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Sermon Discussion Guide - 10/19/2025
Published October 18, 2025
Formed:
Joy
Sermon Recap
Joy is a holy, steady confidence that shines because Jesus is here. In Luke 19:1–10, Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus “with joy,” and that joy quickly overflows into repentance, restitution, and generosity. When salvation comes to a life, the light goes with us - into homes, workplaces, and our city.
Ice Breakers
- Think of someone who consistently lifts the mood in a room. What do they do that makes a difference?
- Tell us a story about a time the power went out.
- Who modeled a steady, joyful outlook for you growing up? What did you take from them?
Discussion Questions
1. When was a time your attitude noticeably changed the tone of a room, for better or worse?
- Context: Dallas contrasted “power-outage people” with those who seem to carry a flashlight everywhere. In Scripture, joy is not circumstantial hype but a resilient response to Jesus’ presence (Luke 19:1–6).
- Application: Where do you sense God inviting you to “bring the light” this week, and what one practical choice could help you walk in with joy?
2. Have you ever felt written off by others and then truly “seen” by someone? What happened?
- Context: Jesus stops, looks up, and calls Zacchaeus by name, inviting Himself in, shocking the crowd, and dignifying a man with a wrecked reputation (Luke 19:5–7).
- Application: Who in your world needs that same dignity from you right now, and what would it look like to go toward them this week?
3. What tends to puncture your joy fastest: criticism, comparison, or cynicism?
- Context: The crowd grumbled at Jesus’ grace, reminding us that joy can feel risky in the face of labels and judgment (Luke 19:7).
- Application: What “defense” can you put in place (a truth, prayer, or habit) to guard your joy when criticism comes?
4. Think of a time gratitude moved you to do something generous. What changed inside you?
- Context: Zacchaeus responds to Jesus with bold restitution and open-handed giving, evidence of a heart set free (Luke 19:8).
- Application: Where might God be inviting you to practice cheerful generosity this month (time, attention, resources) as a tangible overflow of joy?
5. Who helped you first “see the light” of Jesus, and how did their life make the gospel believable?
- Context: “Today, salvation has come to this house,” Jesus says, then restates His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:9–10). Saved people carry salvation’s light into everyday spaces.
- Application: Identify one “house” (home, team, friend group) where you’ll intentionally shine this week. What’s your next step to point people to God’s goodness?
Prayer
- Thank God for the joy that comes from Jesus’ presence and salvation.
- Ask for courage to carry light into rooms that feel heavy, tense, or indifferent.
- Pray for a grateful heart that overflows in practical generosity and repair where needed.
- Invite the Holy Spirit to guard your joy from cynicism and to use your life to point others to Christ.
Leader Tip
Joy is contagious, and so is your tone. Aim to be warm over impressive: greet people by name, celebrate small steps, and call out what you see God doing in them. As you gently guide the conversation and listen well, you’ll model the kind of joyful, dignifying presence that helps participants open up and encounter Jesus together.