Sermon Discussion Guide – November 10, 2013
Sermon Title / “Sowing Tears…Reaping Joy”Scripture / Psalm 126
Key Verse(s): “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” Ps. 126: 5-6 (NIV)
Summary: Only God has the ability to restore our lives. His Word is the seed that He has sown into our lives and He is able to bring good even in a broken world. When we are feeling despair, God will bring deep joy back into our lives. He provides the hope and promise of eternal life.
Discussion Starters: We know that sowing good seed can sometimes be difficult; however, He gave us an example of the perfect garden and what perfect joy can be like. What examples can you give of sowing good seed and what happens when we do this? What examples can you give of sowing bitterness and anger and what that produces? When we are sowing tears, how do you think that can be turned around to reap joy?
Read and Discuss
Unless otherwise noted, scriptures have been researched and referenced based on the New International Version (NIV); however any translation is perfectly acceptable to use for discussion.
Genesis 1:29-31 and Psalm 1:2-3 – God considered his creation very good and we are valuable in His sight. We can be fruitful with His nourishment, but it does not mean this is a guarantee of health, wealth and happiness. Read Galations 6:8 - How do our actions show we have sown tears into our family, work and community? As we soak up His nourishment, what fruit do we hope to reap?
John 10:10 – God promises life abundant and full of His love. Read Genesis 3:17-20. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and therefore were sent from the garden and were required to work off the land. How do we cut ourselves off from God and what can we do to stay close to Him? He wants abundant life for us and disobedience separates us - how can we feel the deep joy that He wants for us? He made us responsible for other life and the land He provided us. What does that require of us?
Luke 6:21 – Do you think Jesus was speaking about physical or spiritual hunger? Read Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 35:10. God promises eternal joy for those who love Him and He promises to be with us. This is similar to the garden described in Genesis. It also shows us the ultimate hope by which we live our faith. By sowing seeds of love how are we showing and glorifying God to others? How does this reflect the sermon title when we talk about “sowing tears - reaping joy”?
Prayer: God help us to sow seeds through your love. Keep us fruitful through your constant nourishment. Help us to show love to others and to glorify you in doing this. We know that there is hope and we also know that the hope is only through you. We love you and glorify you. Amen