Reframing: The Proper Proportions of Pleasure
James 1:17–18, Ecclesiastes 5:18–20, Psalm 34:8
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, stepbystepjourney.com
We need to re-present God as the author and source of pleasure — and show why pleasures are given in the first place. To do this we will look at the gifts of pleasure, the abuse of pleasure, and the way forward.
I. The Gifts of Pleasure
A. Observation 1 (James 1:16)
B. Observation 2 (Romans 2:4)
C. Observation 3 (Isaiah 24)
II. The Abuse – Crux Problem (Romans 1:21)
III. The Way Forward (Psalm 34:8)
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1. The distortion we addressed this week is that God is opposed to pleasure.
a. How have you seen or experienced that distortion reinforced in Christian communities?
b. What are the problems with this perspective?
c. How has this anti-pleasure caricature of God misrepresented the person of Christ?
2. Read Romans 2:4 together. If we think of God's kindness as being experienced through the gifts of pleasure he gives us, what does this verse imply about the purpose behind the gifts God gives?
3. Richard talked about the importance of paying attention to our lives vs. merely consuming experiences.
a. What is the difference between these two postures?
b. Why is paying attention a necessary part of receiving God's gifts?
4. Gifts become destructive forms of idolatry when we neglect to receive them with gratitude in a way that leads us to worship.
a. How do you see this dynamic at work in the lives of characters in scripture?
b. How do you see this play out in the lives of people around you?
c. In your own life?
5. Richard observed "when a gift becomes entitlement, you lose the joy." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
6. Scripture confirms that gifts from God are contextual- in other words not every gift is to be enjoyed in every season by everyone. How does this reality sit with you?
7. One barrier to the gifts God has given us is comparison. How does comparison erode gratitude?
8. Consider closing by having groups silently reflect on the following two questions:
a. What gifts might not be for you in this season that you need to let go of?
b. What gifts do you want to thank God for in this moment?