Luke 15:1-10, Habakkuk 3:17-18, Isaiah 61:10.  Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit, and a fundamental part of our relationship with God.  He takes joy in us, and we in him.  We look at defining this joy, and examples of it in the bible.  Most notably, two parables that Jesus spoke of – the lost sheep and the lost coin.  Here’s the main bible passage in Luke 15:1-10:

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. ² But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

³ Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Here are the other smaller excerpts from the bible used in this study.  Habakkuk 3:17-18.

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Psalm 126:5

⁵ They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

Questions

1. Habakkuk 3:17-18. Describe the joy in this passage.  How is it different to what we would normally expect?
2. Luke 15:1-10. Think back to how you felt when you lost something and found it, and how it relates with these parables?  Why did Jesus pick this ‘lost and found’ scenario to teach about joy?
3. What do the parables say of God’s joy for us?
4. Bonus Question Psalm 126:5. How does this relate to Jesus’ parables?

Philippians 4:4-13, James 3, Proverbs 17:27-28.

One of the fruits of the spirit, peace is something that we need in our lives.  The peace that the bible talks about comes from God, and transcends all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  This is from Philippians 4, and here’s an excerpt of Philippians 4 which provides a practical guide for our daily lives:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Questions

Having Peace

1. Philippians 4:11-13.  Why is it important to have peace in our lives (further reading verse 7)
2. Verses 4-9. How can we become more peaceful?  Where does the peace come from?

Sowing In Peace

1. James 3:13-18.  Compare the result of sowing in peace, and sowing in selfish ambition.
2. Bonus Round: Proverbs 17:27-28. How does wisdom link with peace?  (Further reading James 3)

Romans 4:13 to 5:6.  Paul recounts of Abraham’s hope in God that, even though God’s promise didn’t look possible, he understood that God is powerful and trusted that the promise would come true (that is, the promise of having a son – Isaac).  Paul also says the same is true for all of us.  Here’s the excerpt (NIV)

¹³ It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. ¹⁴ For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,¹⁵ because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by graceand may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ¹⁷ As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ²² This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” ²³ The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ²⁴ but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵ He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peacewith God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And weboast in the hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

⁶ You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Questions

1. Verses 13-17.   What was it that Abraham did / didn’t do that caused him to become the father of many nations? What can we learn about our relationship with God?
2. Verses 18-22.   What can we learn about Hope from the story of Abraham?
3. God gave Abraham a specific promise which came to fruition but what promises has God given us?
4. How does the passage 5:1-5 link in with patience?

 Bible Study Passage:  James 1.  We all find in our lives that our patience is stretched.  In this study, we’re looking at two sides of patience:  Patience through situations, and patience with people.  James 1 seems to turn everything on its head.  For instance, we’re called to rejoice in the face of trials and taking pride in humble circumstances.  We can learn a lot from even this one chapter.  Here’s the main excerpt taken from the NIV:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their ownevil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Questions

Patience through situations

1. Read Verse 2-6. Name some attitude traits that the passage is teaching us to have during trials.  How do you think it would feel to attempt this?
2. Read Verse 9-11.  When we’re in humble circumstances, why is this considered a high position in verse 9?

Patience With People

1. Read Verse 19-21.  What is human, or man’s anger?  How does this tie into the subject of patience?  Further Reading: Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:1-5
2. Bonus Round: Back to James 1:12.  What do we have to look forward to?  What possible rewards do we receive on Earth, and in Heaven?

Bible Study Passage:  Mark 14:32-42.  This is when Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the disciples fell asleep.  Possibly Jesus’ most lowest point, we can learn a lot about him through the passage:

³² They came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him. Distress and anguish came over him, ³⁴ and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch.”

³⁵ He went a little farther on, threw himself on the ground, and prayed that, if possible, he might not have to go through that time of suffering. ³⁶ “Father,” he prayed, “my Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.”

³⁷ Then he returned and found the three disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Weren’t you able to stay awake for even one hour?” ³⁸ And he said to them, “Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

³⁹ He went away once more and prayed, saying the same words.⁴⁰ Then he came back to the disciples and found them asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. And they did not know what to say to him.

⁴¹ When he came back the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come! Look, the Son of Man is now being handed over to the power of sinners.⁴² Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”

Questions

1. Verse 34.  What did Jesus ask the disciples to do?  Comment on the nature of the task e.g. its simplicity or difficulty.
2. Verse 37 and 38. In this passage, Jesus categorised ‘falling asleep’ as a temptation – how so?  In what way can modern Christians fall asleep?
3. Comment on Jesus’ reaction to the disciples. What key thing does Jesus teach us to help us from falling asleep?
4. Bonus Round: Read Verse 37 again:  Suggest why Jesus called Peter by his old name?

Bible Study: Luke 12:32-48. Jesus is teaching the disciples in this passage, and starts by saying (verse 33 GNT):

Sell all your belongings and give the money to the poor. Provide for yourselves purses that don’t wear out, and save your riches in heaven, where they will never decrease, because no thief can get to them, and no moth can destroy them.

Jesus then uses two consecutive parables.  The first is about servants at a wedding feast:

³⁵ “Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit, ³⁶ like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once. ³⁷ How happy are those servants whose master finds them awake and ready when he returns! I tell you, he will take off his coat, have them sit down, and will wait on them. ³⁸ How happy they are if he finds them ready, even if he should come at midnight or even later!

