SERMON OUTLINE FOR FURTHER STUDY/REFLECTION
KEY VERSES
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” Psalm 51:12
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” Psalm 126:2
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:10-11
"For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2b
SERMON INTRO:
"Bad Dad Jokes" by Pastors
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdi_yp9FA-I
INTRODUCTION
o Learning to Laugh Again
o Danger of Joyless Christians
BIBLICAL JOY (1 Thess. 1:6; Gal. 5:22)
o Flows from our Salvation in Christ
o Spiritual Fruit - Gladness in our Soul
RESTORING LOST JOY (Ps. 51:12)
o Spiritual Examination (grieving the Spirit)
o Abiding in Christ (choosing obedience-brings joy)
LIVING AS PRAISING PRIEST (1 Peter 2:9, Dr. Miller)
o Joy is the Mood of Heaven
o From Gloom to Glory
GROWING DEEPER IN REFLECTION
1. Do you remember the last time you had a good laugh? What made you laugh?
2. If this applies to you, what made you lose your Christian joyful spirit? What might be the danger?
3. What makes joy different than happiness? (hint – Galatians 5:22)
3. Do you remember a time you experienced joy in a difficult situation? What made this possible?
4. What steps do you need to take to restore your spiritual abiding-joy with Jesus?
5. How will you witness/share the JOY OF CHRIST with others this Christmas?
May the joy of the Lord be your strength!
Pastor Trevor