Our culture is driven by pleasure-seeking and the pursuit of beauty. In many ways, there is nothing quite like the peaks of pleasure or the depths of awesome beauty. Yet, we often find our hunger goes unsatisfied, even when we taste pleasure and beauty. Why is that? What is it about this hunger that connects with the way God has made us and what we can find in Him?
Key Texts: Genesis 1:27; Psalm 19:1; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Song of Songs 4:7; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Philippians 4:8
Sermon OutlinE
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
The Hunger for Joy
Common Joys
- The Joy of Childbearing/Children (John 16:21, John 1:14)
- The Joy of Relationships (Song of Songs 4:10, Isaiah 62:5, John 15:13)
- The Joy of Music/singing (Psalm 30:11, Isaiah 51:11)
- The Joy of Nature (Psalm 19:1-2, Psalm 89: 11-12)
- The Joy of Celebrations (Revelation 19:9)
Joy in Christ (Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 16:11, 126:3)
Joy Stealers
- Sin (Romans 1:18-32)
- Trials (James 1:2-4)
Practical Steps to Joy
- Feast on the Word of God (Psalm 119:11, John 6:35)
- Praise/Worship God (Psalm 100: 1-2)
- Enjoy Nature (Psalm 19: 1-2)
- Come to Jesus (Revelation 3:20, Isaiah 35)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What common joys (Childbearing/children, relationships, music, nature, celebrations) do you relate to the most and why?
- As we continue our journey through Lent this weekend with the “Hungry for God” series, this week we are looking at the hunger for joy. Begin today’s study by reading Romans 15:13 aloud, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Take a minute or two to let those words sink in. Next, ask God to speak to you as you begin this study.
- Read John 16:21 and Luke 1:14, why is the birth of a child a joyful occasion? What is it about babies that bring us joy?
- Read Song of songs 4:10 in the context of marriage relationships. Why does being with someone else we love bring us joy?
- Read John 15:13, share with the group a friend that has brought joy to your life and whom you have affected in a positive manner.
- What is it about music/songs that brings joy to our lives? Has worship songs or the presence of God impacted you (read Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 55:11)
- How does Jesus bring lasting joy to our lives (Galatians 5: 22-23, Psalm 126:3)
- Sin steals our joy. Read Romans 1:18-32 take time to pray and confess any known sin and ask God to restore the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:9-12)
- Why is the Word of God important in keeping us safe from sin (Psalm 119:11)
- What is God speaking to you personally through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Romans 15:13 this week.
- Take Off: Take off something that has become corrupted, distracting and is stealing your joy in the Lord. What will you step away from this week in order to draw near to God and find joy in Him?
- Put On: Go outside this week to enjoy God’s creation: go on a hike, watch the sunrise or sunset, sit outside and enjoy natural beauty somewhere. Thank God, for relationships that bring you joy. Feast on the Word of God. Let it guide you so you can might not sin against God. Listen to music and sing praises to God.