A CULTURE OF JOY WEEK 2: FIGHT FOR JOY STUDY GUIDE
Key Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26
Key Principles:
- The enemy of joy is an ungrateful spirit rooted in self.
- The remedy to self is a revelation of grace and glory.
- Identify the things you are grateful for and give thanks.
- Don’t over-ask of people and things.
- Balance joyless people with joyful people.
- Keep seeking Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
Read Galatians 5:16-26
• What would it look like in your life to more readily ‘walk’ or ‘keep in step’ with the Spirit?
• Do you find that your source of joy is Jesus—or do you struggle with seeking joy in people, places and things?
• Are there people or things in your life that God has blessed you with that you often take for granted? How does that lack of appreciation affect your joy?
• Examine your closest relationships. Do you need have a good balance of joyless and joyful people in the mix? Do you need to add more of a joyful presence to your relationships and separate from joyless people?
• Do you identify with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in a personal way—as in; God did that for ME? If not, do you find that you struggle with feeling entitled or ashamed?
• Can you think of a time when you were ungrateful for something that you received? What did your ungratefulness do to jour level of joy?
• Can you identify the habits in your life that can help cultivate fruit flourishing?
• How can you submit more to the will of the Holy Spirit living in you?
Next Steps: Commit to living out your faith this week.
• Make a commitment to seek Jesus as your source of joy—don’t seek joy from a source that cannot produce joy. Live gratefully—create a gratitude journal and write down the things that you are thankful for—and then thank God. Create joyful community—balance joyless people in your life with joyful people,
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
• Heavenly Father, we want to be a people who live our lives with a culture of joy. Thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, help me always to stay connected to the root of joy and to not seek my joy from the blessings that you have provided. As we seek to reflect your joy, use us to bring joy to those who desperately need you in their lives.