Advent: Part 3
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Read Psalm 16:1-11 and pray together
Theme: Joy
Main Idea: True joy is found in Christ who came and is coming again.
What is Joy?
Summary of Psalm 16: Here is a Psalm of David exuding confidence in God and expressing that God is his ultimate joy.
Pastor Jason said, “Joy is a God-given gladness of the heart that exists regardless of your circumstances.”
Why is it important that we remember Jesus as the joy OF OUR HEARTS? (see John 16:22; Romans 15:3; Jeremiah 15:16)
What implications come to mind after hearing Jason say, “This joy is God-given,” and that it goes beyond changing life situations? (see James 1:2; Hebrews 12:2). How will this insight help us in our trials and temptations?
Where is Joy Found?
Pastor Jason led us to verse 11 to talk about where joy is found – God’s presence.
The first way to understand His presence is through His omnipresence. How did Jason discuss this type of presence? (See Psalm 139:7-12; Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:17). What was Jason’s point when he used gravity as a way of thinking about God’s omnipresence?
The second way of understanding His presence is His personal presence. How did Jason discuss this type of presence? (See Exodus 3:4ff; 19:16ff; Acts 2:1-47). Our pastor stated that God’s personal presence is not merely a conviction of sin but also a comfort in suffering. Can you recall some passages he alluded to that support this truth? Discuss some of these passages to sense the preciousness of His presence. (See Isaiah 6; Psalms 32:1-11; 51:1-4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Romans 15:13; Luke 2:8-14; Galatians 5:22,23; Acts 2:41-47; Psalm 16:11)
Why do we need True Joy?
In verse 4, we see one reason why we need true joy. What is it? Can you remember a time when you “ran after” a counterfeit joy? How has Psalm 16 reminded you of where “fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore” are found?
What did David do in Psalm 16:8 to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence? How will you “set the LORD always before” yourself? What are some activities in which you will participate that will cultivate this awareness of God’s presence? (such as prayer, Bible reading and meditation, Sunday gatherings, doing good deeds for neighbors, Growth Group participation, UBC classes, serving at UBC)
A parting word for your Growth Group
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” ~ 1 Peter 1:8