Week 1

Look Back

What teaching of Jesus did you apply in your actions, decisions and relationships? What were the results?

Look Up

Read Matthew 1:18-19

1. What do you learn about Joseph from these verses? How easy or difficult is it for you to relate to his situation?
2. What feelings do you think Joseph was experiencing? How did these feelings influence his actions?

Read Matthew 1:20-24

1. How easy is it for you to understand and accept Joseph’s encounter with an angel? Why?
2. What feelings do you think Joseph experienced after his encounter? How did these feelings influence his actions, and how is this significant?

Read Luke 1:39-49 and Galatians 5:22-23

1. What does Luke say caused Elizabeth to react with joy? What do you think was the true source of this joy - Mary’s voice, her unborn bab, or the holy spirit? Why?
2. What do you learn about Mary from her response in verses 46-49? How did her circumstances influence her feelings and view of God?
3. How are your current circumstances influencing your feelings and view of God? What can you learn and apply from Joseph and Mary’s example?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

What are you looking for right now - happiness, joy, or something else? How might the power of God’s Holy Spirit redirect your efforts?

Notes

The Bible promises that we have access to joy if we simply go looking for it. The challenge is that we often confuse happiness with joy and tend to pursue things that only bring temporary pleasure. We need to recognize that our happiness is usually associated with our circumstances, which change often and easily. Only God offers permanent peace and calm through the joy He provides in His Holy Spirit.