February 12th – February 18th, 2023
Sermon Summary
The joy of the Lord is the gladness of the heart that comes with knowing God, abiding in Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Along the journey of life we are called to rejoice in the Lord always, display the virtue of gentleness and be free from anxiety. We do all this through prayer and supplication, and we rejoice because of the relationship we have with Christ. It’s time to rejoice!
Verse of the Week
Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
4“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.
Going Deeper
Review Philippians 4:4 – 7
1) Based on our brief word study, Paul is telling us “to delight in God’s grace always”. Based on Paul’s own circumstances: Is it humanly possible to rejoice always? Does rejoicing always mean that you are supposed to deny hurt, pain or sorrow?
1b) Does rejoicing always mean that you will never feel sad or depressed, and is it wrong to do so?
2) Events in our everyday lives could easily detract from finding joy in the Lord. Identify aspects of the joy of the world that can become idols in our lives? How can believers guard against an idolatrous delight in the things of the world?
3) Paul encourages believers not to pick and choose who we are gentle with (v 5). Do you possess a gentle disposition? Is it demonstrated in a way that would communicate to others that you are reasonable?
4) What does it mean to have a lifestyle of worship? Using practical examples, to what extent is your lifestyle one of worship?
5) Compare and contrast what Paul states in Philippians 4:6 – 7 with what Jesus states in Matthew 6:25-34.
6) The preacher used the illustration of “regenerative braking” to encourage a response to the struggles one may face on a daily basis. How impactful can this be in your life and the lives of those you are trying to encourage?
Assess Your Life
1) How would you rate yourself on finding joy in the Lord?
a) I don’t know what it means to find joy in the Lord.
b) I am now aware of what it means to find joy in the Lord and desire to learn more.
c) I am making a greater effort to rejoice always, demonstrate gentleness and be anxious for nothing.
d) I am becoming more focused on rejoicing always, demonstrating gentleness and being anxious for nothing.
e) On a daily basis, I consistently rejoice always, demonstrate gentleness and am anxious for nothing.
2) What factors may be hindering you from rejoicing always, demonstrating gentleness and being anxious for nothing?
Application
1 What are three (3) areas that you need to be more focused on to rejoice always, demonstrate gentleness and be anxious for nothing?
a)
b)
c)
2 Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
Believers are called to rejoice in the Lord. To do so, we must:
Find joy in the Lord.
The Lord is the inexhaustible source of joy, and it is only by maintaining the closest possible union with him that Christians will be able to experience uninterrupted joy.Display the virtue of gentleness.
The gentle person does not insist on his rights. “It is that considerate courtesy and respect for the integrity of others which prompts a man not to be forever standing on his rights.”Be free from anxiety
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What is something I can do to remember this?
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)
Day 1 - Colossians 4:2
Day 2 - Romans 12:1-2
Day 3 - 1 Peter 1:8-9
Day 4 - Matthew 11:28-30
Day 5 - Psalm 94:19
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023