Joy is one of the centerpieces of the Christian life. But how do we evaluate our joy quotient? Philippians 3:1 gives three measures for examining the extent of biblical joy in our lives.
Questions for discussion and/or personal reflection
1. How does ‘rejoicing in the Lord’ sum up true Christianity?
2. In what ways does counterfeit joy look like the real thing? In what ways is it essentially different?
3. What practices are helpful in developing biblical joy/rejoicing in the Christian life? Which of these has been most personally helpful to you? Which do you desire to cultivate more and how will you do so?
4. Does biblical joy always mean a cheerful disposition? How does joy operate in the midst of suffering? Are biblical joy/rejoicing incompatible with biblical lament? Explain.