Small Group Discussion

A weekly sermon-based discussion guide designed to foster genuine connection and spiritual growth, as we gather to encourage one another and spur each other on in love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Lasting Joy - 07.20.25

John 16:16–24

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Getting to Know One Another

Safe and meaningful questions to build connection and shared history within the group.

  • What is something in your daily life that often drains joy from you?

  • What’s a recent moment when you experienced genuine joy?

  • When was a recent moment of sorrow, and how did you process it?

Getting in the Word

Questions that draw us deeper into Scripture, connecting Sunday’s passage with broader biblical truths.

1. Processing Sorrow
Sorrow is not easy to bear, but Scripture reminds us God is near in those moments. What do these verses teach us about God’s presence in our sorrow, and why is that important? Read the following passages and discuss:

  • Psalm 34:18

  • Hebrews 4:15

  • Matthew 5:4

  • John 11:35

2. Sorrow Transformed into Joy
Jesus uses the picture of childbirth to explain how sorrow is transformed into joy. What have seasons of sorrow in your own life taught you about God? What have seasons of sorrow in your own life taught you about God? Reflect on why He chose this image and read the following passages together:

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

  • James 1:2–4

  • Romans 5:3–5

  • Ecclesiastes 7:3

3. The Struggle for Joy
Our culture often ties joy to circumstances, success, or possessions, but Scripture warns us about what can steal our joy. What cultural pressures make it difficult to experience lasting joy? What specific things does Scripture say can rob us of joy? Read these verses and discuss:

  • Romans 12:2

  • Psalm 51:12

  • Mark 4:19

  • Philippians 4:6–7

Letting the Word Get in You

Application questions from Sunday’s sermon that reflect personal and challenge us to live differently in light of God’s Word.

  • In what ways might you be avoiding sorrow rather than allowing Jesus to walk with you through it and transform it?

  • Where has your joy been attached to something temporary instead of Christ?

  • In what ways have you settled for a lesser hope than the living, unshakable hope of the resurrected Christ?

  • What would it look like for you to live with the kind of joy that no one can take away?