We live in a world that spends the majority of
its time focusing on things that will make them happy. This study will help students
to gain a firm understanding of what joy is and where it comes from. It will
help them discover that God wants us to have joy and not just live a life
looking for happiness. This study will also help students gain the knowledge of
how live a life of joy each day. It will also help them learn how to be content
in life no matter what comes their way.
Session 1 Real Joy | Proverbs
14:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Galatians 5:22-23 (2/23/16)
Joy and happiness are two different
things. Happiness is based on things we do or things we receive. Happiness can
come and go depending on what we are pursuing at that moment. Joy is internal.
Real joy—true joy—can only come from one source and His name is Jesus. When
Christ comes in and is a part of your life, He becomes your Source of joy. Joy
becomes a part of our character as a believer. Joy is being able to look beyond
the moment, even if it is bad, and know that it is going to be OK because of
your relationship with Jesus. How would you describe the difference between joy
and happiness?
Session 2 Joy and
Contentment | Philippians 4:10-20 (3/1/16)
While happiness is based on circumstances, joy and
contentment are not. Being content means that all of your needs have been met
in Christ Jesus. Joy and contentment are found solely in the power of Christ. We
experience frustration and dissatisfaction in life when we try to do things in
our own power. Knowing that God will provide for our every need brings joy and
contentment. Learning to live a life where our only desire is to know Christ
more is the key to finding and keeping joy and contentment. What would you say
your contentment level is?
Session 3 Joy in
Tough Times | James 1:2-4 (3/8/16)
It is a fact of life that you will experience trials in your life. Trials
are not the same as temptations. Trials provide an opportunity for us grow in
our faith and relationship with God; temptations are intended to break our
fellowship with God. When we face trials, we are still to maintain joy in our
lives. Trials provide the opportunity for God to display His greatness to others
as you lean on Him to get you through. When you have walked through a trial, it
is then that you are able to look back and discover just much you have grown as
a result of the trial.
Session 4 Take a Look
Around | Romans 5:11; Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 118:24 (3/15/16)
Because
of our salvation in Christ, we are able to rejoice in Him because of what He
has done for us. Coming to Jesus and the change that He brings should cause us
to rejoice. Studies have shown that those who have joy in their lives live longer
and more productive lives. Living a life of joy causes people to want to be
around you more. Every day is a new day that God gives us the chance to be
joyful. We don’t have to look very far each day to discover something to be
joyful about.
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCE
Parenting Teens
is a monthly magazine designed to provide relevant
information, practical ideas, and biblical encouragement to parents of
teenagers. Go to www.lifeway.com/parenting
teens