Practicing GODliness - Message 6 - JOY

Study Questions:

I. Consider the following passages of Scripture, and then describe what each one teaches about the Christian life.

• John 10:10
• Romans 14:17-18
• Philippians 4:4
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16

II. Christian joy is essentially the enjoyment of communion with God (see Psalm 16:11). In view of this, what do Psalm 66:18 and Isaiah 59:2 suggest concerning a common hindrance to joy?

What, then, should be one of the first things we do when we are not experiencing the joy of the Lord?

III. Another hindrance to joy is misplaced confidence. According to Luke 10:20 and Philippians 3:1, what should be the source of our joy?

From the surrounding context of these two passages, list some things we often tend to substitute as the source of our joy.

IV. When the Lord disciplines us, it often causes us to lose our joy. How can an awareness of the teaching of Hebrews 12:5-11 help us regain true joy?

V. Romans 5:2-5 and James 1:2-4 give us God’s perspective regarding trials of our faith that He either allows or sends into our lives. What is this perspective, and how could it help you maintain joy in the midst of trials?

VI. What promise is given to us in Roman 8:28?

Does the fulfillment of this promise depend on our believing it? Explain your answer.

Do the joy and comfort the promise is intended to bring to us in times of trial depend on our believing that promise? Again, explain your answer.

How can the message of Romans 15:13 help us appropriate the promise of Romans 8:28?

VII. David acknowledged that his sin had caused him to lose the joy of his salvation (see Psalm 51:12). What action did he take to regain that joy (see Psalm 32:3-5)?

Trace the upward progression of David’s thoughts from oppression to joy in Psalm 32:5,7,10-11. Why do you think this progression occurred?

VIII. Taking the long-range view of life helps us increase our joy. Study the following passages of Scripture, and then describe what it means to take the long-range view.

Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 10:34; 1 Peter 1:6

IX. Giving thanks in all circumstances also enhances our joy (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). How do you think we can do this?

Why can we rejoice in the midst of our trials?

X. Read chapter 9 of The Practice of Godliness. Then review your answers to see if you want to revise any of them. Write down any additional thoughts from chapter 9 that you want to remember.

XI. List two or three verses of Scripture used in this lesson or in chapter 9 of the book to help you grow in your joy. How can you master these verses so they will be effective in your life?

Source: Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges