Created to Rejoice

Discussion Questions:

1. Paul was changed from a zealous Pharisee to a humble man who suffered and died for Jesus. His change started with an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Dean contends all followers of Christ are changed people. Share a short testimony on how you have been changed by Jesus. The change can be in the past, recent, or on-going. 

2. Dean referred to Genesis 3 and spoke of the serpent’s lie. A lie which is a part of our fallen nature.

- What is the serpent’s lie?

- Have you ever thought that you live with this lie in your DNA? Whether you do or not, do you think this lie keeps you from trusting God?

- How do you live as a Christ follower and deal with the serpent’s lie.

3. Dean contends that God created us to rejoice in Him…always. We need to rejoice and will seek out joy…whether godly or ungodly. Dean calls the ungodly joy, counterfeit joy. Counterfeit joy is like empty calories.

- Contrast godly joy vs counterfeit joy.

- When you seek out joy, what types of things bring you joy?

- Are you able to rejoice in the Lord always?

4. Dean referred to Philippians 3:10, “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Then Dean pointed to 2 Greek words, “oida” and “gnonai”, which translates into “know”. The oida is a factual know, whereas the gnonai is a deep relational knowing. The gnonai knowing embraces every organ and mode of knowledge. This is not just a casual relationship.

- In your knowledge and relationship with Jesus, is it more “oida” or “gnonai”. Explain your answer.

5. In Philippians 4:5, Paul asks us to be seen as “reasonable” by all because the “Lord is at hand”, ie is coming soon. According to the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged, “reasonable” is translated from the Greek word, “epieikes”. Other English translations are “gentle”, “doing what is right”, etc. 

- Do you think that you are displaying “epieikes” to everyone while waiting for Jesus? If not, have someone pray for you.

6. Dean and Kirie made a commitment to be “all in” for Christ. In their version of being “all in” they listen to the Holy Spirit and try to obey him without counting the cost, without making sure all their ducks are in a row, and not knowing how it will all play out. This has led them to a greater trust in their Lord.

- What does your “all in” for Christ look like?

- Are you growing in your trust of the Lord? Please explain.

7. Philippians 4:6 – 7, commands us not to be anxious about anything, but to go to God with prayer and supplication. 

- Are you able to comply with God’s command not to be anxious, or do you still get anxious? If you still become anxious, what do you plan to do?

- When you pray to God do you go with thanksgiving?

- Do you think you are growing in your prayer life? If so, what is helping you grow?

- Have you ever experienced the peace of God? Share this experience.