At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or online with your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
Luke 2:10b (NLT)
…“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
Job 36:11-15 (NLT)
If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. But if they refuse to listen to him, they will cross over the river of death, dying from lack of understanding. For the godless are full of resentment. Even when he punishes them, they refuse to cry out to him for help. They die when they are young, after wasting their lives in immoral living. But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.
John 3:16-17 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Psalm 34:10 (NIV)
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
The Bible teaches us to let our convictions, and not our circumstances, dictate our contentment. What does this mean to you? Do you find it difficult to not let your circumstances interfere with your contentment?
What’s the difference between joy and happiness? Which one is more important to have, and why?
What should our response be when we fail? Do you find this difficult? Why or why not?
For Personal Reflection
Do you rely too much on your circumstances when it comes to controlling your emotions and attitudes? What can you do to change that mindset?