What do you think a mature Christian looks like?
David rejoiced in Gods presence, and yet some people looked down on his joy. But where Gods presence is, joy is!
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Don’t Look Down On Joy
(2 Samuel 6:16 NLT) But as the Ark of the LORD entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she was filled with contempt for him.
• Closer to Jesus, Closer to Joy
(Psalm 16:11 NIV) You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
• Let Jesus Give You Joy
(2 Samuel 6:17-18 NLT) They brought the Ark of the LORD and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD. (18) When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies.
(Hebrews 12:2b NLT) Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
(2 Samuel 6:19 NLT) Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
(2 Samuel 6:20 NLT) When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, "How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!"
• Guard Your Joy
(2 Samuel 6:21-23 NLT) David retorted to Michal, "I was dancing before the LORD, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the LORD, so I celebrate before the LORD. (22) Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!" (23) So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
• More Joy, More Fruit
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Connect Group Questions
• What is the difference between happiness and joy?
• What was David’s response in God’s presence?
• What was Michal’s response and why do you think she felt/ acted this way?
• Do you think seriousness and heaviness are signs of maturity?
• What/Who is your source of joy?
• Is it possible to have joy in hard times? Do you have a story to share about having joy in a hard time?
• How do we keep our joy even when others around us are judging or discouraging us?
• How can we be people who create an atmosphere of joy in our work life, our families, our Dream Teams etc? Share some ideas, practical examples or things you do in your life.
• What does our life look like when we have God’s joy in it?
• How can we choose joy?
• We can’t help but overflow with joy when we think of all that God has done for us -what is something that you are thankful / joyful about right now?
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