 |
|
|
Redford
Aldersgate
United Methodist Church
Sermon
Celebrate All Times, Com' on!
March 5, 2006
Nehemiah 8:9-12
Discussion and Reflection Questions
The following are questions that were used during the small group sessions after viewing the video by John Ortberg. Even if you couldn't come to the small group, it might be helpful to your spiritual growth to discuss these questions with another person, or at least ponder them in your own mind. We encourage you to come to the small groups next week.
Discussion Questions
- Introduce yourself and tell about one thing you would like to do on a
“Dee Dah Day” (a day when joy bubbled up in joy so that it was hard to
contain it)
- What do you think about the statement: God is the most joyful being in
the universe? Is God’s basic character one of joy?
- Do you think joylessness is a sin? Does the church condone or even
encourage joylessness? Describe some ways we tend to squelch the spirit
and enthusiasm of those around us who seem to have more than their fair
share of Dee Dah Day moments?
- Describe how you feel when you are around a joy-deprived,
joy-challenged person. Have you ever had someone act like a “black hole”
that sucks away your joy?
- Think about someone who has been a joy mentor for you ... someone who
models the Dee Dah Day spirit... someone who pours joy into you. What
have you learned about joy by watching this person? (Remember they can
be any age.)
- Ortberg says true Celebration is the inverse of Hedonism. Hedonism is
the demand for more and more pleasure for personal gratification, i.e.
what produced joy in us yesterday no longer does today. Our capacity for
joy diminishes. When we celebrate, we are able to take delight today in
something we wouldn’t have even noticed yesterday. Our capacity for joy
increases. (P. 67) How have you seen this played out in your
experiences?
- Ortberg says, “Often it is the people closest to suffering who have
the most powerful joy.” Tell about a person who has modeled this truth
and what you have learned from his or her life.
- The Spiritual Discipline of Celebration has us doing things we enjoy
while reflecting on the wonderful God who has given us such wonderful
gifts. How is this different from what the world thinks of celebration?
- Is it easier to resist temptation if you are joyful? Give examples.
- What does the verse “the joy of the Lord is your strength” mean to
you?
Personal Reflection Questions
What are some of the natural and joy-filled moments that occur in your
week that you need to begin noticing and celebration?
Consider setting aside a significant period of time to be a “Dee Dah
Day.” What would it look like? Is there a way your small group could
help you plan such a time?
How could you intentionally spend time with life-enhancing,
joy-carrying, joy-producing people? Prize them? Thank them?
Repeat to yourself several times this verse: “The Joy of the Lord is
your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b) Think about how this will help you
resist temptation.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of joy in your life in
greater abundance.
Set a goal for yourself this week that will help you celebrate God’s
wonderful goodness and help you practice the Discipline of Celebration.