joyful Being in the universe. He gave several examples of this. What other examples can you see, whether practical or in Scripture, of the joy of God? Would you say that the way you see God (your God image) has always incorporated His joy? Why or why not? Are there things about the way you see God that might need healing or correction?

2. How is joy different from happiness? What are the limitations of happiness? Have you ever gotten trapped in a cycle of searching for happiness highs? Describe what that was like.

3. The word joy and rejoice are interrelated words. Joy is derived from being with God and allowing His Spirit to fill our lives and rejoice is something we train ourselves to do repeatedly in life – to return to the source of joy (God Himself). In what ways do we drift from God? How does being in pain or facing adversity shift our focus from God and onto something else? Has this ever happened to you? If you’re willing, share it with the group.

4. Legalism is a surefire way to rob you of joy because with legalism, I don’t feel assured that Christ is enough. Instead I feel compelled to add something to His completed work. So with legalism, it’s always Jesus + something else. Why does legalism rob us of joy? Have you ever known or been a legalist? Pastor Keith talked about having a great week with God followed by a terrible week then asked the question, “Which week did God love you more?” If you felt He loved you more when everything was going right, it’s an indicator that there is some remnant of legalism still holding onto you. On what basis do we know that God’s love is constant and unchanging? Cite Scriptures if you know any that would back up your claim.

5. Gratitude is one of the surest signs of joy. I find such contentment in God and know how He takes delight in me, that I become consciously aware that the evidence of His delight is all around me even when nothing is going right. Have you ever tried the 30-day Gratitude Experiment? How much is gratitude a part of your intentional daily routine?

6. Paul gives us a powerful example of how God worked through his imprisonment in the book of Philippians. So even in the midst of adversity, Paul maintains a type of unshakable joy. In fact, his joy is so great, that it literally becomes the theme of the book of Philippians. How was God at work in Paul’s imprisonment? How has God worked in your life during times of illness, pain, adversity or persecution? Sometimes, we can’t see all that God is doing in the moment, but in retrospect, everything becomes clear. Are there things in your past that you went through that were extremely difficult, but now in looking back, you can clearly see the hand of God? What was that?