Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Galatians 5:22-23), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• Because God is Triune, God is joyful, living in the sheer delight of eternal communion. This God made the world, and made us to share in his joy. But, in our sin, we have sought our happiness apart from relationship with him, and have brought misery and ruin into the world. Can you believe that the world was made by a joyful God? Can you believe that his intention for you is joy? Where do you seek your joy? Do you have hope of securing complete and lasting joy?

• “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Jesus is the Lord of joy, the joyful God come in the flesh to welcome us back into God’s joy as we abide in him. The Christ-centered Spirit grows the fruit of Christ’s own joy in us by uniting us to Christ and keeping us focused on Christ. What do you think about Jesus as the Lord of joy? Is joy a primary aspect of your relationship with Jesus? If not, why not?

• Read Luke 10:1-24. Jesus “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit,” and his celebration consisted of knowing God the Father and making him known by his grace. Jesus tells us that this should be the reason for our rejoicing, too, over and above the joys even of “success in ministry.” Knowing God as your Father through faith in Jesus means having a joy that no one can take from you (John 16:22). Is the unassailable joy of knowing God and making him known what energizes you? Does it buoy you during hard times? Is it your anchor during pleasant times?

• What are some examples from your life when it has been hard to keep rejoicing in your relationship with God? How can you turn your attention to Christ and recover your joy during times like these?