The Gospel According To Peanuts
Default To Joy
It’s not so much what happens to us that makes the difference – it’s how we choose to look at it. If we really believe God is working in our lives and that we’re living for eternity, it changes how we see all things. In this series, we’ll look at how to frame our past, present, and future up in light of God’s big plan.
Links
Series
Speakers
Joël Malm
Teaching Pastor
Christmas 2024 – Week 2
Default to Joy
1Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. “Joy is the serious business of heaven.” – C.S. Lewis
Hebrews 12:1-3
...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Key Point: If we want to be like Jesus, joy needs to be our default setting. “God comes to us disguised as our life.” – Paula D’Arcy
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.
TITLE:
Default To Joy
Week of 12-8-24
TEXT:
1 Timothy 6:17
CHECKING IN
If this is your first-time meeting as a group, or a new group member, introduce yourselves.
Share with the group what you hope to get out of this GROW Group series.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Timothy 6:17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
MAIN POINT
If we want to be LIKE JESUS, joy NEEDS to be our DEFAULT setting.
INTRODUCTION
As your group time begins, use this section to introduce the topic of discussion. Last week we discussed the Christmas holiday and how it can change how we feel because of the season. This week we will discuss joy. And how in the holiday season of joy, we can get caught up in the stress that we don't see things as blessings and joyful, but the complete opposite.
QUESTION:
What if a big part of honoring god with our life, is enjoying what he has given to us in our life?
UNDERSTANDING/DIGGING DEEPER
“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” – C.S. Lewis
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Hebrews 12:1-3 Unpack Hebrews 12:1-3 "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Everything that God has given you.. He actually wants you to enjoy it. God takes our joy seriously, and of the biggest things that we can do as believers is to enjoy all of the things that God has given us in our lives. Joy is the goal, and it is the sense of stability and constancy. Joy leads to hope of what God has done for us and what He will continue to do.
APPLICATION
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 Explain what King Solomon is trying to communicate in this passage?
THINK ABOUT IT:
Jesus found joy in the middle of the most challenging of situations. We as humans either see the positive or negative things of a situation and we wonder where joy is found. Interesting enough, it is most found in the middle.. That is what Jeus did. He didn’t ignore the reality (negative side) of the situation, but He set an example of looking towards something higher and found Joy.
COMMENTARY
Life happens and sometimes there are situations that happen that are really hard to deal with. But we must look to something higher (JESUS) and find the perfect middle and be joyful in every situation.
FOLLOW UP
Throughout this week, consider sending a follow-up email to your group. Some suggestions:
❏ Questions to consider as you continue to reflect on what you learned this week:
How can our group pray for you this week about the challenges you are facing, so that you can have victory?
When are you most prone to Satan’s attacks? List a couple of them, then prepare ahead of time for the potential attacks.
❏ A note of encouragement, following up on any specific prayer requests mentioned during your group gathering.
❏ Remember to memorize 1 Timothy 6:17 and seek ways to apply it this week