Life Group Questions

2. Describe your understanding of Joy (cf. John 15:11). What is the joy that Jesus offers those who follow him? What does it mean that joy is a fruit of the Spirit?

3. Do you see a distinction between joy and happiness? Can you give a biblical case for that distinction? Can you see how the Bible often uses happiness and joy synonymously (cf. Psalm 21:6-7; 32:11; 35:27; 40:16; 70:4; 118:24, etc.)?

4. What are some common things in which we can find joy and happiness? Is it wrong to find happiness and joy in created things? How can we incorporate God as Creator into our experience of joy in His creation?

5. To whom do you think God shares joy and happiness with? Do you think the world, lost people, can experience joy and happiness (cf. Acts 14:16-17; Job 20:5; Luke 16:25)? How does their joy and happiness compare to that of God’s people?

6. What does it mean that God is the source of Joy? How does that concept enlighten our sense of joy? How can we do better at making God the main object of our joy and happiness (cf. Psalm 5:11; 16:11; 32:1-11; Luke 10:17; Philippians 4:4)? What did David mean by asking God to restore the joy of salvation to him (cf. Psalm 51)?