WEEK 6 SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS

Community: Sharing joys and sorrows.

Introduction:

This week, as we reflect and practice Community together, we’re reminded that God created us to share life, not just the joys, but the struggles and sorrows as well. It’s in being truly known that we experience the comfort and pleasure of real connection.

Something To Talk About:

Community is something we all long for but aren’t always sure how to achieve it. Jesus shows us the way to true community.

Jesus designed our lives together to be filled with joy: When we find our happiness in God, we want to share that happiness with others. Sharing joy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a powerful act that strengthens relationships. Sharing joy creates bonds of connection and trust. When we celebrate together, we forge stronger relationships, knowing that we have each other’s support during joyful moments and challenging times. It also amplifies our happiness. A Swedish proverb says, “Shared joy is double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.” Sharing joy makes our happiness feel even greater, and it brings light to the lives of those around us. Sharing our joy can be a powerful act of love and encouragement. When we openly express happiness, we can inspire others to find their own joy and celebrate life’s blessings. Joy, when shared, transforms from a personal feeling into a contagious force, affecting both the giver and the receiver.
Jesus designed our life together to be around sorrow: Sorrow is an undeniable part of life and an experience that Jesus himself knew intimately. Jesus knew the role he had to take on, to become truly a man of sorrows, and in that sorrow to allow us to blossom as a people of hope. He was mindful of the pain to come, and yet he took heart in the expansive divine love He was fulfilling. Jesus understands sorrow: He experienced suffering and grief, demonstrating empathy for human struggles. Sorrow can lead to spiritual growth, fostering dependence on God, repentance from sin, and a deeper appreciation for His comfort and love. Jesus offers comfort and hope in sorrow: He is our advocate, and His suffering offers redemption and a promise of future joy. People are called to comfort one another: The example of Jesus shows the importance of sharing sorrow and offering compassion. Sorrow can be turned into joy: The ultimate hope is eternal life and perfect fellowship with God, where there will be no more sorrow or suffering. In summary, while sorrow is a present reality, Jesus’ teachings offer a framework for understanding its purpose and a path to find comfort, hope, and ultimately, joy through Him.

Discussion Questions:

What is the difference between worldly happiness and the spiritual joy that comes from God?
How does God’s presence in our lives contribute to our joy?
Can you describe a time when you experienced God’s joy and how it sustained you?
What are some common obstacles that prevent us from experiencing God’s joy?
How can we be a light and a witness to others by sharing our joy?
How can we encourage others to experience the joy that comes from God?
How can we actively seek out opportunities to share God’s joy with the world?
What lessons have you learned through sorrow and suffering? Have you ever experienced a time when pain sharpened your character?
Have you ever seen someone who was suffering extraordinarily but demonstrated extraordinary confidence in God? If so, how did it change the way you think about suffering and faith?
What do you think God may be trying to do in your life as a result of the difficult circumstances you’re facing?
How do you react to pain being used for discipline?
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? What challenged you?

Take one thing home with you:

God can accomplish something out of the negatives of life: One of the paradoxes of Christianity is that our good God uses pain for our good. Meaning that our biggest sorrows can result in our greatest joy. When you think about Jesus’ greatest sorrow – suffering the shame, punishment, and death for our sin, the result was great joy – the redemption of humanity and the opportunity for a relationship with the living God. The Jewish religious leaders envied Jesus Christ’s wisdom and popularity. They did not believe He was the promised Messiah, and they devised a plot to accuse Him and bring Him to trial falsely. After a mockery of justice, cruel beatings, and appalling indignities, Jesus was crucified. It would be easy to look at these men for what they were. But God looked at them as human agents used by God to accomplish God’s bigger purposes. Jesus knew He had been sent into the world to offer His life as a pure sacrifice to pay the debt of man’s sin against God. The wicked actions of His enemies enabled Him to fulfill God’s purpose of redemption.