Joy That Grows in the Dirt

KEY VERSES:

• Matthew 5
• Romans 15:1–13
• Philippians 2:3
• 1 Thessalonians 2
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8
• Psalm 19
• Ephesians 2
• Ephesians 2:14–16
• Romans 15:7
• Romans 5
• 1 Peter 1:3
• Hebrews 6:19
• Hebrews 12
• Hebrews 12:1–3

HIGHLIGHTS:

Joy grows when we live outward, stay rooted in truth, and keep our eyes on Jesus.

1. Serve Others (Romans 15:1–3; Philippians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:8)
   • Don’t live just to please yourself—build others up.
   • Jesus modeled selfless living.
   • Joy increases when we step outside ourselves.
   • It’s not just sharing a message—it’s sharing your life.
2. Ground Yourself in Scripture (Romans 15:4; Psalm 19)
   • Scripture gives endurance and encouragement.
   • God’s Word refreshes the soul and brings clarity.
   • You can’t spread what you’re not rooted in.
3. Don’t Build Barriers (Romans 15:5–9; Ephesians 2:14–16; Romans 15:7)
   • The cross tears down dividing walls.
   • Unity in the church matters.
   • Accept others as Christ accepted you.
   • Bitterness and division choke joy.
4. Cling to Hope (Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 6:19)
   • Hope sustains joy through hardship.
   • We have a living hope through the resurrection.
   • Hope anchors the soul when life feels unstable.
5. Rely on the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)
   • God fills us with joy and peace as we trust Him.
   • Our role is obedience; God changes hearts.
   • We plant seeds—He brings growth.

TALK ABOUT IT:

1. Where are you most tempted to lose joy right now?
2. How has serving others impacted your emotional or spiritual health?
3. Are you spreading hope or negativity in your current season?
4. What barriers might you be unintentionally building with others?
5. How does an eternal perspective change how you handle stress?
6. What part of Scripture refreshes you most—and why?
7. Where do you need hope anchored in your life today?
8. What would relying more on the Holy Spirit actually look like this week?

APPLY IT:

• Do one intentional act of service this week without expecting anything in return.
• Replace one complaint a day with gratitude.
• Read a short section of Scripture daily and write down one takeaway.
• Invite someone into your real life—coffee, dinner, or a conversation.
• Identify one barrier (resentment, stereotype, avoidance) and take a step to tear it down.
• Start each day praying: “God, use me today.”
• When stress hits, remind yourself that this world isn’t your forever home.
• Ask God to restore the joy of your salvation when you feel drained.
• Encourage someone who seems discouraged.
• Trust God with the results of your faithfulness.