The Heart of the Believer

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What does your joy look like when you face trials or hardship? If you struggle with joy in hard circumstances, what do you do to get back to rejoicing always?
2.  Do you feel you struggle with Joy IN THE LORD more in times of trial or in times blessing? Are you more easily distracted by material things or made more depressed by suffering?
3.  If you have a daily prayer time, when do you do it and how does it work for you? If you don’t, what time do you think would work best for you and why?
4.  How does scripture memorization enhance our prayer life?
5.  Is there a relationship between rejoicing, prayer and giving thanks, or do they all stand on their own?
6.  How does the state of our heart affect our outward actions? Do you find your attitude affected more by your environment; or do you find your heart posture drives your interaction with the challenges you face?

References:Romans 10:13-15; Jn11:1-44 ; Luke 22:40-46; 2 Cor 4:7-10; 6:10; 1 Tim 4:4-5; Php4:4-6; Matthew 5:11; Romans 14:17; Nehemiah 1:4-11; 2:4-5; Mark 1:35; 6:46; Acts 10:9; Luke 6:12; Acts 1:24, 12:12, 16:25; Psalm 119:11; Deut 11:18; Matthew 4:4; Romans 8:26-27, 3:10-11; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19; Philippians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, 5:1-15