January 2, 2022 – Full Service
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January 2, 2022 – Sermon Only
Message Study Notes for January 2, 2022
Series: Restore the Joy; Title: Restore the Joy
Joy is an entitled right of God’s people and flows to us from God himself. However, the trials and lust of life can hold that joy captive. The good news is there is a way out to a joy restored.
God’s promise of Joy.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
John 15:10-11 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Two categories of joy killers:
Trials
What is the antidote for trials stealing our joy?
James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7
Lust
What is the antidote for lust stealing our joy?
First: Define areas of greatest temptation.
Second: Don’t dwell on the lust.
James 1:14-15, Philippians 4:8-9
Third: Pray to God for others’ wellbeing.
Fourth: Filter lustful information.
Fifth: Meditate on Scripture.
Romans 12:2
Sixth: Focus on gratitude for what you have.
Psalm 126:3, Psalm 86:12
Family/Group Study Notes for January 2, 2022
Series: Restore the Joy; Title: Restore the Joy
Share with your family or group the things that brought the most joy over the holidays.
Share with each other what stole your joy over the past year. Why?
Read Romans 15:13. What is this passage saying to you? What are the promises? What do you need to believe from God to be filled with joy? How are joy and hope connected for you?
Read John 15:10-11. What is Jesus promising us in this passage? What is the command? How does this command make joy possible and sustainable?
What kind of trials over the past couple years have stolen or dampened your joy? Share with each other. Read James 1:2-4. What is James helping us know in this passage? Think back through your trials. How have you seen God moving in those times? What has God taught you about yourself? What has God taught you about your trust in Him? How has He prepared you for the future and as a better Christian?
Is there anything that you need or want that is keeping you from a full life of Joy? Why is that? Read 1 John 2:15-17. What is the warning in this passage? What is the struggle if you don’t already have the joy of Jesus as the foundation of your life? Why does searching for joy outside of Jesus in your heart only lead to temporary satisfaction and therefore diminishes a life of joy?
Gather in your group or family and pray for each other and a deep abiding joy of Jesus to fill each of you.