Solid Rock Joy • Week 4
Pray to open your time together.
Then play the week one video, and each share something that stood out to you.
Play this video.
Today’s Scripture
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 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. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
- John 15:5-12
Discussion and Personal Application
Applying the scripture passages above, discuss the following questions as a group. Journaling can help make your learnings stick.
From the weekend message, we learned about joy and generosity. We learned of how God loves a cheerful giver. Today, we will explore how Jesus brings joy to us that overflows in a fruitful life.
“Joy is not pleasure, a mere sensation, but a pervasive and constant sense of well-being. Hope in the goodness of God is joy’s indispensable support.”
- Dallas Willard
What is Jesus teaching about the source of fruitfulness and joy? What does he say we must do to experience joy? What specifically does this mean to how we relate to God?
What stands in the way of your fruitfulness and joy? From this week’s teaching, have you struggled with any of the following mindsets: Scarcity – Skepticism – Entitlement? What effect do these have on your joy?
This is key: How does Jesus connect obedience, love, and joy? What does Jesus teach about what is necessary for a fruitful life? How can dependence on God, desire for God, and declaration of God’s blessings make us more joyful?
What do you think is the relationship between your joy and your generosity? What change would be needed to make you a more “cheerful giver”?
Prayer
As we refresh our Unshakeable vision, pray that God will exponentially expand our joy with a pervasive sense of His love, goodness, and provision. Pray for a deeper oneness with Christ that makes us more fruitful and joyful. May God give us a greater vision of His loving generosity pouring out of us in cheerful hearts as we serve our community. And pray that we grow in spiritual maturity, trusting Jesus with the entirety of our lives.
Quick Reminder: Commitment Sunday is next week. This is time to celebrate your Unshakeable Faith. Please bring your commitment cards and be prepared to worship.
