Oceans of Joy~ Philippians 1:1-6 

January 7, 2024

JOY

you can’t help yourself

1. as in…joy is a

Ephesians 2:8–9; Psalm 51:12

2. as in…joy

Philippians 4:4

Next Week: Philippians 1:7-13

Questions for the Community

Devoted to Learning  

1. Read the opening verses of Philippians (1:1-6). Take note of the titles Paul uses for himself and the church he’s writing to. What does it teach us about our identity as Christians and about Christ like leadership?
2. Just in these opening verses, there are reasons for joy being talked about, what are they?
3. What else stands out from Sunday or from the text this week?

Devoted to one another

4. Review some of the differences between happiness and joy from the sermon on Sunday. How does the ocean and tides fit into this? Do you agree or disagree with distinction being made between happiness and joy?
5. What part do other people play in your happiness? What about your joy? How can Christians foster joy in a community?
6. As we reviewed our “Devoted” theme for CG’s this year, go around and find out what people are hoping to get and give in this season of meeting together.

Devoted to praying

7. Our world is desperate for joy. In these somber times we live in, pray Romans 15:13 over one another in your group and for those in your relationship. 
8. Pray through the gospel truth and character of God. These are some of the deep truths that lead us to deep joy. Consider using each of the 6 “orientations” we covered in our last series…truths that tell us who we are in Jesus Christ.