Verses Used:
- Luke 2:13-14
- Hebrews 11:6
- Romans 8:7
- Matthew 5:21-22
- John 14:27
- Romans 12:14-18
- Matthew 5:9
- Isaiah 2:4
- Isaiah 11:6-9
- Colossians 1:20
Takeaways:
Peace with God
- God is not pleased with our good deeds we do to try to earn our own righteousness. God is pleased with the life, death, and resurrection of his son Jesus.
- Faith, more specifically, faith in Jesus is what pleases God. Not our good works.
- Any other peace in our lives has to flow from Jesus and a relationship with God through Jesus. That is where peace starts.
Peace in Me
- Jesus’ desire is for us to be at peace, an internal rest, not full of anxiety and unhealthy fear.
- Healthy fear tells us that we need God and others.
- What we do with initial fear can make a huge difference in how we react. Some may isolate themselves from a relationship with Jesus and others that may cause anxiety and a feeling that we have to be in control.
- The peace Jesus offers to us is a resting that we are not in control and that our true need is faith and wisdom
Peace with Others
- You may be lacking peace in some relationships… and we might not be able to control the outcomes. Relationships require two people.
- Peace with others and peace on earth may require some waiting.
- Love your enemies, bless those who curse you. Live at peace in your relationships.
- For you, your part in having peace with others is up to you. You get to make a choice in your heart about how you talk to others, how you treat them.
Peace on Earth
- The world was at peace until sin entered the picture through Adam and Eve. We will still feel the effects of sin and the violent world until Jesus returns.
- We wait in a broken world that longs for peace. A world that longs for a better way.
- If we know Jesus, we know peace and we get to share a taste of the Kingdom of God to others.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things we get anxious about in this life that rob us of peace?
- Why do you think so many people believe right standing (peace) with God comes from doing good deeds?
- What are some ways we can live at peace with other people who are maybe not showing us peace?
- How can your life represent the kingdom of God to others?
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