The Full Measure of the Joy of Jesus – STUDY GUIDE

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Icebreaker: What is one thing that usually brings you joy, even on a tough day?

Sermon Title: “The Full Measure of the Joy of Jesus ” – John 17:13

Group Discussion:
Read John 14:27, John 16:33, John 17:13, & James 1:2 – Joy from Jesus is built for hard days. In
your own words, how are happiness and joy different? Discuss how these verses challenge our
assumptions about joy, especially when we experience suffering–hardship. How would you describe
that the joy Jesus gives is not the absence of hardship, but something we can experience regardless?

Read John 14:15-17, Romans 15:13, & Galatians 5:22-23 – Joy from Jesus is available. Joy is a gift
of the Spirit rather than self-generated; discuss why we may sometimes struggle to embrace Jesus’
joy. Explore and discuss the connections between obedience, trust, and joy. What are some of the
implications? Discuss how we can learn to receive, embrace, and live out this Spirit-founded joy.

Read Matthew 5:14-16 & Philippians 4:4-7 – Joy from Jesus is a signal to the world. Share an
example, either from your own experience or from someone you know, where joy in difficult
circumstances drew others closer to faith in Jesus. Discuss challenges we might face in reflecting
this kind of joy as Jesus’ disciples. Share strategies that we can use to overcome such challenges.

Read Psalm 16:11, John 15:9-12, & 1 John 1:1-4 – Joy from Jesus starts now. What do these verses
reveal about how and when joy is experienced in the Christian life? What steps can we take today to
“remain” in Jesus’ love and experience His joy starting now, while also sharing this truth with others?

Read John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:16-18, & 1 John 4:7-12 – Since love is a defining trait of a disciple,
how do we measure whether our love truly reflects Jesus? Share ways we can love with actions and
truth rather than just words, so that others will see our deeds and glorify the Lord (Matthew 5:16).

Spiritual Discipline: Review resources for this series at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources
on our Church app, including this resource: John Chapter 17 Scripture & Commentary.

Action Steps: (1) Reflect & Remain: Set aside daily moments to abide in Jesus’ love, asking the Holy
Spirit to fill you with His joy, (2) Live & Love Outwardly: Look for one practical way this week to
demonstrate sacrificial, visible love (e.g., hospitality, service, or sharing hope), and (3) Share Your
Story: Share a story of encouragement about how Jesus’ joy and love have saved and sustained you.