April (1 of 2): Small Group Discussion Guide
Christain Joy
We are exploring how true Christian joy is born not from the absence of suffering but through it. Hebrews 12 reminds us that God disciplines those He loves — not to punish, but to grow us. While the world chases happiness as a goal, Scripture teaches that happiness is a by-product of becoming who God created us to be in Him. Real joy doesn't ignore hardship — it is formed amid it.
Announcements
We are asking all who participate in Restore’s community to give if they are able! Thanks to your generosity, we have begun to close our budget gap! However, we still currently have a monthly budget deficit of $1,300. You can give safely and securely HERE!
God has been incredibly kind to Restore. The kindness God gifts us is designed to be passed on. We are gifted with grace in order to give grace. Everything that happens on Sunday mornings happens because of the dedication of our servants in creating a space that is welcoming to all! During February and March, we are starting our “Gifted to Give” initiative where we invite you to join one of our vital Sunday teams - Restore Kids or Production. You can sign up to serve your church HERE!
Easter at Walking Stick Brewery this year! The first round is on Justin. The service will begin at 10:30! We’ll be sponsoring pet adoptions with Harris County Pets and accepting donations for Friends for Life. We’ll have activities for the kids and be taking free family photos.
Resources
To Be Told by Dan Allander. Understanding our story is vital to trusting God as he works in our lives redemptively. Allander walks us through what it means to trust God with the parts of our lives that are still unwritten.
Turn My Morning Into Dancing by Henri Nouwen. We must look for our purpose and joy in the midst of our suffering. Nouwen walks us through this journey.
Sermon Video
Sermon Text
Hebrews 12:4-13
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Philipians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
John 16:21
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
Sermon Quotes
“I deem that “pursuit of happiness” is a contradiction in terms, because happiness can never really be pursued. Happiness must ensue; happiness is a side effect, happiness is a by-product and must remain a by-product of meaning, of your dedication to a cause greater than yourself, or a person other than yourself.” -Viktor Frankl
“But happiness as a goal in and of itself often is a recipe for disaster because you’re not looking at the ingredients.” - Lori Gottlieb
“What would I find in my own heart if the noise of the world were silenced? Who would I be?” - Kathleen Norris
“Trust is the social glue of all relationships. Trust is needed when you don't know how something's going to turn out or how something works. Money is the currency of transactions. Trust is the currency of interactions.” - Rachel Botsman
Discussion Questions
What’s the difference between happiness and Christian joy? How has “toxic positivity” (just smile and pretend it’s all good) affected Christian culture or your experience of church?
Why is the pursuit of happiness often a dead end? Have you ever chased something you thought would make you happy, only to feel emptier afterward?
What voices (social media, family, culture, your own) most influence your pursuit of happiness? What might you discover about yourself if the noise of the world were “silenced”?
In what ways might God be shaping you right now through struggle?
Why is it easy to mistake God’s discipline for His absence? How might our definition of “blessing” need to change in light of this passage?
What role does trust play in accepting discipline from God?
