Sermon Recap
This week in our Narrow Way series, we explored what it means to become like Jesus, particularly in how we handle our emotions. In our culture, emotions often dictate our decisions, reactions, and sense of stability. When life is good, we experience peace and happiness, but when difficulties arise, we tend to be ruled by disappointment, fear, and bitterness. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to a different way of living—one where our joy is not dictated by circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Christ. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a deeper state of being that allows us to experience peace and contentment no matter what we face.
Jesus Himself exemplified this kind of joy. While He experienced emotions—anger, grief, love, and betrayal—He was never ruled by them. Instead, He remained anchored in His relationship with the Father, and He offers us that same joy. In John 15, Jesus tells His disciples that if they remain in His love, their joy will be full. This is crucial because Jesus spoke these words on the eve of His crucifixion—when circumstances were about to take a dark turn. Yet, His joy remained because it was not based on external situations but on His deep trust in the Father. This teaches us that joy is a choice that flows from trusting God, no matter what happens in our lives.
We see this same joy in Mary, the mother of Jesus. Though she faced uncertainty, fear, and great personal hardship, she chose to trust God’s plan. When the angel announced that she would bear the Son of God, she initially responded with confusion, yet she ultimately surrendered in faith, rejoicing in God’s goodness. Even at the foot of the cross, when she watched her son suffer and die, she remained steadfast in her faith, trusting that God was still at work. Mary's story shows us that true joy is born out of trust in God's faithfulness, not in perfect circumstances. Her joy was not momentary happiness but a deep, abiding confidence in God’s promises.
Finally, true joy is only possible through the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul teaches that joy is a fruit of the Spirit—it is not something we manufacture but something that naturally grows in us when we live in close relationship with Jesus. When we trust Him, put our hope in Him, and allow His Spirit to source our lives, we can experience joy in all circumstances. This is the joy that strengthens us, sustains us, and enables us to walk the Narrow Way with confidence. As we continue this journey of becoming like Jesus, we are invited to embrace a life of deep, abiding joy—joy that is not dependent on what happens to us, but on who God is in us.
Key Scripture
Read through these passages together:
Discussion Questions
Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.
Joy vs. Emotion: In what ways do we allow our emotions to dictate our decisions and reactions? How does Jesus' example show us a different way to experience joy that is not based on circumstances?
Trusting God in Difficult Times: Mary faced uncertainty and hardship, yet she trusted God and rejoiced in His plan. Can you think of a time when trusting God in a difficult season led to a deeper sense of peace or joy?
The Source of Our Joy: John 15 teaches that true joy comes from remaining in Jesus’ love. What are some practical ways we can stay connected to Christ daily so that His joy becomes our strength?
The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. How can we cultivate a life that is sourced by the Holy Spirit so that joy naturally overflows in our lives, even in challenging seasons?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the joy that is found in You alone. Help me to trust You in every season—when life is easy and when challenges arise. Teach me to remain in Your love so that my joy is not dependent on my circumstances but rooted in my relationship with You. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with peace and contentment, and guide me to walk in the way of Jesus. Strengthen me to surrender my fears, doubts, and emotions to You, knowing that Your plans are good and Your promises never fail.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Life Application
Practice Trusting God Daily – This week, identify one area of your life where fear, uncertainty, or emotions tend to take control. Take time each day to pray and intentionally surrender that situation to God, trusting in His faithfulness. Reflect on Mary’s response to God’s calling and ask Him to help you lean into His peace rather than being ruled by your emotions.
Stay Connected to Jesus – Choose a practical way to remain in Jesus’ love and cultivate joy in your daily life. This could be through consistent time in Scripture, journaling about God’s faithfulness, worship, or speaking words of gratitude each day. Find a specific habit that keeps your heart focused on Christ so that His joy becomes your strength, no matter what circumstances you face.
Don’t Forget
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Additional Resources
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