KNOWN SS Parent Discussion Guide- Oct 09

More Than A Feeling
A Study on Joy

A Guide for Parents


Note: There is a free KNOWN Parent Podcast available at www.lifeway.com/known—just follow the podcast link. You can subscribe to the podcast for free or just listen online.

Use the following information and questions to reinforce the truths of this month of Bible study at home. Use one or two of the discussion starters to begin a conversation. Look for teachable moments—at home, in the car, or at a game. Pray and ask God to provide you opportunities to have spiritual conversations with your teenager(s).

Session 1
Got Joy? — Proverbs 14:13; 1 Peter 1:3-9; Galatians 5:22-23
THE QUESTION
What is joy?
THE POINT
Real joy is more than just a happy feeling.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
What in life brings you happiness?
What in life brings you joy?
How would you describe the difference between joy and happiness?
On what do you think joy is based? Explain.
How is real joy found in Christ?
Why can it only be found in Him?
What did Paul mean when he said that we are given joy as the fruit of the Spirit?
What does (or should) joy look like in our lives as a part of our character as a believer?

Session 2
Joy and Contentment — Philippians 4;10-20
THE QUESTION
What is the relationship between joy and contentment?
THE POINT
You can be joyful and content when you completely depend on Christ.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
What does it mean to be content? Are you content?
In what ways can we experience joy as a result of being content?
Why can’t we be happy and content?
On what kinds of things do many people base being content?
On what do you base being content in your own life?
What circumstances in your life this past week caused you not to be content?
How are joy and contentment found in the power that only Christ can give?
Why is it important to know and realize that real joy and contentment can only be found in God’s provision for our lives and not just from the provision of man?

Session 3
Joy In Tough Times — James 1:2-4
THE QUESTION
How can I be joyful when times are tough?
THE POINT
Difficulties are opportunities for spiritual growth.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
What trials have you recently faced/are facing?
What was your attitude like when you were facing those trials?
Was joy even a possibility for you to consider as you faced them? Why or why not?
Why are trials inevitable in life?
What benefit can trials bring in your life?
Looking back at the last trial you faced, in what ways did you grow as a result of it?
While you were going through the trial, how was God strengthening you?
What encouragement could you share with a friend who is going through a trial today?

Session 4
Take A Look Around — Romans 5:11; Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 118:24
THE QUESTION
Why should I be joyful?
THE POINT
God has been so good to us.

DISCUSSION STARTERS
In what ways has God been good to you this week?
About what can you be joyful in your life?
How joyful are you about the salvation that you have in Christ?
How is being joyful beneficial to your own health? Why?
Since everyday is a new day and opportunity for God to bring opportunities for joy, what have you discovered that is joyful today?
Have you taken the time to share the joy of the Lord with anybody today? This week? If so, in what way? If not, why not?

From Living with Teenagers

Joy in the Journey
None of us are being asked to sacrifice our children as burnt offerings, but Abraham’s story from Genesis 22 may not be as foreign as we think. We entered parenthood on an emotional high, unable to express the awesome realization that life will never be the same and the firm conviction that we’re good with that.

But before we know it, the journey takes a twist. Our heads know it’s coming, but our hearts put it off. We have to let them go. It’s not walking up a mountain, but the pain and confusion can be just as profound. It’s a sacrifice, and the joy that had been a regular companion on this journey seems more like a distant relative.


This is a preview of the full article available in the October 2009 issue of Living with Teenagers magazine.

Living with Teenagers is a monthly magazine designed to provide relevant information, practical ideas, and biblical encouragement to parents of teenagers. Go to www.lifeway.com/magazines and click on the Living with Teenagers link under "Parenting.”