The second parable is about a thief breaking into someone’s house:

³⁹ And you can be sure that if the owner of a house knew the time when the thief would come, he would not let the thief break into his house. ⁴⁰ And you, too, must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.”

It’s intriguing that these parables seem quite unrelated on the outset, but Jesus is making a point by using them both together.

Questions

1. Verse 32-34.  What do you think ‘Provide yourselves purses that don’t wear out’ means?
2. Verse 35-40.  Why does Jesus allude to the master analogy and the thief analogy to make the same point?
3. Verse 41-48.  What does the master do for the faithful and wise servant?
4. What attitude makes the beginnings of a bad servant?
5. Bonus question: Exodus 32. Discover another time when the people thought the master wasn’t returning.  What did they do, how were they dealt with by  God?

Bible Study: Deutoronomy 8.  (Further reading in Philippians 2).  This is an interesting time for the Israelites on their journey to the promised land – having travelled through the desert for 40 years completely depending on God for everything, they were about to occupy the promised land.  Moses wanted to ensure that, even in the good times, the Israelites would remain humble and put God first.  He begins to address the people:

¹ Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. ² Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna,which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ⁴ Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵ Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

 

Questions

Read Verse 1-5.  What do we typically think about God when we go through difficult times?  How does this compare to the teachings of this passage?

Read Verse 10-18.  Why is it easy to forget God in the good times?  Name some ideas on how to avoid this pitfall.

Read Philippians 2:3-11.  What is humility?

Bonus Round:  Name anyone else in the bible that did something humble (not Jesus, too easy!)  What did they do?

Bible Study: 2 Kings 5:1-19. A short story of Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army who had a skin disease, and went to seek help from Elisha, an Israelite.  Here’s the passage (GNT):

 ¹ Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, was highly respected and esteemed by the king of Syria, because through Naaman the Lord had given victory to the Syrian forces. He was a great soldier, but he suffered from a dreaded skin disease.² In one of their raids against Israel, the Syrians had carried off a little Israelite girl, who became a servant of Naaman’s wife.³One day she said to her mistress,
I wish that my master could go to the prophet who lives in Samaria! He would cure him of his disease.⁴ When Naaman heard of this, he went to the king and told him what the girl had said.⁵ The king said,
Go to the king of Israel and take this letter to him.

   So Naaman set out, taking thirty thousand pieces of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of fine clothes.⁶ The letter that he took read:
This letter will introduce my officer Naaman. I want you to cure him of his disease.

⁷ When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in dismay and exclaimed,
How can the king of Syria expect me to cure this man? Does he think that I am God, with the power of life and death? It’s plain that he is trying to start a quarrel with me!

⁸ When the prophet Elisha heard what had happened, he sent word to the king:
Why are you so upset? Send the man to me, and I’ll show him that there is a prophet in Israel!

⁹ So Naaman went with his horses and chariot and stopped at the entrance to Elisha’s house.¹⁰ Elisha sent a servant out to tell him to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be completely cured of his disease.¹¹ But Naaman left in a rage, saying,
I thought that he would at least come out to me, pray to the Lord his God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and cure me!¹² Besides, aren’t the rivers Abana and Pharpar, back in Damascus, better than any river in Israel? I could have washed in them and been cured!

¹³ His servants went up to him and said,
Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. Now why can’t you just wash yourself, as he said, and be cured?¹⁴ So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child.¹⁵ He returned to Elisha with all his men and said,
Now I know that there is no god but the God of Israel; so please, sir, accept a gift from me.

¹⁶ Elisha answered,
By the living Lord, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift.
Naaman insisted that he accept it, but he would not.¹⁷ So Naaman said,
If you won’t accept my gift, then let me have two mule-loads of earth to take home with me, because from now on I will not offer sacrifices or burnt offerings to any god except the Lord.¹⁸ So I hope that the Lord will forgive me when I accompany my king to the temple of Rimmon, the god of Syria, and worship him. Surely the Lord will forgive me!

¹⁹ Go in peace, Elisha said. And Naaman left.

Questions

Describe Naaman’s general attitude when he set out (verses 4-5), and when he met Elisha’s servant (10-14)?

Read verses 13-14.  What role did Naaman’s servants play in all of this and how did they go about it?

Read verses 17-19.  Although Naaman accepted the Lord, he regretted an upcoming responsibility that involved bowing for a false God, because it was part of his job.  What’s your reaction to Elijah’s response (verse 19)?

Bonus Question Read verses 2-3.  What was special about unnamed little Israelite girl?  How can we apply her actions in our lives?

Bible Study Passage: Judges 6 and 7.  Gideon, the self-declared ‘least important member of the least important family’ was called by God to go to battle and lead an army to defeat their enemies.  It’s an incredible story of humility, bravery, and determination to carry out God’s will.

Questions

Read Judges 6:12-16.  Why, of all the Israelites, did God choose Gideon?

Read Judges 6:36-40.  God made a call on Gideon’s life. What can we learn from Gideon’s request and God’s reaction?

Read Judges 7:1-7.  Why did God reduce the army from 32,000 to 300?

Bonus Question: Read John 15:5-7.  How does Gideon’s story tie in with this short passage?