Rejoice in the Lord (Dr. Josh Crockett)
"Rejoice in the Lord" (Philippians 4:4)
1. Understanding Joy vs. Happiness:
How do you understand the difference between happiness and joy? How does that impact the way you face life’s ups and downs?
2. Reflecting on Past Trials:
Think of a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your response demonstrate joy, or how could you have responded differently if grounded in joy rather than happiness?
3. Choosing Joy in Hard Circumstances:
In what current situations do you struggle to find joy? How does knowing Paul’s circumstances encourage you to choose joy?
4. Looking to God, Not Circumstances:
What steps can you take to shift your focus from your circumstances to the Lord when things don’t go as you’d hoped?
5. Joy as a Witness to Others:
How can your joy in trials be a testimony to those around you? Who in your life might need to see the power of joy through you?
6. Embracing God’s Control:
What areas of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God’s control? How does that affect your sense of joy?
7. Guarding Against Joy-Robbers:
Are there thoughts, people, or habits that regularly rob you of your joy? How can you guard your heart and mind against them?
8. Reflecting on Your Salvation:
How often do you stop to reflect on the joy of your salvation? What daily practices can help you focus on the joy that comes from being in Christ?
9. Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth:
What steps can you take this week to cultivate joy as a “fruit of the Spirit”? How might daily time in the Word and prayer help you develop lasting joy?
10. Handling Unchangeable Circumstances:
Reflect on a “thorn in your side” or an ongoing trial. How might seeing it as a means for God to work joy and spiritual maturity in you change your perspective?