December 8th, 2024
by Tony Stephens
by Tony Stephens
Small Group Bible Study: Behold: A Savior Is Born – The Joy of Anticipation
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to the message of joy in Christ's coming.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy can be found in what will be, not just what is.
2. Good news brings great joy.
3. There is joy on the other side of challenges when we focus on Christ.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions Elizabeth and her unborn child's joyful response to Mary's presence. How can we cultivate joy in anticipation of what God will do, even when we can't see the results yet?
2. Reflect on the shepherds' experience. How does the "good news of great joy" impact your daily life? How can we share this joy with others?
3. The pastor said, "Sometimes just anticipating God showing up can be enough to lift our spirits." Share a time when anticipating God's presence or work brought you joy in a difficult situation.
4. How does understanding Jesus' joy "for the joy set before him" (Hebrews 12:2) change your perspective on facing challenges?
5. Discuss the difference between happiness and joy as described in the Dwight L. Moody quote. How can we cultivate lasting joy that flows "right on through trouble"?
Practical Applications:
1. Joy Sharing: Plan a small gathering with family or friends to intentionally share joys and blessings from the past year.
2. Good News Journal: Start a daily practice of writing down one piece of "good news" – big or small – that brings you joy.
3. Focus Shift: When facing a difficult situation this week, practice shifting your focus to the "joy on the other side" by imagining positive outcomes and God's faithfulness.
4. Spread the Joy: Choose one way to share the joy of Christ with someone outside your usual circle this week (e.g., baked goods for a neighbor, encouraging note to a coworker).
5. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Hebrews 12:2 this week, reflecting on Christ's example of enduring with joy.
Closing Prayer:
Close by thanking God for the joy found in Christ and asking for help to live out this joy in daily life.
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to the message of joy in Christ's coming.
Key Takeaways:
1. Joy can be found in what will be, not just what is.
2. Good news brings great joy.
3. There is joy on the other side of challenges when we focus on Christ.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions Elizabeth and her unborn child's joyful response to Mary's presence. How can we cultivate joy in anticipation of what God will do, even when we can't see the results yet?
2. Reflect on the shepherds' experience. How does the "good news of great joy" impact your daily life? How can we share this joy with others?
3. The pastor said, "Sometimes just anticipating God showing up can be enough to lift our spirits." Share a time when anticipating God's presence or work brought you joy in a difficult situation.
4. How does understanding Jesus' joy "for the joy set before him" (Hebrews 12:2) change your perspective on facing challenges?
5. Discuss the difference between happiness and joy as described in the Dwight L. Moody quote. How can we cultivate lasting joy that flows "right on through trouble"?
Practical Applications:
1. Joy Sharing: Plan a small gathering with family or friends to intentionally share joys and blessings from the past year.
2. Good News Journal: Start a daily practice of writing down one piece of "good news" – big or small – that brings you joy.
3. Focus Shift: When facing a difficult situation this week, practice shifting your focus to the "joy on the other side" by imagining positive outcomes and God's faithfulness.
4. Spread the Joy: Choose one way to share the joy of Christ with someone outside your usual circle this week (e.g., baked goods for a neighbor, encouraging note to a coworker).
5. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Hebrews 12:2 this week, reflecting on Christ's example of enduring with joy.
Closing Prayer:
Close by thanking God for the joy found in Christ and asking for help to live out this joy in daily life.
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