Joy

1. The coming of the Messiah (v. 8-14)A glorious appearing (v. 8-9) An announcement (v. 10-12) A heavenly worship service (v. 13-14)
   

2. Believe in the good news (v. 15-16)

3. Respond to the good news (v. 17-20)Share the good news (v. 17) Be amazed (v. 18) Reflect on this good news (v. 19) Worship God (v. 20)
   

4. Ways to Increase Our JoyKnow suffering precedes sweetness Follow Jesus whole-heartedly Obey God’s Word
   

1. Why was it so significant that an angel came to shepherds to

   
   

   announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:9)? Hint: consider the negative

   
   

   reputation of shepherds. What does this teach us about God’s grace?

2. Read Ezekiel 1:4. How is the glory of God described? How would

   
   

   this have been a frightening experience for the shepherds? What does

   
   

   this teach us about the glory of God?

3. What is the “good news of great joy for all the people” (see Luke

   
   

   2:11)? How is this good news for you today?

4. Jesus is the Savior, the Christ (the Messiah), the Lord. On scholar

   
   

   says: “This baby who is the deliverer is also the Christ, the anointed

   
   

   King of Israel, the one who fulfills the covenant promises made to

   
   

   David (e.g., Isa. 9:2–7; 11:1–10; 55:3; Jer.

   
   

   23:5–6; 30:9; 33:15–26; Ezek. 34:23–24; 37:24–25; Hos.

   
   

   3:5; Amos 9:11).”

5. Read Isaiah 7:14. How is this sign fulfilled in Luke 2:12?

6. Who is receives the peace of God according to Luke 2:14? How

   
   

   does God show his favor (see Ephesians 2:8-9)? Have you received

   
   

   God’s grace?

7. How do we know the shepherds believed this good news (see

   
   

   Luke 2:15-16)? How is their belief proven? What does this teach us

   
   

   about biblical belief?

8. The four ways we can respond to this good news are:

   1. Share the good news (Luke 2:17).

      
      

      With whom will you share the good news of Jesus this week?

   2. Be amazed (Luke 2:18).

      
      

      Are you amazed at God’s grace in your life? Why or why not?

   3. Reflect on the good news (Luke 2:19).

      
      

      How will you take time to reflect on this good news this week?

   4. Worship God (Luke 2:20).

      
      

      How will you ascribe worth to God in your life this week?

Three ways to increase our joy:

1. Know suffering precedes sweetness.

   
   

   Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. How are we instructed to suffer as believers in

   
   

   Christ? How does your perspective on suffering change when you

   
   

   expect to suffer? How does your perspective on suffering change when

   
   

   you consider eternity?

2. Follow Jesus whole-heartedly.

   
   

   Read Mark 12:28-31. How will you love the Lord with all your heart,

   
   

   soul, mind and strength this week? What do you need to do in order to

   
   

   be a whole-hearted follower of Jesus?

   
   

   Read Proverbs 3:5-6. How will the Lord make our path straight?

3. Obey God’s Word.

   
   

   Read John 15:1-25. How will you apply this teaching from Jesus

   
   

   today? What does it look like for you to abide (remain) in Christ?

   
   

   In what specific areas do you need to grow in obedience (in your

   
   

   thoughts, words, actions)?

   
   

   In John 15:11 Jesus says, “I have told you these things that my joy

   
   

   may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

   
   

   What steps will you take today to increase you joy?