When God Feels...Joy (Study Guide)

 “When God Feels…Joy”

Sermon Study Guide for August 31, 2025


Downloadable Version


Scripture: John 16:16-24


1. Joy in the Bible

a. Old Testament

Creation… Genesis 1


Leviathan - Job 41

Luke 15:7 - one sinner who repents

Deuteronomy 30:9-10 - “if”


b. New Testament

Mark 1:11 - baptism

John 11:44 - Lazarus

Hebrews 12:2 - cross



2. Grief Into Joy

a Passover meal…and a long walk


16:20 - grief into joy

a woman giving birth

“The Play”


“the gigantic secret"





Questions to Discuss or Ponder:

  1. What brings you joy? What is the difference between joy and happiness?
  2. When you consider the world, what things in creation bring you joy?
  3. Why do you think that most popular depictions of Jesus show him as somber or sad? How do you typically picture Jesus?
  4. What was the joy that allowed Jesus to endure the cross?
  5. What do you think the disciples were feeling on that night before the crucifixion as Jesus taught them?
  6. When have you experienced grief turning into joy? What happened? How was God working in the midst of your grief?
  7. Why did Chesterton call joy “the gigantic secret of the Christian”? How can you help make it less of a secret?


Scripture for the Week:

Monday - Genesis 1:1-2:3

Tuesday - Job 41:1-34

Wednesday - Mark 1:9-13

Thursday - Hebrews 12:1-6

Friday - Psalm 112

Saturday - Isaiah 49:8-13


In response to this Scripture, how will you live?



Prayer Prompt: Help me experience true joy.

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