What is one thing that always makes you happy?

Summary: When our fellowship with the Lord is interrupted through sin or grieving the Holy Spirit, it affects the joy of our salvation. We can practice four means to help us restore and maintain the joy of our salvation.


Read Philippians 4:4 and ask the following questions: 

  • What appears to be the main idea emphasized in this verse? 
  • Do you rejoice in the Lord always? What prevents Christians from always expressing the joy of their salvation in Christ?


A. The Loss of Joy

Read Isaiah 59:1-2, Ephesians 4:30, and 1 Corinthians 6:17

  • How does sin affect our fellowship with God?
  • What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?
  • Why does being joined to the Lord as one spirit affect our joy (positively or negatively)?


B. The Maintenance of Joy

Our salvation is like a rock, immovable, but the joy of our salvation is like a delicate flower, easily upset by a little breeze. Therefore, it is something we must cultivate and nourish. Below are four things that you can do to maintain the joy of salvation. Look up the verses and discuss how each point helps in the maintenance of our fellowship and joy in the Lord.



  • Of the four means discussed for maintaining our joy, which one most resonated with you?
  • Which of the four points above would you like help to practice in your Christian walk this week?
  • In light of  what we have discussed, how can we pray for each other right now?

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Isaiah 59:1
No, Jehovah's hand is not so short that it cannot save; / Nor is His ear so heavy that it cannot hear.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have become a separation / Between you and your God, / And your sins have hidden His face / From you so that He does not hear.

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit.

Psalms 51:12
Restore to me the gladness of Your salvation, / And sustain me with a willing spirit.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found and I ate them, / And Your word became to me / The gladness and joy of my heart, / For I am called by Your name, / O Jehovah, God of hosts.

Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, It is written, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out through the mouth of God."

Isaiah 56:7
Even these will I cause to come to My holy mountain / And to rejoice in My house of prayer; / Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable upon My altar; / For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

John 16:24
Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be made full.

1 John 1:3
That which we have seen and heard we report also to you that you also may have fellowship with us, and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:4
And these things we write that our joy may be made full.

 Consider one person in your life who needs the Lord. How can we bring Christ to them this week?

Some examples of ways to bring Christ to people:

  • Pray that their hearts would be soft and opened.

  • If the opportunity presents itself, tell them what you learned this week about what the Bible says concerning the baptism.

  • Show them they matter to you by spending quality time with them (e.g. workout, get lunch, study together, etc.)

  • Encourage them through a phone call, video call, or text message.

  • Ask for their perspective about things going on around them in the world.