Not Going Back - Worship Rises
"The Lord Had Made Them Joyful": Realizing the blessing of simple obedience
Ezra 6:13-22
Pastor Todd Dugard
God's desire is to give us joy as a guaranteed blessing for obedience.
Joy realized: "I've got it!" (6:13-15)
Joy expressed: "I'm showing it!" (6:16-18)
Joy retained: "I'm keeping it! (6:19-22)
Small Group Curriculum
1. In what ways do we struggle with
believing the following?
- God
desires to give us joy!
- God
is greater than any opposition or circumstance!
- God
is willing to help us relearn faithfulness!
2. Joy only comes through a
relationship with Jesus. Briefly
share how this foundational relationship was established in your life.
3. Do we have joy shining through
our life? (vs. 16) What area of life tends to drive us to
substitute emotions or controlling our circumstances for joy?
4. Review the four ways joy can be
expressed in our lives. Discuss
how they might still be expressed during difficult times?
5. Read Ezra 6:22. What do we need to pursue to get it,
show it and keep it?
Breakout:
1.
Are
there any areas of partial obedience or rebellions large and small stealing
our joy?
2.
How
can we help each other overcome them?